Chinese-Style Poached Chicken Delight
Discover the secret to tender, mouthwatering chicken with this Chinese-style poached chicken recipe. Inspired by Jeff Smith's classic, 'The Frugal Gourmet,' this method ensures that the chicken emerges succulent and flavorful while retaining its natural juices. By briefly immersing the chicken in boiling water before turning off the heat, you create the perfect conditions for evenly cooked meat. Ideal for making dishes like Chicken with Leeks and Cream or enjoyed on its own, this versatile chicken is perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner option. The poaching technique is not only simple, but it also yields deliciously moist chicken that can easily be shredded or diced for salads, wraps, or stir-fries. Give this recipe a try, and you'll be amazed at how effortless it is to achieve perfect chicken every time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roasting chicken
1 (Cleaned and whole)
Boiling water
To fill the pot (Bring to a rolling boil)
Instructions
1
Start by filling a large pot (approximately 8 quarts) with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
2
Once the water reaches a boil, carefully place the whole cleaned chicken into the pot. Ensure it's fully submerged.
3
Allow the water to come back to a boil. Once boiling resumes, promptly remove the chicken from the water.
4
Cover the pot to retain the heat and bring the water back to a boil again.
5
Once boiling, return the chicken to the pot, cover it again, and turn off the heat completely. Do not uncover or stir.
6
Let the chicken sit in the pot for 1 hour. This gentle cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender.
7
After the hour has passed, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly before deboning.
8
If you prefer a low-salt or low-fat dish, remove the skin while deboning. Capture the juices for added flavor and moisture during storage.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chinese-Style Poached Chicken Delight?
It is a tender and succulent chicken dish prepared using a specific poaching method that retains natural juices and ensures even cooking.
Who inspired this poaching method?
This method is inspired by Jeff Smith's classic culinary guide, 'The Frugal Gourmet'.
What makes this poaching method unique?
Unlike traditional boiling, this method involves briefly immersing the chicken in boiling water and then letting it cook in the residual heat with the stove turned off.
How do I ensure the chicken is succulent and flavorful?
By following the poaching technique of covering the pot and turning off the heat, the chicken poaches gently, which prevents it from drying out.
What size pot is recommended for this recipe?
A large pot, approximately 8 quarts, is recommended to ensure the chicken can be fully submerged in water.
What are the main ingredients for this poached chicken?
The primary ingredients are one whole roasting chicken and enough boiling water to fill the pot.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this versatile chicken is perfect for meal prep as it can be easily shredded or diced for various meals throughout the week.
Can this chicken be used in other dishes?
Absolutely! It is ideal for dishes like Chicken with Leeks and Cream, salads, wraps, or stir-fries.
What kind of chicken should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for a cleaned and whole roasting chicken.
How long does the chicken need to sit in the hot water?
The chicken should sit in the covered pot with the heat turned off for exactly one hour.
Should the heat remain on while the chicken poaches?
No, once the water returns to a boil with the chicken inside for the second time, you should turn off the heat completely.
Why do I remove the chicken and bring the water to a boil twice?
This process ensures the water temperature is high enough and the heat is evenly distributed to cook the chicken through during the one-hour resting period.
Is it okay to uncover the pot while the chicken is sitting?
No, you should not uncover or stir the pot during the hour-long poaching process to retain the necessary heat.
How can I make this dish low-fat?
To make the dish lower in fat, you can remove the skin while deboning the chicken after it has been cooked.
What should I do with the skin?
The skin can be removed during deboning if you prefer a low-fat or low-salt option; otherwise, it can be kept according to your preference.
Can I keep the juices from the chicken?
Yes, capturing the juices during deboning is recommended to add extra flavor and moisture to the meat during storage.
How should I prepare the chicken before cooking?
The chicken should be thoroughly cleaned and kept whole before being placed in the boiling water.
What is the benefit of poaching over roasting?
Poaching yields much moister meat that is easier to shred and results in a more versatile protein for various cold or hot dishes.
Can I use this chicken for salads?
Yes, the tender texture of this poached chicken makes it excellent for dicing or shredding into salads.
Is this recipe good for wraps?
Definitely, the chicken is incredibly tender, making it a perfect protein choice for wraps.
Can I use it in stir-fries?
Yes, since the chicken is already fully cooked and tender, you can add it at the very end of a stir-fry just to heat it through.
What happens if I do not use an 8-quart pot?
You must use a pot large enough to fully submerge the chicken; an 8-quart pot is usually the standard size for a whole roasting chicken.
How do I debone the chicken?
After the chicken has cooled slightly, you can remove the meat from the bones by hand or with a knife, capturing any excess juices as you go.
Should the water be boiling when I first add the chicken?
Yes, the water should be at a rolling boil before you carefully place the whole cleaned chicken into the pot.
Is this a simple recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is considered a simple, effortless recipe that yields high-quality, professional results every time.
What is 'The Frugal Gourmet'?
It is a famous cookbook and TV series by Jeff Smith that focuses on efficient, flavorful, and traditional cooking techniques.
Is the chicken fully cooked after one hour?
Yes, letting the chicken sit in the hot water for an hour allows it to cook through completely while remaining very tender.
How long does the initial preparation take?
The initial boiling and submerging steps take about 10 to 15 minutes, followed by the one-hour passive cooking time.
Can I add salt to the poaching water?
While the basic recipe uses plain water, you can add salt or other aromatics to the water if you do not require a low-sodium dish.
What is the best way to store the poached chicken?
Store the deboned meat in an airtight container, ideally with its natural juices, to maintain moisture and flavor during refrigeration.