Poaching chicken thighs is an easy and healthy way to cook meat that makes it very juicy and tender with lots of flavor. By slowly cooking the thighs in a tasty poaching liquid, they get tender and take on the wonderful flavors and smells of the broth.
As a busy mom who loves cooking healthy meals for her family, I use poached chicken thighs as the base for many quick and easy weeknight dinners. You can put the cooked chicken thighs in pasta, salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and more. Plus, you don’t have to spend as much time cooking them than when you roast or sauté them.
In this detailed guide, I’ll share my foolproof method for poaching chicken thighs, along with tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years. You’ll also find answers to common poaching questions, ideas for using the cooked chicken, and some of my family’s favorite thigh recipes. Let’s get poaching!
Why Poach Chicken Thighs?
Compared to chicken breasts thighs have more fat and collagen, making them perfect for moist flavorful poaching. The gentle simmering yields incredibly tender meat that falls off the bone (if using bone-in thighs).
Other benefits of poaching chicken thighs include:
- Juicy, succulent meat with tons of flavor from the poaching liquid
- Ability to cook a large batch for meal prepping
- Versatile shredded or diced chicken for recipes
- Lower calorie cooking method without added oils or butter
- Absorbs aromatics like herbs, garlic, citrus for extra flavor
Basically, it’s an easy cooking technique that transforms inexpensive chicken thighs into a delicious, healthy staple ingredient for weekday dinners.
How to Choose Chicken Thighs for Poaching
For poaching, you can use chicken thighs with or without bones. If possible, I like to buy thighs with the skin still on because the skin keeps the meat juicy and gives the poaching liquid flavor. But boneless, skinless thighs also work; just keep an eye on the cooking time because they cook faster.
For even cooking, choose thighs that are all the same size. Each person should have about a third to a half pound of thighs.
For the best flavor and texture, always poach fresh (not frozen) chicken thighs. But in a pinch, you can poach frozen thighs – just increase the cooking time by 50% to allow the chicken to defrost and cook through.
Aromatics and Seasonings for Flavorful Poached Chicken
One of the keys to spectacular poached chicken is building tons of flavor into the poaching liquid. This allows the thighs to absorb tastes and aromas, resulting in a delicious finished dish.
My basic poaching liquid includes:
-
Water – Provides the base for simmering. Use enough water to cover the thighs by 1-2 inches.
-
Salt and pepper – Essential for enhancing flavor. Be generous with the salt!
-
Aromatic vegetables – The trifecta of onions, carrots and celery lend a savory backbone.
-
Fresh herbs – Thyme, rosemary, parsley and bay leaves infuse herbaceous notes.
-
Spices and aromatics – Whole peppercorns, garlic cloves, lemon slices, ginger, chili flakes etc.
Feel free to customize the poaching liquid to your tastes – the options are endless! Try chili-lime thighs, Mediterranean-herbed thighs, garlic-parsley thighs and more.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Poaching Chicken Thighs
Ready to poach those tasty chicken thighs? Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Prep the chicken thighs
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. If using bone-in thighs, trim off any excess skin or fat.
Make the poaching liquid
-
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine water, salt, pepper, aromatics and herbs. Use about 6 cups of water for 1-1 1/2 pounds of chicken thighs.
-
Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, remove from heat.
Poach the chicken
-
Add the chicken thighs to the hot poaching liquid in a single layer. Make sure they are fully submerged.
-
Return the pot to medium-low heat. Bring to a gentle simmer – do NOT boil.
-
Poach for 15-20 minutes with the pot partially covered, turning the thighs halfway through. They are done when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh registers 165°F.
-
Turn off the heat. Leave the thighs in the liquid for 10 more minutes to finish cooking.
Finish the chicken
-
Transfer the cooked thighs to a plate. Allow to cool slightly before handling.
-
Reserve the poaching liquid for soups or sauces. Cool and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
-
Use the thighs right away, or cover and refrigerate for 3-4 days. The poached thighs also freeze well for 2-3 months.
And that’s it – you’ve got tender, juicy poached chicken thighs ready to go in all your favorite recipes! The method is surprisingly easy and hands-off.
Poaching FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about poaching chicken thighs:
How long does it take to poach chicken thighs?
Allow 15-20 minutes of gentle simmering, depending on the size of the thighs. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What temperature should the poaching liquid be?
Keep the liquid at a gentle simmer between 180°F and 200°F. Avoid a rapid boil, which can toughen the meat.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Chicken breasts can be poached but take extra care not to overcook them. Thighs are far more forgiving and ideal for poaching.
Can I poach frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, increase the poaching time by 50% if starting with frozen thighs. Make sure they reach an internal temp of 165°F.
How do I know when they’re done?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness (165°F). The meat will look opaque and feel firm when poked.
Can I reuse the poaching liquid?
Absolutely! Strain it and use this flavorful broth as a base for soups, gravies and sauces. Cool and refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas for Poached Chicken Thighs
The uses for poached chicken thighs are practically endless! Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:
-
Chicken Salad – Dice or shred the thighs and mix with mayo, celery, onion, herbs for an easy classic.
-
Sandwiches and Wraps – Stuff the warm chicken into rolls or tortillas with fixings like avocado, bacon, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
-
Tacos – Top soft corn tortillas with shredded thighs, salsa, beans, queso fresco, lime wedges.
-
Soups and Chilies – Add shredded or diced thigh meat to vegetable, bean, tortilla, or chicken noodle soups.
-
Pasta Dishes – Toss cubed chicken with pesto, marinara, alfredo, or vodka sauce over pasta.
-
Casseroles or Pot Pies – Mix diced thighs with vegetables and gravy and bake until hot and bubbly.
-
Salads – Plate poached chicken over fresh greens, chopped veggies, cheese, nuts, and light dressing.
-
Quesadillas – Fill tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese, sautéed peppers and onions for a quick and easy meal.
The mild flavor of poached chicken also makes it perfect for bold sauces and seasonings like barbecue, buffalo, jerk, cajun, teriyaki, etc. And it’s amazing in any recipe that calls for rotisserie or roasted chicken!
Favorite Poached Chicken Thigh Recipes
Want even more recipe inspiration? Here are two of my go-to poached chicken thigh dishes that my family gobbles up:
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet
Dice poached chicken thighs and sauté with cremini mushrooms, shallots, garlic, thyme, white wine, and cream. Toss with fettuccine and top with Parmesan. Comfort food at its finest!
Buffalo Chicken Power Bowls
Shred 2-3 poached thighs and toss with Buffalo hot sauce. Layer over brown rice with blue cheese, celery, carrots, and ranch dressing. A healthy dinner with a spicy kick!
Perfectly Poached Chicken Thighs – So Simple and Delicious
What I love most is how easy poached chicken thighs are. The gentle simmering results in super tender, juicy meat that my entire family enjoys.
So grab a pack of thighs next time you’re grocery shopping. With this simple poaching technique, you’ll have delicious chicken ready in under 30 minutes any night of the week. Get creative and flavor those poaching liquids to match whatever cuisine you’re craving.
Is Poached Chicken Healthy?
Easy answer – yes! If you’re looking for a meat that’s on the leaner side, poached chicken is your answer. Poaching is one the of the healthiest options when it comes to cooking chicken. No additional fats or oil are used. And the chicken gets enough moisture from simply absorbing the poaching liquid.
Add Aromatics for More Flavor
All you really need for poached chicken is water with a pinch of salt. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop there. Aromatics will give it an extra punch of flavor. Here’s a few ways to do this:
- Salt: This is essential. I really think that adding 1 teaspoon of salt to the poaching liquid will make the chicken taste better.
- Some herbs that people like are rosemary, parsley, a sprig of thyme, or one or two bay leaves.
- For scents, fresh onions, whole peppercorns, peeled ginger, or garlic cloves that have been peeled work great. You can also add an Asian touch by using lemongrass or kaffir lime leaves.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Adding chopped celery, carrots, or lemon slices will make the mix taste fresh and give it more flavor.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: To make the meat taste even better, switch the water for broth (or use half and half).
