0 from 0 votes
How to Cook Chicken for Chicken Salad (Poaching Method)
Learn the easiest (and BEST) method on how to cook chicken for a perfect chicken salad!
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Total Time
17 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 135 kcal
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups water more if needed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons peppercorns optional
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme optional
- herbs and spices of your choice
Instructions
- Using the poaching method to cook the chicken breasts, place the chicken in a large soup pot, and add the water to cover the chicken by about 2 inches.
- Generously season the water with salt and your choice of spices and herbs. The measurements above suggest peppercorns and herbs, but don't skip the salt.
- Bring the water to a boil, and flip the chicken breasts over using a pair of kitchen tongs.
- Place a lid over the pot and turn off the heat. Let the chicken sit in the water for 10 minutes or until cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165F. You can check by removing the chicken from the pot onto a board and using a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the water and set them on a large cutting board. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes to seal in the juices.
- For salads, shred the breasts between two forks or use the hand mixer method to achieve a finely shredded chicken texture in under a minute.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Serving
1 serving
Calories
135kcal
(7%)
Carbohydrates
2g
(1%)
Protein
24g
(48%)
Fat
3g
(5%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.5g
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
Trans Fat
0.01g
Cholesterol
73mg
(24%)
Sodium
132mg
(6%)
Potassium
451mg
(13%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
0.02g
(0%)
Vitamin A
56IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
20mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 135
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 serving | |
| Calories | 135kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 132mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 451mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.02g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 56IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.