Plain boiled chicken is about as exciting as watching paint dry. So, spice it up. While the chicken is simmering, toss a bay leaf, a few peppercorns, a clove of garlic (smashed), or a wedge of lemon into the water. This isn’t complicated—it’s barely more effort than not doing it, and it makes the chicken smell like something that belongs on a menu.
After it’s boiled and sliced, you can do anything with it. Shred it for tacos, dice it for salad, or toss it in a creamy pasta sauce. My personal favorite? Shred it, mix with a little mayo, salt, and pepper, and you’ve got a chicken salad that tastes like you planned ahead. You didn’t plan ahead, but nobody has to know that.
