Boiling/poaching chicken...good idea?

[supersox]

Has anyone ever tried this? I thought it would save turning the oven on, as I plan on doing mash, rather than roast potatoes. Will it be moist or will it be 'squeaky'?! How long should I cook 3 chicken breasts for and should I be adding them to a pan of cold or hot water? TIA

I usually do it by wrapping the chicken in foil. Butter the foil - that keeps it nice and moist. I often add a sploosh of white wine and a squeeze of lemon juice as well. I'd generally boil them for about 30 minutes, but that depends on the size of the joint and whether it's on the bone. It's quicker if you add them to a pan of boiling water but you can start from cold if you prefer.