Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Herb-Infused Broth
Delicately poached chicken breast cooked at low temperature in an aromatic herb broth for tender, juicy meat. This general-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, skinless, water, medium carrot, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts, skinless
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 stalk celery stalk, sliced
- 1 medium shallot, halved
- 3 sprigs fresh parsley sprigs
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 10 whole black peppercorns
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups water, 1 sliced carrot, 1 sliced celery stalk, 1 halved shallot, 3 parsley sprigs, 3 thyme sprigs, 10 whole black peppercorns, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 2: Lower heat to maintain the broth at 180°F to 190°F (82°C to 88°C), a low simmer.
- Step 3: Add 2 skinless chicken breasts to the broth, ensuring they are fully submerged. Poach gently for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the chicken is tender.
- Step 4: Remove chicken and let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly for serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Herb-Infused Broth take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Herb-Infused Broth?
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 Herb-Infused Broth?
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 Herb-Infused Broth 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 Herb-Infused Broth?
General 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick and easy, and the chicken was incredibly moist.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious. The broth was fragrant and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this. The low temp made it so juicy.