How to Cook Chicken

Poaching is a technique that cooks chicken slowly and gently in a simmering, but not boiling, liquid that covers the food. The poaching liquid may be flavored or seasoned.

1. Combine ingredients for poaching liquid in large saucepan or stockpot.
   
   
2. Rinse chicken pieces and pat dry with paper towels; add to poaching liquid.
   
   
3. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce heat to low and cover.
   
   
4. Simmer 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center.
   
   
5. Remove chicken from liquid using tongs. Strain stock; refrigerate or freeze for another use.

Knowing how to properly brown chicken comes in handy for many recipes. Learn more on the next page.

Not what you're looking for? Try these:

• Chicken Recipes: Chicken is a very versatile food that can take on a variety of different flavors and be used in all kinds of dishes. Find some suggestions on our Chicken Recipes page.
• Grilling Chicken: Chicken on the grill is a less-mess and delicious way to prepare poultry. Find helpful tips on grilling chicken in this article.
• Preparing Chicken: Learn some basic chicken preparation techniques in this article, including how to stuff a chicken, how to marinate chicken, and more.
• Cooking Chicken: Cooking chicken can be a bit difficult because it's imperative that the meat is cooked all the way through. Gather helpful tips at HowStuffWorks.
• Cooking: Learn the ins and outs of some basic cooking techniques in this helpful article.