Description
Poached Chicken Breasts with Lemon-Herb Dressing is a light, healthy dish featuring tender chicken cooked gently in aromatic water and served with a bright, fresh lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a main course.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Poached Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise if large
- 6 cups cold water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh hardy herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, or oregano)
- Zest from 1 lemon, peeled in wide strips
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup chopped tender herbs (parsley, dill, chives, mint, tarragon, or cilantro)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine cold water, salt, peppercorns, garlic, hardy herbs, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and add the chicken breasts. Ensure they are fully submerged.
- Poach the chicken gently for 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice or serve whole.
- For the optional dressing, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the poached chicken before serving or serve on the side.
Notes
- Poaching gently ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
- The poaching liquid can be strained and used as a light chicken broth for soups or cooking grains.
- Use fresh, tender herbs for the dressing to maximize flavor.
- Chicken can be served warm or chilled for salads and sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with dressing
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg