Steaming Chicken: Is It Possible?

Steaming is a great way to cook chicken, preserving its flavour, tenderness, and moisture. It's also a healthy cooking method, as no additional fat is used. You can steam chicken in a traditional steamer, an electric steamer, or a rack that sits in the bottom of a tightly covered pan. Boneless chicken breasts typically take around 15-20 minutes to cook, while bone-in pieces may take around 25-30 minutes. It's important to ensure the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74-75°C).

Chicken preparation: Clean and trim chicken, pat dry to help seasonings stick

Chicken preparation is a crucial step in ensuring your meal is not only tasty but also safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean, trim, and prepare your chicken for steaming:

Cleaning the Chicken:

Start by removing the chicken from its packaging, being careful not to spill any collected juices. Cut away any twine, wire, or rubber bands holding the chicken together. These can interfere with even cooking and are not needed if you plan to steam the chicken. Remove the giblets and kidneys, which are usually found in the cavity near the tail section. You can set the giblets aside for making stock or broth, or discard them along with the packaging.

Trimming the Chicken:

Use a sharp knife to trim away any excess fat, gristle, or connective tissue around the neck and tail area. This step ensures the chicken cooks properly and has the desired texture and flavour. Be sure to also remove any bloody or discoloured tissue, as this can affect the appearance and taste of the cooked meat.

Preparing the Chicken for Steaming:

After trimming, rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and ensures even cooking. You can also leave the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours to air-dry. Once the chicken is dry, place it in a roasting pan or on a wire rack.

Seasoning the Chicken:

At this point, you can apply your chosen seasonings or marinade. If using a dry rub, coat the chicken with a light layer of olive oil or another binding agent first. This helps the seasonings adhere to the meat. Generously apply the dry rub with your hands, rubbing it into every crevice of the chicken. You can also prick the chicken with a fork before applying the seasoning to help the spices penetrate the meat.

Cooking the Chicken:

Now your chicken is ready for steaming! Steaming is an ideal method for cooking boneless chicken breasts and small whole birds. It retains moisture, flavour, and tenderness without adding extra fat. For a detailed guide on steaming chicken, refer to the sources provided. Remember always to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of at least 165 °F (74 °C).

Seasoning: Use salt, pepper, herbs and spices. Marinating adds flavour

Seasoning and marinating are key to adding flavour to steamed chicken. It is recommended to season chicken with salt, pepper, herbs and spices. If you have time, sprinkle the chicken with salt a day in advance. This allows the flavour to soak in and makes the meat more tender. You can also add flavour by marinating the chicken before steaming.

When preparing the chicken for steaming, season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic and chilli flakes. Zesting lemon over the chicken breast is another way to add flavour. If you want to get creative, you can also add ingredients to the steaming water, such as onions, carrots, celery, and fresh ginger root.

If you're looking for a specific recipe, try steamed lemon-garlic chicken with thyme. Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, chilli flakes, lemon zest, and thyme. Then, steam the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes or until cooked through. Once done, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice and drizzle olive oil over the chicken for added flavour.

Another option is to steam chicken in white wine, sake, or water. For this method, add onion, ginger, and chicken to a pot with wine, sake, or water. Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes. After turning off the heat, let the pot sit for another 10 to 15 minutes to finish cooking the chicken.

Steamer setup: Fill base with water, place steamer basket/rack on top

Steamer setup is an important step in cooking chicken. Here is a detailed guide on how to set up your steamer for cooking chicken:

First, fill the base of your steamer with water. The amount of water you need to add will depend on the type of steamer you have. If you are using a traditional steamer that fits on top of a saucepan, fill the steamer pot halfway with water. For a rack that sits inside a pot, add at least one inch of water to the pot. If using an electric steamer, follow the manufacturer's instructions for filling the base with water.

Once you have added the appropriate amount of water, place the steamer basket or rack on top. Make sure it is stable and secure. If using a traditional steamer, ensure that the basket or rack fits snugly on top of the pot. For a rack inside a pot, choose a heatproof dish that fits securely on the rack.

It is important to note that the chicken should not be submerged in the water. The steamer basket or rack should be elevated above the water level to allow for steaming. The steam will cook the chicken gently and retain its moisture, flavour, and tenderness.

After setting up your steamer, you can move on to the next steps of preparing and seasoning your chicken before placing it in the steamer for cooking. Remember to always follow food safety guidelines and ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that your steamer is set up correctly and safely for cooking chicken.

Chicken arrangement: Spread chicken evenly, allowing room for steam

When arranging the chicken in the steamer, it is important to spread the pieces out evenly, allowing sufficient room for the steam to circulate. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and at a similar rate.

For optimal steam circulation, it is recommended to leave a little space around each piece of chicken. This allows the steam to reach all parts of the chicken, ensuring even cooking. Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, so it is important to allow enough room for the steam to reach all areas.

When using a traditional steamer, place the chicken in a single layer, leaving a small gap between each piece. This allows the steam to rise and cook the chicken from all sides. For best results, the steamer should be covered to trap the steam and create an even cooking environment.

Similarly, when using a rack or tray in a large pot, it is important to place the chicken in a heat-proof dish on the rack, ensuring that the water is not boiling up and touching the dish. This method also requires a tight-fitting lid to contain the steam and cook the chicken evenly.

Cooking time: Depends on size/thickness. 15-20 mins for boneless breasts

Steaming chicken is a great way to cook the meat while retaining its natural flavours and nutrients. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Boneless chicken breasts typically take 15-20 minutes to cook, while bone-in pieces may require 25-30 minutes. It is important to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74-75°C) for safe consumption.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to space out the chicken pieces in the steamer basket. Additionally, you can brine or marinate the chicken before steaming to enhance its flavour and juiciness. For bone-in chicken breasts, it is suggested to cook them for approximately five minutes longer than boneless breasts.

When steaming chicken, it is crucial to use a steamer basket or a steamer pot. A steamer basket can be placed over a pot of boiling water, while a steamer pot has a built-in compartment for steaming. By following these guidelines and adjusting the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the chicken, you can achieve perfectly cooked and juicy boneless chicken breasts using your steamer.

Frequently asked questions