About Poached Chicken

Poaching is method of food preparations that involves simmering food--usually poultry or eggs--in a light liquid. The poaching technique works especially well with chicken. The addition of spices to the slow simmering pot allows the flavors from all ingredients to marinate. Try poaching chicken. The slow cook time will afford you time to do other things while the chicken slowly cooks to savory, tender perfection.

Significance

The key to poaching chicken is the liquid and its temperature. The chicken is cooked slowly, and the liquid is heated just enough to simmer. The application of too much heat will lead to chicken that may have an inconsistent texture--tough in some spots and tender in others.
The liquid used in poaching chicken is just as important as the liquid's temperature. Whatever liquid you choose will have an outcome on the texture and taste of the chicken. Common liquid are wines, water, beer or stock.

Benefits

To make your chicken healthier, remove the skin,which is where the majority of the fat lies. You can also add some fresh vegetables like carrots or celery to the broth to create a nutritious soup. Focus on the savory flavors instead of the salty ones. Try herbs like rosemary, parsley and thyme to give your chicken a rich, flavor without health risks.

Features

Key elements of poached chicken are the pot, the liquid, the seasonings and the chicken. The pot simply has to be large enough so that the chicken is completely submerged in the liquid. The liquid must be light to prevent sticking and aid in the saturation of the chicken, and the seasonings should complement the chicken and not overpower it. Vegetables are often added to the pot for flavor and to help the dish function more as a main dish, rather than a side dish.

Prevention/Solution

Prevent your chicken from becoming tough and dry by keeping track of the cooking time. Though it is submerged in water, prolonged heat exposure causes the chicken to shrivel and become chewy. Keeping the chicken submerged is important, also; any parts exposed to air will dry.

Warning

When poaching your chicken, make sure that the chicken's core temperature exceeds 170 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid food-borne illnesses. Also, double-check that anything the raw chicken has come in contact with has been sanitized. Using care when cooking chicken can help you avoid some of the nasty elements of a food-borne illness. Campylobacter and salmonella are common bacterial strains present in raw chicken. Symptoms include cramping, fevers and loose and bloody stools.

Resources

• Inglewood Farms Poached Chicken Recipe
• Whole Foods Market Poached Chicken Recipe