Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Lemon and Thyme

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

Delicately poached chicken breasts infused with fresh lemon and thyme, resulting in juicy, tender meat perfect for salads or light dinners. This French-inspired low-carb recipe (low fat), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, water, lemon slices for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 French cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large wide saucepan, combine 4 cups water, 4 thin lemon slices, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low so the liquid is just below simmering (around 180°F). Add 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and cover the pan.
  3. Step 3: Poach the chicken gently for 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the meat is opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken breasts and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve warm or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Lemon and Thyme 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 Lemon and Thyme?

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 Lemon and Thyme?

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 Lemon and Thyme 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.

Is Low-Temperature Poached Chicken with Lemon and Thyme low fat?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low fat based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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