How To Make Tender Poached Chicken

As seen on

once upon a chef

Total Time

30 Minutes

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Rating

(23)

Ingredients

4½ cups

1 tablespoon salt
2 pounds chicken tenderloins

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Preparation

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Step 1

In a large pot, bring 2½ quarts of water and the salt to a boil.

Step 2

Add the chicken, immediately remove the pot from the heat, and cover it with a lid. Let it sit for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through.

Step 3

To test for doneness, cut into the center of one of the tenderloins; it should be white throughout with no sign of pink. (Or insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin; it should register 165°F.) Do not overcook.

Step 4

Using tongs, transfer the poached chicken to a cutting board.

Step 5

Let cool, then shred, discarding the tough tendon at the end of each tenderloin.

Step 6

Transfer the chicken to an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to use. The poached chicken will keep for 3 to 4 days.

Chef’s notes

Most recipes mistakenly call for simmering boneless skinless chicken breasts over very low heat until cooked through. I prefer to use chicken tenderloins, which are more tender than whole breasts.

Instead of simmering the tenderloins over low heat, I place them in a pot of boiling salted water, immediately remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a lid, and let it sit for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through.

This method guarantees succulent chicken every time.

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How To Make Tender Poached Chicken

Ingredients

Preparation

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Chef’s notes

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