STEP 1 : Pick your flavors.
You can poach in water, or you can add broth or wine for a richer flavor. The aromatics you use will also influence how your chicken or fish tastes, so think about how you’ll serve the meat and pick seasonings to match. Classic choices, shown here, include bay leaves, peppercorns, rosemary, onion, lemon, garlic, and thyme. If you’re making a Southeast Asian meal, try ginger, lemongrass, shallots, cilantro, and lime leaves. For Mexican tacos, use ancho chiles, cumin, onion, peppercorns, lime, and orégano.
STEP 2: Add the protein.
Place the meat in a shallow pan. Here, it’s boneless, skinless chicken breast, but you can also use bone-in chicken or fish with the skin on (cook times will be longer). Add enough liquid to the…