Poached Chicken Salad with Citrus and Avocado

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender poached chicken breast paired with creamy avocado and bright citrus segments, tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad. This american-inspired salads (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 12 oz total) chicken breast, water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add 2 chicken breasts and poach for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken breasts and let cool slightly, then slice into thin strips.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp honey until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 diced avocado, and 1 large peeled orange segmented.
  5. Step 5: Add the sliced poached chicken to the salad and drizzle with the citrus vinaigrette, tossing gently to coat.
  6. Step 6: Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Poached Chicken Salad with Citrus and Avocado take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Salad with Citrus and Avocado?

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 Poached Chicken Salad with Citrus and Avocado?

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 Salad with Citrus and Avocado 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 Salad with Citrus and Avocado 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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