Tender Crock Pot Poached Chicken Breasts
This Tender Crock Pot Poached Chicken Breast recipe is a game changer for meal prep enthusiasts and busy home cooks alike. Perfectly poached in flavorful low-sodium chicken broth, these chicken breasts turn out incredibly moist and delicious, making them a versatile addition to a myriad of meals. From hearty casseroles and zesty burritos to savory chicken pot pies and refreshing salads, this cooked chicken is ready to elevate any dish without the heat of the oven. Ideal for summer evenings when you crave light meals, this recipe ensures you always have tasty chicken on hand, making meal assembly a breeze. Enjoy the simplicity and flavor as you make your weekly meal prep healthy and easy.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (trimmed of fat)
low sodium chicken broth
14 1/2 ounces (preferably Campbell's or homemade)
garlic
to taste (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Place the trimmed chicken breasts into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spaced for optimal cooking.
2
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken, making sure they are fully submerged.
3
If desired, add chopped garlic for extra flavor, mixing it gently with the broth.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW. Cook for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, but start checking for doneness at 1-1/4 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and let them cool slightly before handling.
6
After cooling, chop or shred the chicken as desired, then distribute it into small freezer bags laying it flat to save space. This allows for easy portion control and faster thawing when you need it.
7
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit of this Tender Crock Pot Poached Chicken Breasts recipe?
This recipe is a game changer for meal prep, resulting in incredibly moist chicken that is perfect for various meals like casseroles, burritos, and salads.
What type of chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat.
What liquid is used to poach the chicken?
The chicken is poached in 14 1/2 ounces of low-sodium chicken broth, preferably Campbell's or homemade.
Can I add extra flavor to the poaching liquid?
Yes, you can add chopped garlic to taste for extra flavor.
How should the chicken be arranged in the slow cooker?
Place the trimmed chicken breasts into the slow cooker ensuring they are evenly spaced for optimal cooking.
How much broth should I use?
Use enough broth (approximately 14 1/2 ounces) to ensure the chicken breasts are fully submerged.
What slow cooker setting should be used?
The slow cooker should be set to the LOW setting.
How long does the chicken need to cook?
The total cook time is usually 1-1/2 to 2 hours on low.
When should I start checking if the chicken is done?
You should start checking for doneness at the 1-1/4 hour mark.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Should I handle the chicken immediately after cooking?
No, you should carefully remove the chicken breasts and let them cool slightly before handling.
How should I prepare the chicken for storage?
After cooling, you can chop or shred the chicken as desired.
What is the best way to freeze the cooked chicken?
Distribute the chicken into small freezer bags and lay them flat to save space and allow for faster thawing.
How long can the poached chicken be stored in the freezer?
The chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
In what types of dishes can I use this poached chicken?
It is perfect for hearty casseroles, zesty burritos, savory chicken pot pies, and refreshing salads.
Is this recipe suitable for summer cooking?
Yes, it is ideal for summer because it avoids the heat of the oven while providing a base for light meals.
Is this chicken recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy recipe using low-sodium broth and a poaching method rather than frying.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Is the garlic mandatory?
No, the garlic is optional and can be added to taste.
Can I use regular chicken broth instead of low-sodium?
While the recipe specifies low-sodium, you can use regular broth, though it may increase the salt content.
Why is it important to lay the freezer bags flat?
Laying them flat saves freezer space and ensures the chicken thaws much faster when you are ready to use it.
Does this recipe require an oven?
No, this is a crock pot recipe that does not require an oven.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Chicken Breast.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 3 ingredients: chicken breasts, chicken broth, and optional garlic.
What preparation is needed for the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts should be boneless, skinless, and trimmed of fat.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy chicken recipe that makes meal prep healthy and simple.
What happens if I don't submerge the chicken in broth?
The chicken should be fully submerged to ensure it poaches evenly and remains moist.
Can I use homemade chicken broth?
Yes, homemade chicken broth is one of the recommended options.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information like calories or fat?
The raw data provided does not include specific values for calories, fat, or other macronutrients.
How does poaching in a crock pot compare to other methods?
Poaching in a slow cooker ensures the chicken is consistently moist and simplifies the process for bulk meal prep.