Poached chicken is a classic Chinese dish known for its simplicity and delightful flavors. In just 40 minutes, you can create a tender and succulent chicken infused with the essence of ginger, scallions, and aromatic spices. This dish is a popular favorite both in China and Chinese restaurants across the United States. The poaching process ensures the chicken remains moist and tender, making it an excellent option for serving at room temperature. While the chicken is delicious on its own, it reaches new heights when accompanied by a zesty Ginger-Scallion Sauce. The poaching liquid also holds incredible potential, doubling as a flavorful soup stock. Prepare to enjoy a traditional Chinese delicacy with a touch of modern flair!
MAKES: 4 servings
TIME: 40 minutes, largely unattended
INGREDIENTS:
- 5 or 6 slices fresh ginger (don’t bother to peel)
- 5 scallions, chopped
- 2 star anise
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 whole chicken, 3 to 4 pounds, trimmed of excess fat
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a large pot, combine the fresh ginger slices, chopped scallions, star anise, salt, sugar, and 8 cups of water. Make sure to leave enough room at the top of the pot to accommodate the chicken.
- Set the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Place the whole chicken in the pot, positioning it breast side up. Bring the water back to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken simmer for 20 minutes.
- After turning off the heat, allow the chicken to sit in the poaching liquid for another 10 minutes. The chicken is fully cooked when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 155–165°F.
- Carefully lift the chicken out of the pot and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, proceed to cut the chicken into serving pieces.
- Poached chicken is typically served at room temperature. Accompany it with soy sauce and consider pairing it with Ginger-Scallion Sauce for an even more tantalizing experience. Alternatively, you can cover and refrigerate the chicken until you’re ready to serve.
VARIATION:
Chinese Poached Chicken:
- After poaching, let the chicken sit in the cooking liquid for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Serve the poached chicken at room temperature and pair it with soy sauce or Ginger-Scallion Sauce for an authentic taste.
Poached chicken is a versatile and delightful dish that can elevate any dining experience. Its tender and moist texture, combined with the fragrant ginger and scallion flavors, offers a wonderful taste of traditional Chinese cuisine. Whether enjoyed on its own or enhanced with a flavorful sauce, this poached chicken recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Prepare to savor the authentic taste of China with this simple yet elegant dish!
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- Ginger-Scallion Sauce: Ginger-Scallion Sauce perfectly complements the poached chicken. Prepare it and serve it as a delightful condiment alongside the chicken.
- Poaching Liquid for Soup Stock: Don’t discard the poaching liquid after cooking the chicken. It can be used as a flavorful base for soups, providing a rich and aromatic broth.
These tips will help you make the most of each recipe and achieve delicious results. Enjoy your cooking!
