Low-Heat Poached Chicken with Citrus and Ginger
Gentle poaching at low temperature infuses chicken breasts with bright citrus and warming ginger flavors for a tender result. This Mediterranean-inspired low-carb recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, water, fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups water
- 2-inch piece, peeled and sliced thin fresh ginger
- 1, thinly sliced lemon
- 1, thinly sliced orange
- 3, smashed garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, combine 4 cups water, 2-inch peeled and thinly sliced fresh ginger, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, 3 smashed garlic cloves, and thin slices of 1 lemon and 1 orange. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat.
- Step 2: Once simmering gently, add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts. Ensure the liquid just covers the chicken; reduce heat to low so the poaching liquid stays at a bare simmer (around 180°F).
- Step 3: Poach chicken breasts for 15-18 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and feel tender.
- Step 4: Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.








