Low Calorie Chicken Dinner: Poached Chicken with Cucumber Salad Recipe

Gently poached chicken keeps all its moisture without any added fat. Cool cucumber salad on the side makes this one of the lightest dinners you can eat.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 225 kcal
#low calorie #diabetic friendly #bariatric friendly #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breast 12 oz
  • English cucumber 1 pieces
  • green onion 2 pieces
  • fresh dill 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • white vinegar 2 tbsp
  • olive oil 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 9 g 16%
Protein 33 g 59%
Fat 4.5 g 25%
Serving size 230g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Fill a medium saucepan with 6 cups of water, add half the salt, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Slide chicken breasts into the simmering water. Reduce heat to low so bubbles barely break the surface. Cover and poach for 12–14 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  3. 3

    Lift chicken out and rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to lock in moisture. Slice thinly with a sharp knife.

  4. 4

    While chicken rests, slice the cucumber thinly and chop the green onions and dill. Place all in a mixing bowl.

  5. 5

    Add remaining salt, black pepper, vinegar, and olive oil to the salad. Toss well and let stand for 3 minutes to meld flavors.

  6. 6

    Serve sliced chicken atop or beside the dressed cucumber salad. Sprinkle extra dill if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The main ingredient is boneless skinless chicken breast, which provides lean protein and forms the base of the dish. The fresh cucumber and dill are also essential—they bring a cool, crisp texture and a refreshing flavor contrast that define the salad side.
Q. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out when poaching?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, just below boiling, and cover the pan while poaching. This allows the chicken to cook through evenly and retain moisture. Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after cooking also helps lock juices inside before slicing.
Q. What is the protein-to-carb ratio for this meal?
Each serving delivers about 33 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbohydrates, with protein accounting for 59% of total calories and carbs about 16%. This makes it a high-protein, low-calorie dinner that's suitable for many nutrition-focused diets.
Q. Which ingredient contributes most to the flavor of the cucumber salad?
Fresh dill and white vinegar stand out—they bring herbal brightness and tang to the salad, elevating the simple cucumber and green onion with a lively, balanced taste.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for bariatric or diabetic diets?
Yes, each serving contains just 225 kcal, 9g carbs, and 33g protein, meeting typical criteria for both bariatric and diabetic-friendly meals. The recipe avoids added sugars and uses lean protein, making it gentle and nutritionally balanced.
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