Low-Temperature Poached Lemon Herb Chicken

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

Juicy chicken breasts gently poached at low temperature in a fragrant lemon and herb broth for tender, flavorful results. This French-inspired low-carb recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, water, lemon, thinly sliced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 French cuisine 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or saucepan, combine 4 cups water, 1 thinly sliced lemon, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, 3 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black peppercorns, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low so the liquid barely simmers, then add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  3. Step 3: Cover and poach the chicken at low heat for 15-18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken breasts with tongs and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Strain the broth and serve as a light sauce or soup base.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Temperature Poached Lemon Herb Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Lemon Herb Chicken?

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 Lemon Herb Chicken?

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 Lemon Herb Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Lemon Herb Chicken?

French low carb like this pair well with a low-carb side — cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli or asparagus, or a leafy salad with olive oil and parmesan. Rice, couscous and bread would blow the carb budget this recipe is built around. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes