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Poached Chicken with Tomatoes, Olives, and Green Beans

3.9

(26)

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Dish Meal and Vegetable
Photo by Sang An

A wonderful make-ahead summer meal, this dinner is just as delicious served chilled as it is served warm.

Cooks' Note

Beans, chicken, and tomato olive mixture can be made 2 hours ahead and chilled separately, covered.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    40 min

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (1 3/4 lb total)
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
5 cups water
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (14 fl oz)
1 fresh thyme sprig
3/4 lb haricots verts or other thin green beans, trimmed
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch dice (3 cups)
1/2 cup brine-cured green and black olives such as picholine and Kalamata, pitted and chopped
1 tablespoon torn fresh oregano leaves
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Sprinkle chicken all over with 1 tablespoon salt and let stand.

    Step 2

    While chicken is standing, bring water, broth, and thyme to a boil in a 4- to 6-quart heavy pot, then add beans and cook, uncovered, until crisp-tender, 3 to 6 minutes. Transfer beans with a slotted spoon to a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon oil and salt and pepper to taste.

    Step 3

    Add salted chicken to broth and cook at a bare simmer, uncovered, 6 minutes. Remove pot from heat and let stand, covered, until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes .

    Step 4

    Transfer chicken with tongs to a cutting board and cool, about 5 minutes.

    Step 5

    While chicken is cooling, stir together tomatoes, olives, oregano, pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 4 tablespoons oil in a bowl.

    Step 6

    Holding a knife at a 45-degree angle, cut chicken across the grain into 1-inch-thick slices.

  2. Step 7

    Divide green beans among 4 plates, then arrange sliced chicken over beans and top with tomato olive mixture.

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