Have you ever poached chicken and then stood there, looking at that flavorful liquid, wondering if you should just pour it down the drain? STOP! That golden liquid is culinary gold, and I’m gonna show you exactly what to do with liquid poached chicken
I’ve been poaching chicken for years, and the resulting broth is something I never waste. After all, it’s packed with flavor from the chicken, aromatics, and seasonings you used during the poaching process. Tossing it would be like throwing money down the drain!
What Is Poaching Liquid?
Before diving into uses, let’s quickly clarify what we’re talking about. When you poach chicken you’re gently cooking it in liquid (water, broth or stock) with aromatics like garlic, shallots, bay leaves, and thyme. This gentle cooking method not only gives you tender, juicy chicken but also creates a flavorful liquid infused with all those wonderful ingredients.
15 Delicious Ways to Use Poached Chicken Liquid
1. Make Chicken Soup or Broth
The most obvious use is turning your poaching liquid into a delicious soup base. Just strain it, add some veggies, noodles and maybe some of that poached chicken back in and voilà! You’ve got chicken noodle soup.
2. Cook Rice or Grains
Instead of using plain water to cook your rice, quinoa, or other grains, use the poaching liquid! The grains will absorb all that chicken-y goodness, making them so much more flavorful.
As one home cook noted, “I always save my poaching liquid for cooking rice – it’s a game-changer!”
3. Create Flavorful Sauces
Use the liquid as a base for gravies, velouté sauce, or other sauces. The already-developed flavor makes for an incredible starting point.
4. Make Chicken & Dumplings
Add carrots and celery to your strained poaching liquid, then top with simple homemade dumplings for a comforting meal. The poaching broth makes the perfect flavorful base!
5. Use in Risotto
Risotto requires gradually adding liquid as the rice cooks. Using poached chicken liquid instead of plain stock adds an extra layer of flavor.
6. Create a Base for Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Transform your poaching liquid into a creamy soup by adding poached chicken, wild rice, mushrooms, and fresh herbs.
7. Enhance Vegetable Dishes
Steam or simmer vegetables in the poaching liquid for added flavor. Green beans taste amazing when cooked in chicken broth instead of water!
8. Make Chicken Étouffée
Use your flavorful poaching liquid as the base for this classic Louisiana dish.
9. Prepare Chicken Pot Pie Filling
Create a rich gravy for chicken pot pie using the poaching liquid as your base. Just add a roux, veggies, and diced poached chicken.
10. Create a Base for Gumbo
Chicken and sausage gumbo tastes even better when made with homemade poaching liquid.
11. Use for Braising
When braising vegetables or other proteins, use the chicken poaching liquid instead of stock or water.
12. Make Cornbread Dressing
The poaching liquid adds incredible flavor to cornbread dressing, especially if you’re making it with giblet gravy.
13. Use in Baby Lima Beans
Cook baby lima beans in the poaching liquid for a flavorful side dish.
14. Sip It As Is
Don’t underestimate the simple pleasure of sipping warm, seasoned chicken broth, especially when you’re feeling under the weather.
15. Freeze for Later Use
If you can’t use all the poaching liquid right away, freeze it in ice cube trays or containers for future use. It’ll keep for months and be ready whenever you need a flavor boost!
Safety First: When to Keep vs. When to Toss
While poaching liquid is valuable, safety comes first:
- Keep it if it’s been stored fewer than 2 hours at room temperature or if it’s been refrigerated or frozen
- Toss it if it’s been sitting out for more than 2 hours – it’s not worth the health risk
FAQs About Poached Chicken Liquid
How long can I store poaching liquid in the refrigerator?
Like poached chicken itself, the liquid will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze poaching liquid?
Absolutely! Pour it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning. It will keep for up to 3 months.
What aromatics make the best poaching liquid?
Classic combinations include garlic, shallots, bay leaves, and thyme. But don’t be afraid to experiment! Ginger and cilantro work well for Asian-inspired dishes, while chili peppers add heat for Mexican recipes.
Is poaching liquid the same as chicken stock?
Not exactly. While both are flavorful chicken-based liquids, stock is typically made with bones and simmered for much longer. Poaching liquid is gentler but still delicious!
What’s the difference between poaching and boiling?
Poaching involves cooking in liquid at a very low simmer (around 160-180°F), while boiling uses rapidly boiling water. Poaching results in more tender, juicy chicken, while boiling can make it tough and dry.
Perfect Poached Chicken Recipe
Before you can use that liquid gold, you need to know how to poach chicken properly! Here’s my go-to method:
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 shallot, quartered
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- Water or stock (enough to cover chicken by 1 inch)
Directions:
- Add chicken, garlic, shallot, bay leaf, thyme, and salt to a medium pot
- Cover with water or stock by an inch (about 5-6 cups)
- Place pot over medium heat until liquid comes to a low simmer (don’t rush this step!)
- When liquid is simmering, reduce heat to low and cook until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (about 10-15 minutes)
- Remove chicken to a cutting board and let rest
- SAVE THAT LIQUID! It’s what this whole article is about!
What to Do with the Poached Chicken Itself
While we’re focused on the liquid, don’t forget the poached chicken has tons of uses too:
- Chicken salad (mix with mayo, celery, shallots, herbs)
- Tacos and enchiladas (shred and season)
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Chicken Caesar salad
- Quesadillas
- Stir-fries
- Casseroles
Final Thoughts
I hope I’ve convinced you to never drain that poaching liquid down the sink again! With these 15 delicious uses, you’ll be able to make the most of every drop of that flavorful broth. Not only will your cooking taste better, but you’ll also reduce waste and get more bang for your grocery buck.
What’s your favorite way to use poaching liquid? Drop me a comment below! I’m always looking for new ideas to add to my kitchen repertoire.
Remember, the next time you’re poaching chicken, that liquid isn’t just the cooking medium—it’s a valuable ingredient in its own right!
How to Poach Chicken
Poaching chicken is super simple. Start by adding your chicken breasts, aromatics, and salt to a pot, and then add enough water to cover the chicken by one inch.
Place the pot over medium heat and wait, without increasing the heat, until the cooking liquid comes to a very low simmer. This takes a few minutes and keeps the chicken soft and tender. Increasing the heat at this point to speed up the simmer will make your chicken tough.
Lower the heat and cook until the chicken is cooked through (about 10 to 15 more minutes), and then transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve.