6 Options You Can Serve With Poached Chicken

Is there anything more comforting than a plate of perfectly cooked poached chicken?
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It’s easy to make, healthy, and goes well with just about any side dish.
But what should you serve with it to have the best meal ever?
Read on for some ideas!
What is poached chicken?
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Poaching chicken is a method of cooking whereby chicken (normally chicken breast) is cooked in water or broth that has been brought to a simmer.
This results in a chicken that is cooked all the way through without being dry, and which has a subtle flavoring from the liquid.
The key to successful poaching is to not let the water come to a boil, as this will cause the chicken to toughen up.
Additionally, using an acidic ingredient such as vinegar or lemon juice in the poaching water will help keep the chicken juicier and add a citrusy flavor to the dish.
Poaching is a great way to cook chicken if you are looking for an alternative to roasting or grilling.
It is also a good option if you are trying to stay healthy.
When cooked properly, the chicken breast is very tender and moist and can be used in a variety of recipes.
What to consider when choosing a side dish to serve with poached chicken?
When it comes to poached chicken, you know that you won’t have a dish that comes with a lot of flavors like from a baking or barbecuing recipe.
So what to consider when choosing a side dish for the poached chicken to make sure that you will have a delicious meal to enjoy?
Consider the flavor profile of poached chicken
Poached chicken is not always bland as you thought.
When it is cooked in a broth or stock infused with herbs and spices, the result is quite flavorful, but not that strong.
So before picking a side dish for your poached chicken, keep in mind if it has been cooked in water or a flavorful liquid to have the right choice.
For example, if you have a citrus-poached chicken, you might choose a side dish of steamed green beans with lemon butter sauce.
If you have a savory poaching liquid, like chicken broth or vegetable broth, you might choose a side of mashed potatoes or rice.
Consider the texture of the side dish that you want to serve
You might want a filling side dish that is made from starch ingredients or light and crunchy one to pair with your poached chicken.
It depends on different factors, and you will be the person to make the decision.
A starchy companion will keep you full while the light recipe will balance things out.
6 best side dishes to serve with poached chicken
Now, it’s time to figure out the seven side dishes that we find best when served with poached chicken:
1. Brown rice
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Brown rice is a good side dish for poached chicken because it is full of nutrients and has a nutty flavor that goes well with chicken.
Brown rice is a whole grain, which means that it contains all of the parts of the grain kernel – the bran, germ, and endosperm.
This makes brown rice more nutritious than white rice, as the bran and germ contain most of the grain’s fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
You can cook brown rice the same way as its white counterpart, and try adding some spices or herbs to make it more flavorful.
When paired with chicken, brown rice makes for a healthy and flavorful meal.
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2. Garlic mashed potatoes
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Garlic mashed potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish that can be made in just a few minutes.
They’re a great way to add some extra flavor to your poached chicken, and they’re also a good source of fiber and potassium.
Mashed potatoes are also a good choice if you’re looking for a low-calorie side dish, as they’re relatively low in calories and fat while still can keep you full for a while.
To make garlic mashed potatoes, simply boil some potatoes until they’re soft, then mash them with some butter, milk, and garlic.
You can also add other herbs and spices to taste.
3. Sauteed green beans
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Sauteed green beans make for a great side dish to poached chicken because of their complementary flavors, textures, and colors.
The sweet earthy taste of sauteed green beans pairs well with the subtly flavored poached chicken, and the crispy texture of the beans provides a nice contrast to the chicken’s tenderness.
Sauteed green beans also tend to be fairly healthy, making them a good choice for those looking to lighten up their meal.
So next time you’re looking for a side dish to accompany your poached chicken, give sauteed green beans a try – you won’t be disappointed!
4. Soup
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Soup is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
When it comes to deciding what to serve with poached chicken, soup is always a good option.
Soup can be light and refreshing, or it can be hearty and filling.
It can also be made ahead of time, which is helpful when entertaining guests.
Soup also provides a great opportunity to get creative with your ingredients.
You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, and you can add different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile.
This side dish is an affordable and easy way to round out a meal, and it is sure to please everyone at the table.
5. Sandwiches
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Sandwiches can be a side dish for poached chicken, or they can work as the main course with poached chicken being an ingredient.
Sandwiches are versatile and can be customized to suit any taste.
Whether you like them plain or with a variety of fillings, there’s a recipe out there for everyone.
Sandwiches are also portable and can be enjoyed anywhere, making them ideal for picnics and potlucks.
6. Green salad
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Last but not least, a green salad will work as a perfect side dish for poached chicken.
Green salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that goes well with almost all meat-based dishes.
The light, crispy texture of the greens provides a contrast to the tender chicken, and the acidity of the dressing helps to balance out the flavors.
Moreover, green salad is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
In particular, the leafy greens in a green salad are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect against cell damage.
Consequently, green salad is not only a delicious side dish for poached chicken, but it is also extremely good for your health.
The bottom line
Now you know some of the best recipes to pair with poached chicken.
Although this versatile dish is great on the side of a variety of dishes, we believe our list is worth trying.
Whether you want something light and healthy or something more indulgent, we’ve got a recipe for you.
Let’s try all of them the next time you have poached chicken and let us know which side dish satisfies your taste buds the most.
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