Gin and Citrus Poached Chicken Salad with Herb Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-27 · Updated 2026-07-27

Poached in gin and citrus-infused broth, served over mixed greens with a bright herb vinaigrette for a refreshing salad. This Mediterranean chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, gin, and orange for a weeknight-friendly dinner. 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 "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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.

Ingredients

• 2 large (about 1 lb total) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup gin
• 1 sliced into rounds orange
• 1 sliced into rounds lemon
• 2 smashed garlic cloves
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 3 cups water
• 5 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 sliced thin cucumber
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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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.