Cold Poached Chicken Breasts with Tuna Basil Sauce

Name: Cold Poached Chicken Breasts with Tuna Basil Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 large whole chicken breasts with skin and bone (about 1 1/4 pounds each); a 6 1/2-ounce can tuna packed in olive oil, drained well; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; 3 anchovy fillets; 1 tablespoon drained bottled capers plus additional for garnish; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste; 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves, or to taste, plus, if desired, 6 basil sprigs for garnish; lemon slices for garnish; mixed brine-cured black olives such as Nicoise and Kalamata as an accompaniment

Servings: persons

1
In a kettle combine the chicken breasts with enough cold water to cover them by 1 inch and remove them.
2
Bring the water to a boil, add salt and pepper to taste, and return the chicken to the kettle.
3
Poach the chicken at a bare simmer for 18 minutes, remove the kettle from the heat, and let the chicken cool in the liquid for 30 minutes.
4
Drain the chicken and let it stand until it is cool enough to be handled.
5
Discard the skin and bones from the chicken, removing each breast half carefully from the bone in one piece, and chill the chicken, wrapped well in plastic wrap, for at least 6 hours or overnight.
6
In a blender or food processor blend together the tuna, the mayonnaise, the yogurt, the anchovies, 1 tablespoon of the capers, the lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste until the sauce is smooth, transfer the sauce to an airtight container, and chill it for at least 6 hours or overnight.
7
Cut the chicken breasts diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices and transfer a breast to each of 6 dinner plates.
8
Just before serving, stir the chopped basil and salt and pepper to taste into the sauce.
9
Spoon some of the sauce over each breast, garnish the chicken with the additional capers, the basil sprigs, and the lemon slices, and serve it with the olives.

343

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 large whole chicken breasts with skin and bone (about 1 1/4 pounds each), a 6 1/2-ounce can tuna packed in olive oil, drained well, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, and more.

Yes, Cold Poached Chicken Breasts with Tuna Basil Sauce falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!