Poached Chicken Breast

Poached chicken breast is a simple, healthy dish where chicken is gently cooked in simmering liquid, often water or broth, with aromatics like ginger, scallions, and sometimes herbs or spices. Originating from various culinary traditions, including Chinese and French cuisines, it's prized for producing tender, moist meat without added fats. It's a versatile preparation often served cold in salads, in soups, or as a main protein.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is very high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat, making it a lean choice. A typical 4-ounce (113g) serving provides around 165 calories, along with B vitamins like niacin and B6, and minerals such as selenium and phosphorus.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	284 kcal
Protein	53.4 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	6.2 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	104 mg
Potassium	440 mg
Phosphorus	370 mg
Niacin (B3)	13.7 mg
Vitamin B6	0.9 mg
Selenium	44.0 mcg
Magnesium	30 mg
Zinc	1.5 mg
Vitamin B12	0.3 mcg

Per 1 breast (174 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, poached chicken is central to dishes like Chinese 'bai qie ji' (white cut chicken), where it's often served at room temperature with a ginger-scallion dipping sauce, highlighting the natural flavor of the chicken. Nutritionally, the gentle cooking method helps retain more nutrients compared to high-heat methods, and it's a staple in many athletic and dietary plans for its high-quality protein content.