Poached Chicken for Chicken Potpie

Place chicken in a large stockpot. Add remaining ingredients and enough water to cover chicken. Bring to a boil over high heat. Skim off any foam; discard. Reduce heat to low; simmer until chicken has just cooked through, about 25 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a plate, and let cool slightly. Pour stock through a fine sieve into a bowl; discard solids. Set aside 1 1/2 cups stock for potpie; reserve remaining stock for another use. Remove skin from chicken; discard. Remove meat from bones, and tear into bite-size pieces. (You should have about 4 cups.)