Chicken poaching liquid, also known as chicken broth or chicken stock, is the flavorful liquid left over after poaching chicken in water or broth. This liquid is full of nutrients extracted from the chicken as well as aromatic vegetables usually added to the poaching liquid like carrots, celery, onion and herbs. Rather than pouring leftover poaching liquid down the drain, there are many great ways to use up every last drop for both cooking and non-cooking purposes.
Using Chicken Poaching Liquid for Cooking
Chicken poaching liquid is a great base for many dishes and can add tons of flavor. Here are some ideas for how to use up leftover chicken poaching liquid in cooking:
Make Soup
One of the easiest ways to use up chicken poaching liquid is to turn it into a simple soup. Simply reheat the poaching liquid and add any vegetables you have on hand like carrots, celery, onion, potatoes or beans. You can also add grains like rice, pasta or barley. Shredded chicken is a nice addition too. Season with salt, pepper and any other desired herbs or spices.
Cook Rice or Risotto
For extra flavor, cook rice, risotto or other grains like quinoa or farro in the chicken poaching liquid instead of water. The chicken broth will infuse the grains with more depth of flavor.
Use in Sauces and Gravies
Chicken poaching liquid has endless possibilities for making delicious pan sauces, gravies and reductions to top proteins, starches and vegetables. Whisk in a slurry of butter and flour to make a basic gravy or reduce it down to make an intense chicken demi-glace.
Braise Vegetables
Braising vegetables like onions, carrots, potatoes or greens in the chicken poaching liquid adds a wonderful depth of savory chicken flavor. Braise on the stovetop or roast in the oven.
Cook Beans or Lentils
Dried beans and lentils are a perfect use for leftover poaching liquid. The chicken broth infuses them with a meatier, more complex flavor.
Make a Pot Pie
Turn chicken poaching liquid, vegetables and chicken into a delicious homemade pot pie. Pour the pot pie filling into a pie crust and top with another layer of crust or biscuit dough before baking.
Use in Casseroles
Casseroles are a great way to stretch leftover chicken. Make a chicken casserole by combining diced chicken, chicken poaching liquid, vegetables, rice or pasta and cheese in a baking dish. Cover and bake until bubbly and cooked through.
Make Stuffing or Dressing
Moisten bread stuffing or dressing with the chicken poaching liquid instead of plain broth or water. This adds much more flavor. Stuff into poultry, bake into a casserole or serve as a side dish.
Cook Grains and Beans
Cook rice, quinoa, oats, farro, barley, beans or lentils in the chicken poaching liquid for extra flavor. The chicken broth really boosts the flavor of bland grains and beans.
Make a Roux
A simple roast chicken gravy starts with a roux. Melt butter in a skillet, then whisk in an equal amount of flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and golden. Slowly pour in chicken poaching liquid while whisking constantly. Season with salt, pepper and herbs.
Boil Pasta
Pasta boiled in chicken poaching liquid tastes so much better than pasta boiled in plain water. The chicken broth infuses the pasta with extra flavor. Use in pasta salads, casseroles, soups and more.
Baste Meats
While roasting chicken, pork, beef or other meats, frequently baste the top with a spoonful of chicken poaching liquid to keep it moist and impart flavor.
Make Chicken Stock
Use leftover chicken poaching liquid as a starter for homemade chicken stock along with an extra chicken carcass, mirepoix, herbs and seasoning. Simmer for several hours to extract maximum flavor.
Non-Cooking Uses for Chicken Poaching Liquid
Aside from cooking, chicken poaching liquid has many other unique household applications and uses:
Houseplant Fertilizer
The nutrients in chicken broth make an excellent fertilizer for houseplants. Dilute 1 part broth with 2 parts water and feed to plants about once a month.
Compost Accelerator
Pour leftover chicken broth over compost piles to provide a boost of nitrogen and moisture that helps speed decomposition.
Pet Food Supplement
Dogs and cats love a bit of chicken broth stirred into their regular food for extra moisture and flavor. Just avoid broths containing onion which are toxic to pets.
Defrost Frozen Foods
Immerse frozen meat, seafood, dumplings or pie crust in chicken broth to gently thaw them instead of cold water.
Marinade for Meats
Soak meats in chilled chicken broth in the fridge to impart flavor and moisture before cooking. Works great for chicken, pork and beef.
Flavor Booster for Cooking
Use chicken broth as an easy way to amp up flavor in savory cooking like sautéing aromatics, steaming veggies, braising meats and more.
Dilute Canned Soups
Canned soups and chowders can be overly salty. You can dilute them with chicken broth to reduce sodium while boosting flavor.
Make Gravy from Drippings
Use chicken broth to deglaze the pan drippings after roasting chicken, turkey or other poultry. Whisk in a roux to make gravy.
Moisten Baked Goods
For sweet applications, use chicken broth in place of water when making cornbread, muffins, quick breads and cakes for added moisture.
Nutrition Facts of Chicken Poaching Liquid
Chicken poaching liquid is rich in many nutrients extracted from the chicken as well as aromatic vegetables used to flavor the broth. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 1 cup serving (240 ml) of homemade chicken broth (1):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 48 |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
| Carbs | 1.2 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Fat | 2.7 g |
| Vitamin A | 29% DV |
| Vitamin C | 2% DV |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
| Potassium | 6% DV |
Chicken broth is particularly high in vitamin A from carrots as well as the mineral iron. It contains trace amounts of many other vitamins and minerals as well.
Storage of Chicken Poaching Liquid
Properly stored, leftover chicken poaching liquid can be kept in the fridge or freezer for later use:
– Fridge: Place cooled chicken broth in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Skim off any fat before using.
– Freezer: Chicken broth can be frozen for 4-6 months. Freeze broth in ice cube trays or muffin tins for easy portioning.
– Canning: For long term storage, canning chicken broth allows it to be shelf-stable for over a year. Follow proper canning procedures.
No matter how you store it, frozen or canned chicken broth should be boiled before consumption to improve flavor and texture.
Food Safety
To prevent bacterial growth and food poisoning, follow these food safety guidelines:
– Refrigerate chicken broth within 1-2 hours of making
– Use refrigerated broth within 3-4 days and frozen broth within 4-6 months
– Freeze broth in single use portions to avoid contamination
– When reheating, boil broth to 165°F/74°C before consuming
– Do not leave chicken broth sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Conclusion
Chicken poaching liquid is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make soups, gravies, baked goods, marinades, pet food and more. Make the most of leftover poaching liquid from cooking chicken rather than throwing it down the drain. With proper storage in the fridge or freezer, chicken broth can be kept on hand for conveniently boosting flavor in all sorts of dishes any time. Experiment with these many clever uses for your next batch of chicken poaching liquid.