I came across this recipe by Bill Granger in my ‘almost-forgotten’ recipe collection. Have you ever read a recipe and imagined it to be a boring dish with unattractive colors and boring flavors, especially when the hero ingredient is something that you don’t really like? Yeah, this recipe features the breast part of the chicken which I have always disliked.
BUT BUT BUT … 
After tasting this dish, I take back all my words! The simple cooking naturally brings out the generosity of texture and flavor in the chicken breast. This recipe also thought me how to preserve the tenderness and flavor without overcooking the breast! Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and I assure you that you will love chicken breast from now on. Best part is – it’s healthy and delicious.
Poached Chicken and Soba Noodle Salad with Soy Dressing
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Healthy lunch doesn’t need to be colourless with boring flavours. Try it once and you’ll make seconds … and thirds.
Ingredients
- 100g (3.5 ounces) organic soba noodle, store-bought
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 spring onion (scallions), roughly chopped
- 2 thick slices of ginger
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 skinless, free-range chicken breast fillets (100g each)
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- Watercress leaves, for garnish
Soy Dressing
- 30ml (1 fluid ounce) Japanese soy sauce
- 30ml (1 fluid ounce) mirin
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
Instructions
- Fill a small pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook as per packet instructions, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Mix all the soy dressing ingredients (except the chopped garlic) in a bowl. Place the noodles on a plate and toss in half the soy dressing.
- In a medium pot, add peppercorns, ginger, spring onion and salt. Then fill with water – ensure sufficient water to cover the chicken breasts later. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, gently place the chicken breasts into the boiling water. Stir the ingredients to cover the breast. Turn off the heat, cover with a lid and leave to cook in the pot for 45mins.
- Heat some vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, pour the chopped garlic and saute until lightly brown. Drain and set aside.
- After 45mins, remove breasts from the pot and cut into 1.5 inch slices.
- With a pair of tongs, divide the noodles onto the centre of 2 plates. Top with sliced poached chicken and watercress on top of the noodles. Spoon the fried chopped garlic on top of the chicken slices. Garnish with thinly sliced radishes around the plate. Before serving, spoon the soy dressing over the noodles.
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best technique to poach the chicken breast without overcooking it?
To poach the chicken breast perfectly, ensure the water is at a gentle simmer and not boiling, and cook it for about 15-20 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use a different type of noodle instead of soba for this salad?
Yes, you can substitute soba noodles with rice noodles or whole wheat spaghetti, but keep in mind the cooking times may vary.
What ingredients are essential for the soy dressing in this recipe?
The soy dressing requires soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil to enhance the flavor of the salad.
