Brothy Poached Chicken with Mushrooms and Fresh Chile

Ingredients

• •1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• •1 head garlic
• •2 whole bay leaves
• •4 whole allspice
• •1½ teaspoon kosher salt
• •8 ounces maitake or shiitake mushrooms
• •1 whole fresh red chile
• •1 piece ginger
• •1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• •1 tablespoon soy sauce
• •to taste black pepper
• •to taste scallions and cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. 1.

   Place chicken, garlic, bay leaves, allspice, and 1 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium pot. Cover with 6 cups water and bring to a bare simmer over high heat. Immediately reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot, and cook 8 minutes. Remove chicken from liquid and let cool slightly, then shred into bite-size pieces.

   15 min

2. 2.

   Strain stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot; discard solids. Add mushrooms, chile, ginger, vinegar, and soy sauce to stock. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until broth tastes rich and flavorful, 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add shredded chicken and simmer just until meat is warmed through.

   15 min

3. 3.

   Divide soup among bowls and serve topped with scallions and cilantro.

   5 min

4. 4.

   Chicken can be poached 2 days ahead. Let chicken and broth cool separately. Wrap up chicken and transfer broth to an airtight container; chill.