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Perfectly poached chicken breast is the answer to dry, overcooked chicken! This foolproof recipe delivers the softest, most tender chicken you’ve ever had. Whether you’re making it as a main dish or prepping for salads or meal prep, this method ensures juicy, flavorful chicken every single time.

This poached chicken breast is so soft, it just melts in your mouth! This is the only recipe you’ll ever need to make extremely soft, moist and juicy chicken breast!

Why You’ll Love Perfect Soft Poached Chicken Breast

Unbeatable Texture: This poached chicken is so tender and juicy that it practically melts in your mouth. Say goodbye to dry, rubbery chicken forever!
Easy Technique: The method is simple and straightforward, requiring minimal effort and no special cooking skills. Perfect for beginner cooks!
Healthy and Versatile: Low in fat and high in protein, this chicken works in everything from salads to sandwiches to mains.
Customizable Flavors: You can stick to the basic recipe or add your favorite herbs, spices, or even aromatics like onions and carrots for a richer taste.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and use it throughout the week for easy meals and quick snacks.

Does your chicken breast always turns out dry and rubbery? You owe it to yourself to try this amazing easy poached chicken recipe! Poaching is the foolproof way to make the chicken breast extra soft and juicy, and it’s super easy to make!

Making poached chicken involves cooking chicken in a small amount of water over low heat. Note that poaching is not the same as boiling! If you envisioned the tough rubbery boiled chicken, be assured that poached chicken is not the same as boiled chicken :) With poaching, you bring the chicken breast to a boil, then take it off the heat immediately and cover the pot, and the chicken will be perfectly cooked in 20 minutes! It’s as simple as that, and works perfectly every time!

Ingredients For Perfect Soft Poached Chicken Breast

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the recipe, providing lean and tender protein.
Italian seasoning – Adds a subtle blend of herbs for extra flavor.
Salt – Enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
Black pepper – Gives a hint of spice and balances the flavors.
Water – Used for poaching and keeps the chicken moist.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

My basic recipe for poached chicken just uses the simplest seasonings of salt, pepper and Italian herbs. Feel free to add more seasonings of your choice! You can also add chopped onions and carrots to the water, and even take it a step further by using the chicken stock instead of water.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Perfect Soft Poached Chicken Breast

Medium-sized pot with a lid – Essential for poaching the chicken and keeping the heat consistent.
Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate seasoning and water levels.
Cutting board – Provides a sturdy surface for slicing the cooked chicken.

You can serve the poached chicken breast as a main dish (try it with my homemade BBQ sauce or tzatziki sauce – it’s amazing!) or chop it and use as a protein for salads (check out this chicken apple salad and chicken pasta salad). This chicken is so soft, it will be your go-to quick & easy chicken breast recipe!

How To Make Poached Chicken Breasts

Put chicken breast in the pot.
Add water to cover the chicken plus 1 inch.
Bring water to boil, cover and take off the heat.
Let stay, covered, for 20 minutes.
Take the chicken out of the liquid, slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the poached chicken as a main dish with a drizzle of Sweet and Tangy Sriracha Chili Sauce or a Pressure Cooker Homemade Gravy for a flavorful twist.
Pair it with a side of Healthy Roasted Mixed Vegetables, Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes, or a Fresh Strawberry Lettuce Salad for a balanced meal.
Dice the chicken and toss it into Creamy Ricotta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Simple Vegan Chickpea Soup, or Easy Taco Rice Bowls with Burrito Flavors for added protein and texture.
Use it as a filling for Crispy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Easy Low-Calorie Chicken Caesar Wraps, or Spicy Jerk Chicken Tacos for quick and easy lunches.
Chop the chicken and mix it into chicken salads, such as a Fresh Garden Salad with Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Cucumbers or a refreshing Healthy Spring Mix Salad with Light Dressing.

Tips For Success

Don’t Boil the Chicken: Boiling can make the chicken tough and rubbery. As soon as the water boils, take the pot off the heat to ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Keep the Lid Closed: Avoid lifting the lid during the 20-minute resting period. This traps the heat and allows the chicken to cook gently and evenly.
Season the Water: Adding salt, pepper, and herbs like Italian seasoning to the water enhances the flavor of the chicken. For extra depth, consider tossing in chopped onions, carrots, or celery.
Use Fresh Chicken: Fresher chicken results in better flavor and texture. Avoid using chicken that has been frozen and thawed multiple times.
Test for Doneness: If you’re unsure, check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

Seasonings: Customize the flavor of your poached chicken by experimenting with different herbs and spices. Try adding garlic powder, paprika, or fresh thyme for a unique twist. You can also include a bay leaf or two in the water for a subtle earthy flavor.
Liquid Base: Replace water with chicken broth for extra richness. For an even bolder flavor, use vegetable stock or a mix of stock and white wine.
Aromatics: Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, or celery to the pot for a fragrant and flavorful poaching liquid. These ingredients will subtly infuse the chicken with extra depth.
Protein Options: This method works well with other cuts of chicken, such as thighs or tenderloins. Just adjust the resting time slightly for smaller or larger pieces.
Dietary Adjustments: For a lower sodium option, reduce the amount of salt or use a salt-free seasoning blend. To make it Paleo or Whole30-friendly, ensure your seasonings align with those guidelines.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Once the poached chicken has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Make sure to label it with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth over low heat to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave the chicken on a low power setting in short intervals, covering it with a damp paper towel for added moisture.
Using Frozen Chicken: Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For a quicker option, use the defrost setting on your microwave or thaw it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking directly from frozen may result in unevenly cooked chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the chicken should be white all the way through with no pink in the center.

Can I add more flavors to the poaching liquid?

Absolutely! You can add aromatics like onions, garlic, carrots, or celery to the water. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves also work wonderfully for boosting the flavor.

Is poached chicken healthy?

Yes, poached chicken is a very healthy option. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and doesn’t require any added oils or fats for cooking. It’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb, high-protein, or clean-eating diet.

Can I use this poached chicken for meal prep?

Definitely! Poached chicken is great for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge and use it throughout the week in salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, or wraps. It reheats well and stays moist when stored properly.

What can I do with leftover poaching liquid?

The poaching liquid can be strained and used as a light broth for soups or to cook rice and grains. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning before using it in other recipes.

Why is my chicken rubbery?

If your chicken turns out rubbery, it’s likely that it was overcooked or boiled instead of being poached. Ensure you remove the pot from the heat as soon as the water starts boiling and keep it covered for the full 20 minutes.

Other Easy Chicken Recipes

Pressure Cooker Salsa Chicken with Fresh or Frozen Breasts – This zesty and juicy chicken is cooked to perfection in minutes with your favorite salsa for an easy, flavorful dinner.

Crispy Air Fryer Honey Battered Chicken Tenders from Frozen – Enjoy golden, crunchy chicken tenders straight from the freezer to your air fryer in no time.

Oven-Baked Spicy Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks – These bold and spicy drumsticks are baked to crispy perfection with tangy buffalo sauce.

Low-Carb Cheesy Chicken Pesto Bake – Indulge in this creamy, cheesy, and basil-packed casserole that’s perfect for a keto-friendly dinner.

Keto-Friendly Coconut Chicken Strips (Gluten-Free) – These crunchy chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful coconut crust and baked for a guilt-free treat.

Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad – No Mayo Required – Creamy avocado replaces mayo in this fresh and nutritious twist on classic chicken salad.

Quick Chili Lime Chicken Stir Fry Dish – A vibrant and tangy stir fry loaded with chili lime flavors and perfect for busy weeknights.

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