Gin and Citrus Poached Chicken Salad with Herb Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Poached in gin and citrus-infused broth, served over mixed greens with a bright herb vinaigrette for a refreshing salad. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs gin, sliced into rounds orange, sliced into rounds lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a deep skillet, combine 3 cups water, 1/3 cup gin, 1 sliced orange, 1 sliced lemon, 2 smashed garlic cloves, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts to the simmering liquid. Poach gently for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove breasts and let cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cools, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped basil in a small bowl to create herb vinaigrette.
  4. Step 4: Slice poached chicken into thin strips. In a large bowl, toss 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1/2 sliced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and chicken slices.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle herb vinaigrette over salad and toss gently to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a light, aromatic meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gin and Citrus Poached Chicken Salad with Herb Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gin and Citrus Poached Chicken Salad with Herb Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gin and Citrus Poached Chicken Salad with Herb Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gin and Citrus Poached Chicken Salad with Herb Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Gin and Citrus Poached Chicken Salad with Herb Vinaigrette?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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