Poached Chicken

Ingredients 

• 1 chicken, 4-5 pounds
• 1 carrot, peeled and quartered
• 2 celery ribs, cut in 2" pieces
• 1 onion, peeled and quartered
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 10 parsley stems
• 2 bay leaves
• Water to cover

Optional: 

• 10 star anise
• 10 cloves
• 10 coriander seeds, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon Szechuan pepper, ground
• 4 split lemongrass stalks
• 3" piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
• 6 stems fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 lemon, quartered

Method

1. Place the chicken, carrot, celery, onion, peppercorns, parsley stems and bay leaves in a large pot and fill with water to cover. 

2. Add optional flavorings as desired. 

3. Bring the water to a boil and allow to boil for 2 minutes. 

4. Remove pot from heat. Cover tightly and allow to steep for 4 hours. 

5. Remove chicken to a side plate. When cool, remove chicken skin and discard. Refrigerate chicken for later use. 

6. Bring cooking liquid to a boil and reduce by half. 

7. Strain broth and refrigerate overnight. Remove and discard congealed fat. 

Nutritional Estimate: 1 Serving (1/2 cup chicken meat only). Per serving: 133 Calories; 0 g Total Carbs; 0 g Dietary Fiber; 0 g Sugars; 4 g Fat; 62 mg Cholesterol; 60 mg Sodium; 20 g Protein. Weight Watchers: 3 points.