Poached Chicken with Steamed Veg

Poached Chicken with Steamed Vegetables is the foundation of clean eating. Poaching is one of the most underrated cooking methods — it produces chicken that is extraordinarily moist and tender, with zero added fat. The cooking liquid gently perfumes the chicken with garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorn. Steaming the vegetables with turmeric preserves their nutrients better than boiling (which leaches vitamins into the water) while adding a gentle anti-inflammatory benefit from the turmeric. This meal is simple, clean, highly satiating, and forms an excellent base for calorie tracking.

• ✅ 2 chicken breasts
• ✅ 500ml low-sodium chicken stock
• ✅ 3 garlic cloves
• ✅ 1 bay leaf
• ✅ 3 peppercorns
• ✅ 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• ✅ 2 carrots, sliced
• ✅ 1/2 tsp turmeric
• ✅ Lemon wedges to serve

1. 1Place chicken breasts in a saucepan. Cover with stock.
2. 2Add garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns.
3. 3Bring to a simmer (not full boil). Poach gently for 15–18 minutes.
4. 4Meanwhile, steam broccoli and carrots with turmeric until just tender, about 8 minutes.
5. 5Remove chicken, let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
6. 6Arrange on a plate with steamed vegetables.
7. 7Squeeze lemon over everything and serve.