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Poached Whole Chicken Recipe for Baby Led Weaning

whole chicken with celery, carrots and quartered onion covered in water in a dutch oven.
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This simple poached chicken is the best way to cook chicken for baby led weaning! Tender, moist, and economical, it's so easy to cook a whole chicken on the stovetop for many uses - including shredded chicken for baby and for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken
  • water to cover
  • optional aromatics:
    • 1 onion, quartered
    • 1 large carrot
    • 1 stalk celery
    • 1 bay leaf
    • fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley
  • 1 tsp salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Check chicken cavity to make sure there are no innards in it. Add the chicken to a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Add any optional aromatics or salt. Cover the chicken completely with water.
  3. Bring chicken to a simmer over medium heat. As soon as you see bubbles, turn the heat to low to maintain a low simmer (the water should barely bubble).
  4. Cover and cook at a low simmer until chicken is cooked through (time will vary by the size of the chicken, but plan on about 15 minutes per pound). Check the water every once in a while to maintain a barely simmering temperature. Chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast and thigh reads 165°F. 
  5. Remove chicken from the liquid and let cool until you can comfortable handle it. Cut into pieces, or shred the meat using two forks.
  6. Optional for a super flavorful broth: return the bones and skin to the pot of water and continue simmering on low for a s long as you have time. Strain the liquid and store in the refrigerator, discarding the solids.

Notes

  • The key to super moist, tender chicken is to maintain a low temperature, so be sure not to let the liquid get above a low simmer.
  • If your chicken is frozen, make sure it's thawed completely before cooking. You can safely thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in a sink of room temperature water for up to two hours.
  • If you add carrot or celery, they will be perfect for serving to baby by the time the chicken is done! Cut carrots vertically to eliminate the round shape before serving.
  • You can use this method for boneless, skinless chicken if that's all you have though the meat won't be as flavorful or tender. Maintaining a very low simmer is extra important if you do this, and be careful not to over-cook, since the meat will not take long to cook. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to determine when the chicken is cooked through.
  • You can use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to shred the meat if you prefer. Make sure you've completely removed any bones!
  • I like to add a little broth back to the meat after shredding to keep it super moist.
  • Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or the freezer for up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://babyledbliss.com/poached-chicken-baby-led-weaning/