My poached chicken recipe makes the juiciest, most tender chicken ever. Poaching is seriously one of the easiest ways to guarantee foolproof, juicy chicken breasts.
I love this easy recipe for poached chicken, and I use it all the time to make chicken for amazing salads, sandwiches, and really any recipe that calls for cooked chicken.
This is definitely one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. I use it for everything from green enchiladas and my favorite chicken salad to adding to this classic Caesar. I love poaching so much that I even have recipes for poached shrimp and poached salmon.
Chicken is one of the most popular proteins worldwide. When properly prepared, chicken can be incredibly moist, tender and flavorful. However, improperly cooked chicken often turns out dry and rubbery. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly juicy and tender every time.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the key factors that affect chicken juiciness and share actionable tips to help you master the art of cooking irresistibly soft and succulent chicken
Choosing the Right Cut
Choosing the right cut of chicken is the first step to making sure it stays juicy. Chicken breasts are lean and versatile, but they tend to dry out when cooked too long. For more forgiving cuts, choose chicken thighs or drumsticks, which have more fat and stay tender and flavorful even when cooked for longer periods of time.
When choosing chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on breasts are ideal, as the bones and skin help retain moisture. Free-range and air-chilled chicken also retains more juices Finally, don’t be afraid to purchase larger, thicker breast fillets which hold moisture better than thin fillets
Brining
Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine is hands-down one of the most effective ways to boost moisture. The salt in the brine gently seasons the meat while dissolving some proteins, allowing the chicken to absorb and retain more moisture.
To brine chicken, combine 1/2 cup salt with 4 cups water and submerge the chicken in this mixture for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator. For added flavor, you can include spices and herbs in the brine as well. Always rinse off the chicken after brining before cooking to prevent excess saltiness.
Marinating
Marinating chicken is another excellent way to infuse flavor and moisture before cooking. The acid in the marinade tenderizes the meat, allowing it to retain more juices. An easy marinade includes olive oil, an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, and your choice of herbs and spices.
Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to overnight depending on thickness. Be cautious with longer marinating times, as the acid can start to breakdown the chicken texture. Always pat chicken dry after marinating before cooking.
Low and Slow Cooking
How you cook your chicken has a big effect on how juicy it is when it’s done. It’s important to cook slowly and low because high heat makes proteins shrink, which squeezes out water. Poaching, braising, or baking at 325°F are all ways to cook chicken slowly and evenly while losing less water.
For pan frying or grilling, use moderate heat and cook chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, checking with a meat thermometer. This prevents overcooking while still food safety standards.
Resting
Let your chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking it before cutting it into pieces. This time of rest lets the juices move around in the meat again so that it is evenly cooked. If you skip this step, the juices will leak out as soon as you cut the chicken, making it less juicy.
Add Moisture
When roasting or baking chicken, try adding some liquid to the pan, such as broth, wine, or water. As it evaporates in the oven, it provides steam which helps keep the meat moist. You can also coat chicken with sauce or gravy during the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor and moisture.
Cook Bone-In and Skin-On
Cooking chicken on the bone and with the skin on helps retain even more natural moisture and flavor. The bones and skin insulate the meat, preventing moisture loss. When roasted, the skin also bastes the meat in its own rendered fat, keeping it tender.
Use a Meat Thermometer
It bears repeating – invest in a good meat thermometer! This takes the guesswork out of determining doneness and prevents overcooking. As soon as your chicken registers 165°F in the thickest part, remove it from the heat. The temperature will continue rising slightly as it rests.
Consider Spatchcocking
Before you roast your chicken, butterflying it can help it cook faster and more evenly. By taking out the backbone and flattening the bird, it cooks faster and more evenly, so the skin gets crispy and the meat is done all the way through. Less cooking time means less opportunity for moisture loss.
Optimize Your Recipe
Carefully follow recipe instructions, especially when it comes to temperature and cooking times. Recipes are formulated to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly cooked with a balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. Don’t overcook chicken past specified times.
Let It Chill
For cooked chicken you’re planning to eat later, let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge. This helps lock in moisture. Cold chicken can be revived by adding juices released during refrigeration back into the meat when reheating.
Conclusion
With these tips, you can feel confident cooking irresistibly juicy and tender chicken for any meal. From brining to slow roasting and resting, applying these moisture-boosting techniques will transform your chicken into a mouthwatering culinary delight. Don’t settle for dry poultry – master the art of keeping your chicken soft, succulent and bursting with flavor every time.
How to Poach Chicken
Poaching chicken is super simple. Start by adding your chicken breasts, aromatics, and salt to a pot, and then add enough water to cover the chicken by one inch.
Place the pot over medium heat and wait, without increasing the heat, until the cooking liquid comes to a very low simmer. This takes a few minutes and keeps the chicken soft and tender. Increasing the heat at this point to speed up the simmer will make your chicken tough.
Lower the heat and cook until the chicken is cooked through (about 10 to 15 more minutes), and then transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve.
The Secret How To Cook Chicken Breast Tender and Juicy Every Time
FAQ
What makes chicken soft and juicy?
Pounding/poking holes in the chicken helps break down muscle and allows the water/baking soda to absorb more easily. The baking soda helps to further tenderize the meat once absorbed. The water helps the baking soda get absorbed and also adds moisture to the meat to help it stay juicy/tender during the cooking process.
How do you cook chicken so it’s soft?
Flatten the chicken breasts. Heat the pan. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 1 minute without moving. Flip the chicken breasts. Turn the heat down to low. Cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes. Remove lid and take temperature.
How do you keep chicken soft and tender?
Saltwater Solution: Soak the chicken in a brine solution (1/4 cup salt dissolved in 4 cups of water) for 1-2 hours. This helps retain moisture and enhances tenderness.
How do you cook soft and Juicy chicken?
To get chicken that is soft and juicy, you need to cook it at the right temperature and in a way that breaks down the connective tissue. This can be achieved through various cooking methods, including braising, stewing, and slow cooking. There are several cooking techniques that can help achieve soft and juicy chicken.
How do you make chicken soft & tender?
To make chicken breast soft and tender, try brining the chicken in a solution of water, salt, and sugar for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Another method is to pound the chicken breast to an even thickness to promote even cooking.
How do you make chicken soft?
Citrus-based marinades: Lemon, lime, or orange juice add brightness and tenderize. Buttermilk marinades: Buttermilk is another great way to achieve super soft chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acid can make the chicken mushy. Usually, 30 minutes to a few hours is ideal.
What is the best way to cook chicken?
The best way to cook chicken to achieve soft and juicy meat is to use a low and slow cooking method. This can include cooking methods such as braising, stewing, or slow cooking. These methods allow the chicken to cook slowly and gently, which helps to retain its moisture and tenderness.
What is the best method for cooking chicken breasts?
For juicy, flavorful chicken breasts that are always cooked just right, the sear and bake method is the best. Why is This the Best Way to Cook Chicken Breasts? Chicken breasts are a common part of dinner, so it’s important to know how to cook them right!
How do you cook tender chicken breast?
When it comes to cooking methods for tender chicken breast, there are several options to consider. One popular method is poaching, where the chicken is gently simmered in liquid such as water, broth, or even milk. This helps keep the chicken moist and tender, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat.