Poached Chicken Broth Bowl with Soft Vegetables

Gently poached chicken in a soothing, savory broth with melt-in-your-mouth vegetables—light, protein-forward, and comforting for lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 small chicken breasts (about 10 oz / 300 g total)
• 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or stock)
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced into half-moons
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup cooked white rice (warm or cold is fine)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated (or minced)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Build the gentle poaching broth

  In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds (don’t let it brown). Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the salt and a few turns of black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles, not a boil).

• 2

  Step 2: Poach the chicken (stay gentle)

  Slide in the chicken breasts. Adjust heat so the broth stays at a *bare simmer*. Poach 10–12 minutes, flipping once halfway, until the thickest part reaches **165°F / 74°C** (or the chicken is opaque and easily pulls apart).

• 3

  Step 3: Cook the soft vegetables

  Keep the broth at a gentle simmer. Add carrot and celery and simmer 4–6 minutes until very tender. Add peas and simmer 1–2 minutes until heated through and soft.

• 4

  Step 4: Slice (or shred) and assemble

  Remove chicken to a board and rest 2 minutes (keeps it juicy). Slice thinly against the grain, or shred gently with two forks for extra tenderness. Divide rice between two bowls. Ladle over broth and vegetables, then top with chicken. Taste the broth and add a pinch more salt/pepper if needed.

Tips

• **Extra-tender chicken:** After poaching, shred instead of slicing so every bite is softer and easier to eat.
• **No rice?** Skip it for an even lighter bowl, or use a smaller amount (the broth and chicken are still satisfying).
• **Vegetable swaps (keep them soft):** Use any quick-cooking, tender veg you have—thin-sliced zucchini or a handful of spinach added at the end works well.
• **Storage:** Keep chicken and broth/veg together in an airtight container so the chicken stays moist.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)