Meal prepping is a fantastic way to save time during the week while ensuring you have healthy, delicious meals ready to go. One of my favorite meal prep staples is this tender, juicy chicken. This recipe is incredibly simple and versatile, making it perfect for salads, tacos, sandwiches, and more. Let me show you how to make it!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- Fresh parsley sprigs
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Optional: carrots, thyme, or other aromatics
- Green peppercorns
- 4 cups bone broth (mushroom chicken bone broth from Kettle & Fire recommended, or any chicken broth)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics:
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow pan.
- Add sliced yellow onion, fresh parsley sprigs, and chopped celery around the chicken. You can also add carrots, thyme, or any other aromatics you like for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle a few green peppercorns over the chicken.
- Add the Broth:
- Pour enough bone broth over the chicken to fully cover it. Using a flavorful broth, like mushroom chicken bone broth, adds extra depth to the chicken.
- Bring to a Simmer:
- Heat the pan over medium heat until the broth starts to simmer. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pan and let the chicken poach for 20 minutes. Poaching ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken:
- After 20 minutes of poaching, turn off the heat and let the chicken sit in the poaching liquid for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to stay moist.
- Store the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the broth. Strain the broth and save it for soups or as a nutritious drink since it’s high in collagen.
- Slice the chicken into half-inch medallions and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This meal-prepped chicken will stay fresh for up to four or five days.
Why This Recipe Works
This meal prep chicken recipe works because it uses the poaching method, which keeps the chicken tender and juicy. By using flavorful broth and aromatics, the chicken is infused with delicious flavors, making it versatile for various dishes throughout the week. The simplicity of the recipe also ensures that it can be easily replicated, providing a reliable source of protein for any meal.
Tips for Perfect Meal Prep Chicken
- Aromatics: Feel free to experiment with different aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, or lemon slices to customize the flavor.
- Broth Choice: Using a high-quality broth or bone broth not only adds flavor but also provides additional nutrients like collagen.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the chicken to rest in the broth after cooking helps retain its moisture and enhances the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Salads: Add the sliced chicken to your favorite salad for a protein boost. It pairs well with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing.
Tacos: Dice the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos. Top with avocado, salsa, and fresh cilantro for a tasty meal.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Use the chicken medallions in sandwiches or wraps. Add your favorite veggies, cheese, and condiments for a quick and easy lunch.
Soups: Incorporate the chicken into soups, utilizing the reserved broth for added flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it necessary to use bone broth?
No, you can use any chicken broth, but bone broth adds extra flavor and nutrients.
How can I reheat the chicken?
Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain its tenderness. Adding a splash of broth can help keep it moist.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if I don’t have a shallow pan?
You can use a deep skillet or a large saucepan as long as the chicken is fully submerged in the broth.
This tender, juicy meal prep chicken is a game-changer for busy weeks. With minimal effort, you can have a versatile protein source ready to enhance any meal. Try this recipe and enjoy delicious, flavorful chicken throughout the week.
Poached Chicken for Meal Prep
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- Fresh parsley sprigs
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- Optional: carrots thyme, or other aromatics
- Green peppercorns
- 4 cups bone broth mushroom chicken bone broth from Kettle & Fire recommended, or any chicken broth
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow pan.
- Add sliced yellow onion, fresh parsley sprigs, and chopped celery around the chicken. You can also add carrots, thyme, or any other aromatics you like for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle a few green peppercorns over the chicken.
Add the Broth:
- Pour enough bone broth over the chicken to fully cover it. Using a flavorful broth, like mushroom chicken bone broth, adds extra depth to the chicken.
Bring to a Simmer:
- Heat the pan over medium heat until the broth starts to simmer. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pan and let the chicken poach for 20 minutes. Poaching ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Rest the Chicken:
- After 20 minutes of poaching, turn off the heat and let the chicken sit in the poaching liquid for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to stay moist.
Store the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the broth. Strain the broth and save it for soups or as a nutritious drink since it’s high in collagen.
- Slice the chicken into half-inch medallions and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This meal-prepped chicken will stay fresh for up to four or five days.
Video
@watchlolita Easy meal prep chicken! 🍗 This poached chicken recipe is one of my weekly go-to easy healthy recipes – perfect for salads, wraps, sandwiches, bowls…anything! #mealprep #easyrecipe #easyhealthyrecipe #chickenrecipe #highprotein #lowfat ♬ original sound – Lolita 🦋 50+ Radiance✨
