do ahead essentials: poached chicken for salads

Name: Do Ahead Essentials: Poached Chicken for Salads
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ## PLAN/PURCHASE; 3 - 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ## THE POACHING LIQUID; 2 tablespoon(s) lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 2 clove(s) garlic, rough chop; 2 large bay leaves; 1/2 small yellow onion, rough chop; 1 sprig(s) fresh tarragon, or 1 teaspoon dry; 2 teaspoon(s) salt, kosher variety, fine grind; 5 - 6 black peppercorns, crushed

26 Pinches 14 Photos

Andy Anderson !

Wichita, KS

Updated on Jun 18, 2020

I love good chicken salad. I use it on salads, and yummy chicken salad sandwiches, to name just two. The hardest thing about making chicken salad, is cooking the chicken. To be honest, cooking a few bits of chicken is not what I would define as labor intensive; however, having it at the ready means you can whip up some chicken salad any old time the craving strikes you. And my poaching method infuses the chicken with awesome flavors. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

Rate

prep time 30 Min

cook time 30 Min

method Stove Top

yield Several

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
3 - 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
THE POACHING LIQUID
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 cloves garlic, rough chop
2 large bay leaves
1/2 small yellow onion, rough chop
1 sprig fresh tarragon, or 1 teaspoon dry
2 teaspoons salt, kosher variety, fine grind
5 - 6 black peppercorns, crushed

How To Make do ahead essentials: poached chicken for salads

Step 1

PREP/PREPARE

Step 2

You will need a saucepan big enough to hold all of the ingredients.
Step 3

The not-so-secret, secret ingredient is tarragon. Tarragon and chicken love each other. It adds a subtle hint of, licorice. Not heavy, more a Je ne sais quoi moment. If you have never used tarragon with chicken before, I would suggest you try it. However, if you do not have any, just leave it out. Personally, I do not taste licorice; just another level of flavor.
Step 4

Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
Step 5

Add all of the poaching ingredients to a pan with room temperature water.
Step 6

Add the chicken breasts.
Step 7

You should have enough water to cover the chicken by about 2 inches (5cm).
Step 8

Turn the heat to medium and allow the water to come up to a simmer.
Step 9

Simmer for 6 – 8 minutes, then remove from the heat, and cover for 30 minutes.
Step 10

Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and dice.
Step 11

Storage Tips If not using immediately, place in a covered dish, or Ziploc bags in the fridge for 2 – 3 days. For longer storage seal in bags, and place in the freezer for several months.
Step 12

PLATE/PRESENT
Step 13

When needed, use in any recipe that calls for diced chicken. Enjoy.
Step 14

Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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