To poach a chicken to perfection with a beautifully golden skin that is both succulent and tender without tearing, one must carefully adhere to a precise preparation process that demands patience and a keen eye for detail. However, poaching chicken doesn’t have to be daunting when you know the secrets to success.
1. Choose the Right Chicken
The first and most important step is to select a fresh, high-quality chicken, preferably one that has been free-range and is not too large in size so that the meat will be firmer and more flavorful when poached. After purchasing the chicken, gently clean it, carefully removing any remaining pinfeathers without damaging the skin.
2. Give the Chicken a “Massage”
Once the chicken has been cleaned, massage its body with coarse salt. This step helps remove any lingering odor while simultaneously tightening the chicken’s skin. Be sure to apply the salt with a moderate amount of pressure so as not to damage the skin. Next, soak the chicken in a diluted salt water solution for about 30 minutes before poaching; the salt water not only helps tenderize the chicken but also adds flavor to the finished dish.
Add scallions, ginger, gardenia fruit, and salt to create a flavorful, rich chicken poaching broth that will give the chicken a beautiful, natural golden color after poaching.
3. Prepare the Poaching Liquid
Many wonder how it is possible to poach a chicken that has a naturally golden color and a beautiful sheen without adding food coloring – how can such a vibrant color be achieved naturally? The secret lies in using fresh turmeric or a few drops of cooking oil. Additionally, gardenia fruit is an excellent natural coloring agent to enhance the color of the chicken’s skin.
4. The 2 x 10-Second Poaching Technique
After preparing the poaching liquid, some people add roasted shallots, while others add folded green onions or a few slices of ginger. To ensure the chicken’s skin remains firm and doesn’t tear during poaching, follow the “2 x 10-second” rule. It is crucial not to add the chicken to rapidly boiling water, as this sudden heat can cause the skin to tear while leaving the inside undercooked.
Dip the chicken for about 10 seconds and then immediately remove it to allow the chicken to gradually adjust to the heat, which will help the skin tighten without tearing.
The key is to add the scallions, ginger, and gardenia fruit to boiling water and wait until steam starts to rise (avoid letting the water boil rapidly). Gently dip the chicken into the water for the first time for about 10 seconds, and then repeat the same step a second time.
Next, carefully place the chicken in the pot of water and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes. Ensure that the chicken is completely submerged in the water. Adjust the heat to a moderate level, just enough to cook the chicken thoroughly without causing the skin to crack due to sudden high heat. Another common question is how long to poach the chicken. The poaching time may vary depending on the size of the chicken, but typically 30 to 45 minutes is ideal.
4. Tightening and Golden-Browning the Skin
Once the chicken is cooked through, the secret to maintaining the chicken’s skin’s plumpness is to immediately immerse it in a bowl of ice water. This step is not merely for cooling but also plays a crucial role in determining the success of the chicken’s skin – it will keep the skin taut and enhance its golden color. The ice water not only shrinks the chicken’s skin but also firms up the meat, preserving its natural sweetness. Remember to use both water and ice; using only ice cubes will not tighten the chicken’s skin effectively.
Immersing the chicken in ice water helps tighten the skin, making it golden brown and delicious.
For best results, use a combination of ice water and regular water to create a temperature balance that helps the chicken tighten quickly and evenly. Using only ice will result in uneven cooling, preventing the chicken from achieving the desired firmness.
Once the chicken has cooled and drained, you can cut it into bite-sized pieces, arrange them on a plate, and prepare to savor. Accompany the poached chicken with a spicy lime-chili salt or a pre-made ginger fish sauce to enhance the rich, sweet flavor of the chicken. Your family meals will undoubtedly become even more heartwarming and delectable with this refined and exceptional chicken poaching technique.
After immersing in ice water, remove the chicken, drain it, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the chicken on a plate and serve with the dipping sauce you prepared.
We hope you enjoy your perfectly poached chicken!
