Mom’s Money

Too Busy To Cook? Consider Poached Chicken A Staple.

Okay, I know planning meals is going to get more and more difficult as the Holidays approach.  A trip to the grocery store will most likely begin to feel like an extremely daunting task.  So, what should you keep on hand in your pantry and refrigerator for those last-minute, quick but healthy meals?  How about some poached chicken!

Aside from washed and cut-up vegetables, cooked rice, and cans of black beans, I can’t think of another ready-to-serve food item that is a more welcome sight than poached chicken breasts.  Having a few cooked chicken breasts, either whole or diced, will save you from nights of frustration when you’re looking at your family sitting around the table, waiting patiently for one of your wonderful meals.  So as not to disappoint, here are a few tips to get you through the next few weeks.

Preparing poached chicken is easier than you might think.  The trick is to have a few “recipes” so all your chicken doesn’t start to taste the same, which will spell disaster when your family gets tired of your chicken meals and starts munching on chips to fill up before dinner just to avoid yet another chicken dish.

One of my favorite, and more unique, poached chicken recipes is a sweet and tangy style like this:

In a large pot, bring apple juice or apple cider to a boil. (The amount will depend on how many chicken breasts you are poaching; make sure you have enough liquid to cover the chicken breasts.)

Turn heat down and place chicken breasts in liquid; the liquid should be at a very low simmer and have a “shimmering” appearance to it; do not reboil.

Simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is just cooked; test one piece by cutting through to be sure the meat is white.  Remove chicken from pot and allow to cool.

This sweet-poached approach will give this chicken the perfect taste compliment needed for a Waldorf salad, Teriyaki vegetable stir-fry, fruit and chicken cold salads, or any number of Asian inspired dishes.

Another approach to take for your poached chicken breasts is a savory mix like this:

In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil (enough to cover the breasts completely).

Add garlic, onion, celery, rosemary, thyme, and a bay leaf.

Follow the same poaching instructions as above.

This savory-poached approach will create the perfect chicken to design a Mediterranean style dish with eggplant, tomatoes, red peppers, and the like.  You’ll also find this savory poached chicken stands up well in stuffed green peppers, baked spaghetti, or any hearty soups and casseroles.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients you use to poach chicken breasts.  I have even seen tomato juice used as a poaching liquid.  And what about adding a bit of white wine?  The trick is to try several different approaches so that your chicken doesn’t end up all tasting the same.  Then, whatever recipe you use, your chicken dinner will be delicious and a one-of-a-kind delight!