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Home » Recipes » Chicken

How to Make Perfect Poached Chicken

January 15, 2022 Updated November 17, 2022 by Lisa Goldfinger 13 Comments This post may contain affiliate links

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Poached Chicken, when cooked properly, is tender juicy and full of flavor. Poaching chicken is a delicate process but it's easy to master and a great skill to have. Whether you're poaching boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken, here's how to make perfect poached chicken - every time.

Use homemade poached chicken to make chicken salads, sandwiches, noodle bowls and all of your other delicious dishes that call for sliced, diced or shredded cooked chicken.

Close up of 5 slices of poached chicken on a blue and white plate, topped with some delicate sprigs of dill and parsley leaves

Poached Chicken is wonderful if cooked properly - inedible if not. So let's get this right!

There's a lot of confusion and conflicting advice out on the web about how to poach chicken. Some recipes say to put raw chicken into boiling water and turn off the flame and leave it to finish cooking without a heat source. Some recipes are vague in their instructions, telling you to simmer the chicken until done or to bring it to a boil and then cook it on low until done.

I'm sure some of these techniques work....at least some of the time. But that's not good enough.

You should not have to risk eating undercooked chicken (which can and does happen if you cook chicken in water without a heat source), and you should never have to attempt to make chicken salad with dry rubbery chicken. I've been there (sadly) and I can promise you, no amount of mayonnaise can disguise the chewy toughness of overcooked chicken.

But don't worry! There IS a correct way to poach chicken and you'll love how easy and reliable it is. Let's start with the definition of poaching.

WHAT IS POACHING? 


Poaching is a method of cooking chicken (or fish or other delicate foods) gently in liquid that's just below the boiling point (from 160° to 180°F), so the proteins retain moisture as they cook. 

I love the explanation in this article from Fine Cooking by Molly Stevens on the difference between Poaching, simmering and boiling. Stevens provides the exact temperatures for each method but goes on to say that "you don't need a thermometer...all you need is your eyes."

"Part of the nuance of poaching is knowing when the liquid (water, stock, or wine, for example) has reached the right temperature. The surface of the liquid should just shimmer with the possibility of a bubble."

overhead shot of a large stainless steel saucepan filled with water and three raw chicken breasts and a half an onion and a bay leaf and some peppercorns and cloves

HOW TO POACH CHICKEN

Follow these three steps for perfect poached chicken. 

Whether you're poaching boneless chicken breasts, boneless thighs, whole chicken breasts or a whole chicken, these three essential steps are your ticket to tender, juicy, flavorful chicken - every time. 

  1. Flavor the cooking liquid - Adding some herbs and spices to the poaching liquid, or even aromatic vegetables like onions or garlic, can make a huge difference in the flavor of your poached chicken. Don't settle for bland chicken when it's easy to add flavor. 
  2. Start the chicken in cold water - Don't plunge raw chicken into boiling water or the outside will overcook before the inside is done. If you heat the chicken and water together, the chicken will cook slowly and evenly.
  3. Don't boil the chicken and don't even let the water bubble - The intense heat of boiling water will cause chicken to quickly lose moisture and become tough. For tender juicy poached chicken, cook the chicken in water that is just below the boiling point - the water should quiver as if it's about to boil, but it should not be bubbling.

ELEVATE THE FLAVOR!

For the best poached chicken, be sure to add at least a pinch of salt to the poaching liquid, as well as some combination of herbs, spices and aromatic vegetables. Here's some inspiration:

  • Fragrant dry spices - whole peppercorns, cloves, star anise or a cinnamon stick will add great flavor.
  • Fresh herbs -  parsley leaves and stems, dill leaves and stems, cilantro leaves and stems, a sprig rosemary or thyme -  are all great choices.
  • Aromatic vegetables - toss in a few smashed garlic cloves, half an onion, a few scallions, a slice or two of fresh ginger, or chopped lemongrass.
  • Root Vegetables - when poaching a whole chicken, carrots, celery, parsnips and turnips add wonderful flavor and create delicious chicken broth.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO POACH CHICKEN?

Poaching time depends on the size and type of chicken you are cooking. Follow the timing ranges listed below and be sure to check for doneness at the low end of the range. (Temperature should register at least 165 °F (73.9 °C) when inserted into the thickest part of the breast, and juices should run clear)

  • 10 - 14 minutes for boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 25-30 minutes for whole bone-in chicken breasts (with or without skin) 
  • 1 - 1 ¼ hours for a whole (3-4 lb.) chicken. 1 ½ hours to make rich chicken soup with shredded chicken.

Sliced poached chicken on a blue and white platter with a few parsley and dill leave strewn around

HOW TO MAKE POACHED CHICKEN BREASTS

Poached chicken breasts are easy to prepare and, among other things, they make the best chicken salad! They're also great for meal prep - use them in any recipe that calls for cooked chicken. 

Here's an overview of how to poach chicken breasts. Scroll down to the recipe for more detailed instructions, including notes on how to adapt this recipe for other cuts of chicken.

  1. Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large, heavy pot. (heavy pots work best for poaching because they retain heat more evenly)
  2. Add cold water, enough water so the chicken is fully submerged plus an inch
  3. Flavor the water with herbs, spices, onions, celery, carrots, garlic, ginger, lemon slices or anything you like. Or follow my favorite basic poaching recipe, below.
  4. Heat the water to just below boiling (160F-180F) over medium-high heat. You don't need a thermometer. When you see the first signs of bubbling, turn the heat down to the point where the water is quivering but not bubbling. Partially cover the pot to help maintain a steady temperature, and continue to cook the chicken for 10 - 14 minutes. Chicken will likely be done after 10 minutes unless the breasts are very large. 
  5. Check for doneness - Insert a knife into the thickest part of the breast. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked through. If the juices are pink, return the chicken to the pot and continue to poach for another few minutes. If you are using a food thermometer, the temperature should register at least 165 °F (73.9 °C), when inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
  6. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing, dicing or shredding it. If you're not using it right away, store poached chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

poached chicken being shredded using two forks, on a brown wooden cutting board, seen from above

WHAT TO DO WITH POACHED CHICKEN

My favorite thing to make with homemade poached chicken is chicken salad. I also love it for making chicken enchiladas or to slice and toss on top of a green salad, for a light healthy meal. It's also great for making chicken sandwiches.

Other dishes to make with poached chicken:

  • Soups - try this easy Coconut Curry Chicken Soup.
  • Stews - like this delicious Curried Butternut Squash Lentil and Chicken Stew
  • Noodle Bowls - such as Spicy Sesame Peanut Noodles with Chicken
  • Chicken Salads - here are my three favorites: curried chicken salad, Venezuelan avocado chicken salad and Brazilian chicken salad. 

Close up of 5 slices of poached chicken on a blue and white plate, topped with some delicate sprigs of dill and parsley leaves

Here's how to make perfect poached chicken. If you try this, I hope you'll come back to leave a star rating and a comment. I'd love to know what you think!

Print
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Sliced poached chicken on a blue and white platter with a few parsley and dill leave strewn around

How To Make Perfect Poached Chicken


★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Follow this recipe to make tender, juicy, flavorful poached chicken breasts. Use poached chicken for making chicken salads, enchiladas, noodle bowls or for any other recipe that calls for cooked sliced, cubed or shredded chicken.

To make poached boneless chicken thighs, bone-in breasts or a poached whole chicken, follow this recipe but adjust the timing, using the timing ranges listed in the notes, below.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 4 halves (about 2 pounds)
  • ½ small onion, peeled
  • 5 whole peppercorns
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • a pinch or two of salt

Instructions

  1. Place chicken in a heavy pot. Add cold water so it comes up 1 inch above the chicken. Add the rest of the ingredients. Turn the heat to medium-high heat and keeping a close watch on the pot. As soon as the water just starts to boil, turn the heat down to the lowest possible simmer (160º-180ºF). The water should be shimmering as if it's about to boil, but not bubbling. Set the timer and cook the chicken, partially covered to help maintain a constant temperature, for 10-14 minutes. Timing will depend on the size and thickness of the breasts. Check for doneness after 10 minutes. (See notes below for how to check for doneness)
  2. Immediately remove the chicken from the cooking water and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing, dicing or shredding it. If you're not using it right away, store poached chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

HOW TO ADD FLAVOR THE POACHING WATER: Follow my recipe above or tailor the flavors to suit the type of dish you're making. Here are some of my favorite add-ins : bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves, parsley, dill, onions, smashed garlic cloves, sliced ginger, smashed lemongrass, cilantro, basil stems, a sprig of rosemary, a few sprigs of thyme, a lemon slice, a cinnamon stick. Refer to the blog post for a full list of recommended add-ins.

HOW TO POACH CHICKEN THIGHS; BONE-IN BREASTS; OR A WHOLE CHICKEN: Follow the procedure listed in the recipe above and use the timing ranges listed below, checking for doneness at the lower end of the range. Continue to poach the chicken until it is cooked through.

  • Boneless chicken thighs - 10 - 14 minutes (same as for boneless breasts)
  • Whole bone-in chicken breasts (with or without skin) - 25-30 minutes
  • A whole (3-4 lb.) chicken  - 1 - 1 ¼ hours

HOW TO CHECK FOR DONENESS: Make sure the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the chicken breast or thigh with a knife, or test with a food thermometer to make sure the chicken has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (73.9 °C).

HOW LONG WILL POACHED CHICKEN LAST IN THE FRIDGE? According to the USDA, cooked chicken can last in the fridge for 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10-14 mins
  • Category: Cooking Method
  • Method: Poach
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: poached chicken, how to poach chicken

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, please let me know how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on instagram with the hashtag #panningtheglobe

[First published on May 11, 2017.  Refreshed and updated on January 15, 2022 with new photos; a much more detailed explanation of the poaching method; added suggestions for how to flavor the poaching water; added instructions for how to poach chicken thighs, bone-in breasts and a whole chicken; the same delicious recipe! ]

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Filed Under: All Recipes, Chicken, Cooking Techniques, Entertaining, Lunch and Brunch, main course, Quick and Easy, Special Features Tagged With: dairy-free, paleo

Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Danes

    February 15, 2023 at 7:13 pm

    I’ve been using this recipe for years! Thank you so much. This the best poaching method! I don’t like white meat chicken unless it is made this way. It always comes out perfect and never dry and tasteless. I’m so grateful for this!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lisa Goldfinger

      February 16, 2023 at 2:32 pm

      Great to hear! Thanks so much for your rating and note!!

      Reply
  2. David Kemper

    April 09, 2022 at 3:26 pm

    Whole chicken , the best , saw Jeff Smith do this years ago . I think this is a better method,so good with rice made from the stick .

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Annette Hale

    January 19, 2022 at 12:45 pm

    Never thought about poaching chicken! I will definitely poach rather than boil.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lisa

      January 19, 2022 at 12:51 pm

      Great - I hope you're happy with the outcome. I'd love to know how it turns out!

      Reply
  4. Jen F.

    January 17, 2022 at 1:27 pm

    Thank you for this informative tutorial on how to poach chicken. It's been hit or miss for me whenever I've tried to poach chicken. Hopefully now it'll always be a hit!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lisa

      January 19, 2022 at 12:57 pm

      Wishing you perfect poached chicken from here on in!

      Reply
  5. Sam Martin

    April 03, 2021 at 7:35 am

    It was a great experience of making chicken...I had not done anything related to cooking before. This helps me a lot to learn to cook...I suggest all to use this recipe...and still, if you are unable to cook food in this COVID transmission, you can order it online WHO has said that Food delivery service Covid-19’s time is the safest That’s why we provide take out near me for more restaurant for Dishpal’s Through Food Delivery Service to more frequent restaurant owners.

    Reply
  6. David

    December 30, 2019 at 1:34 pm

    This is super useful! Thanks for the instructions and pictures. I have been poaching salmon for my weekly lunch meal-prep for a while but I grew up vegetarian and was unsure how to poach chicken. I plan on making your avocado chicken salad recipe with it for lunch this week!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  7. Shelly

    January 18, 2019 at 12:05 am

    Hi, what would be the timing to poach chicken thigh fillets (without skin) put in whole?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Lisa

      January 21, 2019 at 3:45 am

      Hi Shelly, you can follow the same recipe for boneless, skinless thighs. If they aren't fully cooked when you turn off the heat, leave them in the water for 5 minutes or so, until they are.

      Reply
  8. Kmbrlee

    February 20, 2018 at 3:01 pm

    Hello! I’m wondering if one could poach chicken breasts straight from the freezer. If so, how would that change the timing?

    Reply
    • Lisa

      February 21, 2018 at 3:12 am

      Great question! Yes you can poach frozen chicken. Use the same technique of bringing the water to a boil and turning it down to a simmer. The general rule of thumb is to double the cooking time if the meat is frozen however if you want tender poached chicken I suggest you check for doneness by slicing into the center at ten minutes and again every 3 minutes or so, until the chicken is just cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

      Reply

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