Poached Chicken in Aromatic Lemongrass Broth

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

Gently poached in a fragrant lemongrass and ginger broth, served with fresh herbs and a light dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs inch piece, sliced fresh ginger, smashed garlic cloves, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 6 cups of water, 2 bruised lemongrass stalks, 1-inch sliced fresh ginger, 3 smashed garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp kosher salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts to the simmering broth, making sure they are fully submerged. Poach gently for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove the chicken breasts and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (if using) to make a dipping sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of chopped 1/4 cup cilantro and 2 tbsp mint leaves, drizzling with the dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Poached Chicken in Aromatic Lemongrass Broth 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 Poached Chicken in Aromatic Lemongrass 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 smashed garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Poached Chicken in Aromatic Lemongrass 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 Poached Chicken in Aromatic Lemongrass 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.

Is Poached Chicken in Aromatic Lemongrass Broth gluten free?

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

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