Savory Poached Chicken for Tacos & More
This versatile and succulent poached chicken breast, infused with the aromatic flavors of onion, herbs, and bay leaves, serves as a perfect filling for a variety of dishes including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and chicken salads. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep. Following this recipe by Rick Bayless, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready to elevate any meal or snack.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1/4 (medium, roughly chopped)
water
3 (cups)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
chicken breast
1 (lb, halved)
dried herbs
1/2 (teaspoon (such as marjoram or thyme))
bay leaves
2
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the roughly chopped onion, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, carefully add the halved chicken breasts. If needed, add additional hot water until the chicken is fully submerged.
3
During the first minute of simmering, skim off any foam that rises to the surface to ensure a clear broth.
4
Add the dried herbs and bay leaves to the pot. Partially cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce heat to medium, allowing the chicken to gently simmer for 13 minutes.
5
After 13 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat, but let the chicken sit in the liquid to cool for added flavor and moisture, if time permits.
6
Once cooled, remove the chicken from the broth. Skin and bone the chicken, then shred the meat into small, bite-sized pieces. Before using, sprinkle the shredded chicken with salt unless your subsequent recipe states otherwise.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Poached Chicken for Tacos & More?
This is a succulent poached chicken breast recipe infused with onion, herbs, and bay leaves, perfect for tacos, burritos, and salads.
Who created this specific poaching method?
This recipe follows a preparation method by the renowned chef Rick Bayless.
What are the primary uses for this poached chicken?
It serves as an excellent filling for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and can be used in chicken salads.
How long should the chicken simmer?
The chicken should gently simmer for exactly 13 minutes while partially covered.
What herbs are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using dried herbs such as marjoram or thyme.
How much chicken does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of chicken breast, halved.
How much water is used for the poaching liquid?
The base requires 3 cups of water, with additional hot water added if the chicken is not fully submerged.
Is it necessary to skim the broth?
Yes, you should skim off any foam that rises during the first minute of simmering to ensure a clear broth.
Why should I let the chicken cool in the liquid?
Allowing the chicken to sit in the liquid as it cools adds flavor and helps maintain moisture.
How should the onion be prepared?
You should use 1/4 of a medium onion, roughly chopped.
How many bay leaves are included?
The recipe requires 2 bay leaves for aromatic infusion.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Combine the roughly chopped onion, water, and salt in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a rolling boil.
What size saucepan is best?
A 2-quart saucepan is recommended for this quantity of ingredients.
Should the chicken be shredded or sliced?
Once cooled, the meat should be shredded into small, bite-sized pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a great option for meal planning.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as a low-fat cooking option.
Is this a high-protein recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as high-protein, utilizing lean chicken breast.
What should I do after the 13 minutes of simmering?
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the chicken sit in the liquid to cool if time permits.
Should I salt the chicken after shredding?
Yes, you should sprinkle the shredded chicken with salt unless your specific subsequent recipe states otherwise.
How much salt is used in the poaching water?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the initial mixture.
Can I use this chicken for enchiladas?
Absolutely, it is specifically mentioned as a perfect filling for enchiladas.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
After reaching a boil, you should reduce the heat to medium for the simmering process.
How much dried herbs should be added?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs.
Is the chicken skin removed?
Yes, the instructions state to skin and bone the chicken after it has cooled.
Can I use this for snacks?
Yes, the chicken is ready to elevate any meal or snack according to the description.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The poaching method results in tender, succulent, and flavorful meat.
What if I do not have marjoram?
You can use thyme as an alternative dried herb as suggested in the ingredients list.
Does the pot need to be fully covered?
No, the saucepan should be partially covered with a lid during the 13-minute simmer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: onion, water, salt, chicken breast, dried herbs, and bay leaves.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe suitable for busy schedules.