How to Poach a Chicken- this method of cooking chicken is so simple and fool proof! The easiest way to cook a whole chicken that results is moist, tender chicken every time.
This is something I do every week- I poach a chicken on Sunday and it makes meals for the rest of the week so much easier. It is so simple- once you get everything in the pot it's completely hands off. I like putting it in to cook and working on other meal prep items like cutting veggies, making mayo, and making breakfast for the week. The chicken comes out moist and ready to be used however you want.
I usually use a whole chicken, but have also made this with thighs. Any bone-in chicken will work with this method and this amount of time.
The first thing you'll need to do is reach in the cavity, in between the legs, and pull out any pieces. The chickens I buy just come with the neck stuffed in there, but a lot of chickens have some organ meat in a bag. Do whatever you want with that stuff- I usually just toss it. Then, in a large stockpot, place the whole chicken in enough water to cover it by a couple inches. Add in onion, carrots (not pictured), rosemary or thyme (also not pictured).
Add in some garlic and a good amount of salt.
I then add some pepper, give it a little stir, cover it and cook on low for 1 hour.
Pull it out and set it on a plate. I find the best way to remove it is using tongs, putting one of them right in the cavity- that's why that skin is torn. Let it cool for about 20 minutes before pulling all the meat off or you'll burn your hands. Also note: the most unattractive picture of chicken ever!!
Now that you have it poached, here are some tasty ways to use it. There are obviously many more, these are just a few:
- Mix it with some Paleo Mayo and your other favorite ingredients for Chicken Salad.
- Mix it with some Paleo Barbecue Sauce for a delicious meal.
- Put it on some Romaine Lettuce and use this Caesar Dressing- easy Chicken Caesar Salad!
- Adding it to some Paleo Chipotle Mayo is so good!!
- You can use it in place of the ground chicken in Paleo Thai Chicken, which would make the cook time even faster.
You will love poaching a chicken because it is so easy and a great way to meal prep. It is customizable- I have made it with carrots, fresh herbs, and celery, but that's not all necessary. I have also made it with just onion powder, garlic powder, and salt when I was low on other ingredients. Just use what you have.
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How to Poach a Chicken (and 5 ways to use it)
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 1-2 onions peeled and cut into large chunks
- 4-5 cloves of garlic peeled
- 1-2 tablespoons salt
- pepper
- 5-6 carrots
- celery optional
- fresh rosemary or thyme optional, but delicious
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, add chicken and fill with water until it is covered by a couple inches.
- Add in the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and any other veggies you are using.
- Place the lid on and cook on low for 1 hour. I usually stir it half way through and flip it over.
- Once it is cooked. remove it and set it on a plate to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Once cool enough to handle, peel the skin off and throw it away, then pull all the chicken off the bones. I like to shred it, but it can also be removed and cut into pieces.
Nutrition Information
Lucy says
I have an electric hob and it takes a while to heat that much water, do I need extend the cooking time because of this?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Lucy- you shouldn't need to, but the best way to make sure it's done is to check the temperature. It should be 165° in a thick part of the meat, without touching the bone. Hope that helps!
Samantha says
I was just wondering what temperature to turn my oven too ? Thanks
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Samantha- it's not a recipe for the oven, it's a stove top recipe. Poached means cooked in water. If you're looking for a roasted chicken recipe I have this one: https://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2015/09/04/weeknight-roast-chicken/
Kimber says
I find if you let the chicken cool in the poaching liquid it stays moister.
Jessica DeMay says
Great tip, Kimber! I'll try that next time. Thanks!
Felesha says
Due to my work travel schedule, I too must prep hubby's meals for the following week on the weekends. Great time saver Jay!!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Felesha! This would be perfect to make for him.
Mary Ann | the beach house kitchen says
What a great idea for a post Jessica!! Perfect to do on a Sunday and have for the week!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Mary Ann! I hope people find it helpful 🙂