Steam Cooking Chicken: Is It Possible?

Steaming is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine and is also common in Southeast Asian countries. It is a quick and easy way to cook chicken, preserving the natural taste and keeping the meat tender. Chicken can be steamed with basic seasonings like salt and pepper, or marinated beforehand with ingredients like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and onion. Steaming chicken is also a healthy option, as it does not require the use of oil, reducing the addition of excess calories and fat.

Seasoning and flavouring

Another popular method to infuse flavour into steamed chicken is to use a marinade. A basic marinade can be made with a base of water, onion, garlic, rosemary, and salt. Other aromatics and ingredients like soy sauce, wine, and vinegar can be added in small quantities to enhance the flavour. The chicken should be left to soak in the marinade for at least a few hours, or overnight for the best results.

When it comes to cooking the chicken, you can add further flavour by steaming it with ingredients like white wine, sake, or water, along with ginger, bay leaf, thyme, and green onion. These ingredients not only add flavour but also help to keep the chicken moist.

After steaming, you can further enhance the flavour of the chicken by garnishing it with fresh herbs, squeezing some lemon juice over it, or drizzling it with extra-virgin olive oil.

For a more complex dish, you can create a sauce to spoon over the chicken. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add chopped onion and cook until tender. Then, add garlic and cook until fragrant. Finally, stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. This sauce, along with garnishes like cilantro, will complement the steamed chicken.

Marinades

Marinating chicken before steaming it is a great way to add flavour to the meat. There are many different types of marinades, and the right one for you will depend on your taste preferences and dietary requirements.

A simple marinade can be made with a base of water, and aromatics like onion, garlic, rosemary, and soy sauce. Wine and vinegar can also be added in small quantities. It is recommended that you leave the chicken in the marinade for at least half an hour, or even overnight for a stronger flavour.

• Teriyaki Chicken Marinade: a simple sesame-ginger marinade.
• Chicken Enchilada Marinade: a no-cook version of enchilada sauce.
• Tandoori Chicken Marinade: a simple curry marinade.
• Honey Mustard Marinade: a classic for mustard lovers.
• Pesto Chicken Marinade: use pesto sauce as a marinade.
• Soy-Marinated Chicken: a combination of low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut oil, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and cilantro.
• Balsamic Chicken Marinade: a combination of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, dried rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder.

Health benefits

Yes, you can steam chicken. It is a popular method of cooking chicken in Southeast Asian countries, where it is typically served with chicken rice.

Steaming is a healthy cooking method as it eliminates the need for oil, reducing the amount of saturated fat in your food. It also helps to lock in vitamins and antioxidants, keeping the nutrients in the food. For example, steaming chicken can retain water-soluble vitamins like B and C, which are commonly found in vegetables.

Steaming is also a good way to cook chicken as it helps to eliminate fat from the protein, lowering the cholesterol in the dish. This is because the steam heats the fat to its melting point, allowing it to drip out. This is a great way to reduce the amount of fat in your diet without having to compromise on taste or texture.

Steaming chicken is also a convenient method of cooking as it is quick and easy. You can cook different ingredients at the same time in the same pan, with minimal flavour transfer. It is also easy to clean up afterward, as you don't have to scrape off burnt bits from an oily frying session.

Cooking time

The cooking time for steamed chicken depends on the cut of chicken and the desired level of cooking. For example, a whole chicken will take longer to cook than chicken breasts.

When steaming chicken, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety. This can be checked using a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.

For chicken breasts, it is recommended to steam for 5 to 10 minutes or until just cooked through. This will result in juicy and tender meat. However, if you are looking for a more well-done chicken breast, you may need to steam for a few additional minutes.

For a half of a whole chicken (around 1.5 pounds), it is recommended to steam for around 20 minutes or until soft. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and is safe to consume.

If you are steaming frozen chicken, it is important to note that it will take longer to cook. It is recommended to not lift the lid and check for at least 15 minutes to ensure that the steam does not escape and the chicken cooks evenly.

Additionally, the type of steamer used can also affect the cooking time. For example, using a pressure cooker or a rice cooker steamer may have different cooking times compared to a traditional steamer basket.

It is always important to keep an eye on the chicken while it is steaming and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Side dishes

Steamed chicken is a popular dish in Southeast Asian countries, where it is typically served with chicken rice. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with various side dishes to enhance its flavour and make it more exciting. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement steamed chicken:

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great option to pair with steamed chicken. Some vegetables that work well as side dishes include:

• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Brussels sprouts
• Sweet potatoes
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Fennel
• Squash
• Okra

Salads

Salads are a refreshing option to balance out the meal, especially during the summer. Some salad ideas include:

• Greek salad with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a simple dressing
• Quinoa spinach salad with colourful tomatoes, cucumbers, and raisins
• Cucumber salad with red onion and dill
• Black bean and corn salad
• Oregano-marinated tomato salad

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with chicken. Here are some ways to prepare them:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted garlic Parmesan baby potatoes
• Greek lemon roasted baby potatoes
• French onion baked potatoes
• Whipped feta roasted potatoes
• Scalloped potatoes
• Potatoes au gratin

Other Starch-Based Sides

In addition to potatoes, there are other starch-based sides that can complement steamed chicken:

• Cheesy garlic dinner rolls
• Orzo al limone
• Spanish rice
• Fried rice
• Wild rice

Green Beans

Green beans are a healthy and tasty option that can be prepared in various ways:

• Air fryer green beans
• Sautéed garlic green beans
• Green beans amandine

These are just a few ideas for side dishes that will go well with steamed chicken. Feel free to experiment with different flavours and ingredients to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions