Name: Herb-Poached Chicken with Lemon and Summer Squash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 (6 oz each) chicken breasts; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 lemon; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 3 cloves garlic; 2 medium zucchini; 2 medium yellow squash; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh dill; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Herb-Poached Chicken with Lemon and Summer Squash

low-carbweeknightfreshlight

15 minPrep20 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

4 (6 oz each)chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
2 cupsvegetable broth
2lemon
4 sprigsfresh thyme
2 sprigsfresh rosemary
3 clovesgarlic
2 mediumzucchini
2 mediumyellow squash
3 tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
½ teaspoonsea salt
¼ teaspoonblack pepper
2 tablespoonsfresh dill
2 tablespoonsfresh parsley

Prep

01
Slice 2 zucchini and 2 yellow squash into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons.
02
Mince 3 garlic cloves.
03
Chop fresh dill and parsley.
04
Juice 1 lemon; slice the other lemon into rounds.

Method

01
Pour vegetable broth into a large skillet and add 2 sprigs thyme, 1 sprig rosemary, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
02
Season chicken breasts with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pinch of pepper. Slice 1 lemon into thin rounds.
03
Add chicken and lemon slices to the simmering broth. Poach for 12-15 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
04
Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and gently tent with foil to keep warm.
05
Return broth to a simmer and add zucchini and yellow squash. Cook for 5-6 minutes until just tender-crisp.
06
Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining herbs (dill and parsley). Toss with the warm squash and broth.
07
Plate chicken with squash and a ladleful of herb broth. Serve immediately.

Spice Tips

For warmth without carbs, add a pinch of white pepper or a small pinch of cayenne when poaching. A touch of Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon) whisked into the oil and lemon dressing adds subtle spice and brightness.

Poaching keeps the chicken incredibly moist. For a creamier sauce, stir 2-3 tablespoons crème fraîche or Greek yogurt into the broth at the end. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.