Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Ginger and Scallion
Delicately poached chicken cooked at a low temperature in a fragrant broth of ginger and scallions for tender, juicy meat. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs inch piece, sliced thin fresh ginger, water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 2, about 1 lb total boneless chicken breasts
- 2-inch piece, sliced thin fresh ginger
- 4 stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces scallions
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups water, 2-inch sliced fresh ginger, 4 scallion stalks cut into 2-inch pieces, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add 2 boneless chicken breasts to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to low so the broth stays just below a simmer, and poach the chicken gently for 20 minutes until cooked through and tender.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from broth and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and drizzle with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Ginger and Scallion take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Ginger and Scallion?
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 water from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Ginger and Scallion?
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 Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Ginger and Scallion 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 Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Ginger and Scallion?
Asian 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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