Poached Chicken

Transcribed and adapted February 15, 2008 by DrDaddy from a handwritten recipe by Merry Magid. Revised February 16, 2008 to match Julia Child's original (Volume II, Mastering the Art of French Cooking)

1 fryer, cut up
3 T margarine or butter
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large diagonal pieces
1 large white onion, blossom cut
3 ribs celery, cut into large diagonal pieces
1 leek, sliced
2 c chicken stock
1 c white wine
1 t dry or 2 t fresh tarragon

Remove and discard chicken skin and all visible fat. Saute vegetables in margarine in a heavy pot for 5 minutes. Add chicken, cover, and turn off heat for 5 minutes to allow chicken to slowly warm, facilitating gentle heating. Poaching avoids boiling. Boiling toughens and extracts meat. Add stock, wine, and tarragon. Return to a simmer (about 180 degrees F) for 45 minutes. Variation: Use cut up parts or split breasts.
Serve over steamed rice in a bowl, with vegetables and broth.