Foolproof Juicy Poached Chicken

Ingredients

For 2 servings

• •2 quarts (2L) cold water
• •1 1/2 tablespoons (15g) kosher salt
• •2 medium skin-on, bone-in chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds; 680g)
• •Aromatic herbs and vegetables of your choosing, such as yellow or white onion, garlic, carrot, celery, scallion, ginger, and parsley sprigs (see notes)

Method

1. 1.In a large saucepan, combine water and salt, stirring to dissolve salt. Add chicken and aromatics and set over medium-high heat until water temperature reaches between 150 and 160°F on an instant-read thermometer; adjust heat to maintain water temperature in the 150–160°F range. (It's okay if the temperature bounces around a little, but try to keep it above 150 and below 170°F.) Cook until thickest part of chicken registers 150°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 30 minutes to 1 hour (timing is difficult to estimate as it is heavily influenced by both the temperature at which you're able to hold the poaching liquid and also the size of the chicken breast used). Remove chicken from broth and let cool. Strain broth through a fine-mesh strainer.
2. 2.Refrigerate chicken either submerged in cooled broth or the two components separately in airtight containers until ready to use as desired.