Steaming Chicken Drummies: Rice Cooker Magic

Chicken drummies, or drumsticks, are a popular dish, but can you use a rice steamer to cook them? Well, it depends. While chicken can be cooked in a rice steamer, bone-in chicken and whole chicken will take longer to cook. Chicken drumsticks and whole chicken thighs will also have uneven cooking surfaces, so some parts may be cooked while others remain raw. However, if you lightly score the meat so that it cooks faster, or use a powerful rice cooker or Instant Pot that reaches higher temperatures, you can still cook chicken drumsticks in a rice steamer, it will just take a bit more time and preparation.

Chicken drumsticks require longer cooking times

Chicken drumsticks are a great, easy option for a tasty meal. They are a forgiving cut of meat, staying tender and juicy, and are simple to prepare. However, they do require a little longer in the oven than some other chicken cuts.

Drumsticks are best cooked in the oven at temperatures between 350°F and 425°F. At 350°F, they will take around 35 minutes, and at 400°F, they will take around 40 minutes. If you are cooking at 425°F, you can reduce the time to 30 minutes, but you will need to cover the chicken with foil to prevent it from burning.

Chicken drumsticks are best cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to 175°F. This will ensure they are cooked through and safe to eat.

If you are using a rice cooker, the cooking time will depend on the wattage of your appliance. Rice cookers use low heat and steam to cook, so a more powerful appliance will be able to reach higher temperatures. A basic rice cooker will not be able to reach the temperatures needed to cook chicken drumsticks, but a more powerful rice cooker or Instant Pot may be able to.

If you are using a rice cooker, it is best to lightly score the meat of the drumsticks so that they cook faster and more evenly. You will also need to check the internal temperature to ensure they are cooked through.

So, while chicken drumsticks are a great, tasty option, they do require a little longer cooking time than some other cuts of chicken.

Chicken fillets are ideal for rice cookers

More Flavour

The juices from the chicken fillets will meld with the liquid used to cook the rice, adding a whole new level of umami flavour to your dish. It's like cooking the rice with a homemade stock!

Tender Chicken

Because the chicken is braised and steamed in the rice cooker's liquids over low heat, there's less risk of overcooking the meat compared to frying it over direct heat. This results in tender, juicy, and flavourful chicken that complements the rice.

Less Clean-Up

Instead of using multiple pans to cook your chicken, rice, and vegetables separately, you can cook everything in just one appliance with a rice cooker. This saves time and effort on cleaning up!

Healthier Option

Cooking chicken in a rice cooker eliminates the need for oil, so you consume less fat and calories. It's a great way to enjoy delicious chicken without the extra grease.

Cost-Effective

Using a rice cooker to prepare chicken fillets is a cost-effective way to make a tasty chicken rice dish. You can make a restaurant-style meal at a fraction of the cost by using just one appliance and a few simple ingredients.

Easy Customisation

Chicken fillets cooked in a rice cooker can be easily customised with your favourite seasonings, sauces, and vegetables. You can also use different types of rice and liquids (such as chicken broth) to create a variety of flavours.

Simple Preparation

Preparing chicken fillets for the rice cooker is straightforward. Clean and season the chicken, then cut it into thin slices or small pieces. You can also marinate the chicken in your favourite sauce or seasoning blend to enhance the flavour.

Overall, chicken fillets are ideal for rice cookers as they cook quickly, add flavour to the rice, and require minimal preparation and clean-up. It's a convenient and tasty way to enjoy chicken and rice without the fuss of multiple pots and pans!

Chicken should be sliced thinly to ensure even cooking

By slicing the chicken thinly, you can ensure that the meat cooks evenly and thoroughly. This is because thinner slices of chicken have a more consistent thickness, allowing heat to penetrate the meat evenly. This helps to prevent undercooked or overcooked spots, resulting in a more uniform texture and doneness throughout the chicken.

Additionally, thinly sliced chicken cooks faster than thicker pieces. In a rice cooker, where the cooking temperature is relatively low, thinner slices of chicken will cook more efficiently and thoroughly in a shorter amount of time. This reduces the risk of undercooked chicken, ensuring food safety.

To achieve thinly sliced chicken, it is recommended to use a sharp knife to gently slice the chicken lengthwise, starting from the thickest part and moving towards the thinnest part. You can also use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness, making it easier to cook evenly.

By slicing the chicken thinly and following the appropriate cooking techniques, you can ensure even cooking and produce tender, flavourful chicken that complements the rice cooked in the rice cooker.

Chicken can be placed directly on top of rice grains

Yes, you can cook chicken drumsticks in a rice steamer, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to prepare the chicken properly. Remove any bloody bits and rub each piece with salt to season and "exfoliate" the skin. Rinse and drain the chicken before deboning or cutting it into your desired slices. You can still use chicken drumsticks, but lightly score the meat so that it cooks faster and more evenly.

Once your chicken is prepared, you can marinate it in your favourite sauce or remove the "chicken smell" with wine, olive oil, or seasonings. Allow the chicken to sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavour.

When you're ready to cook, place the water and rinsed uncooked rice in the rice cooker first, using a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water. Then, add the chicken on top. You can also cluster thin slices of mushroom and vegetables around the chicken if you want a more complete meal.

Pop on the lid and let the rice cooker do its magic. Once the lever pops up, your meal is ready! Fluff up the rice with a rice paddle and transfer everything into a bowl.

It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the wattage and functions of your rice cooker. A cheaper rice cooker may have lower watts and take longer to cook the chicken. Additionally, bone-in chicken and whole chicken will take longer to cook than thinly sliced fillets. Always ensure that your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature before consuming.

Now, let's focus on the statement, "Chicken can be placed directly on top of rice grains."

Indeed, chicken can be placed directly on top of rice grains in a rice steamer, and this is a convenient way to cook both the chicken and rice simultaneously. The rice grains act as a bed for the chicken, allowing the chicken juices to infuse into the rice and enhancing the flavour of the dish. This method is particularly suitable for bone-in chicken pieces like drumsticks, as the rice helps to keep the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out.

When placing chicken on top of rice grains in a rice steamer, it is essential to ensure that the chicken is prepared and seasoned adequately. As mentioned earlier, removing any bloody bits and rubbing the chicken with salt will enhance the flavour and texture. You can also create a marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and green onions to further enhance the flavour.

The ratio of rice to water is crucial for optimal cooking. Using 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water will ensure that the rice cooks properly and absorbs the right amount of liquid. Placing the chicken on top of the rice grains allows the chicken juices to drip down, infusing flavour into the rice and creating a tasty dish.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice cooker and the size of the chicken pieces. Bone-in chicken, such as drumsticks, may take longer to cook than boneless fillets. It is always advisable to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached a safe temperature before consumption.

By placing chicken directly on top of rice grains in a rice steamer, you create a one-pot meal that is convenient, flavourful, and moist. The rice absorbs the chicken juices, resulting in a tasty dish that complements the tender chicken. This method is a great option for those seeking an easy and delicious way to prepare chicken and rice together.

Rice cooker steaming retains chicken's natural taste

Steaming chicken is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason. Not only is it simple and quick, but it also helps retain the natural taste of the chicken. This is especially true when steaming younger chicken, which is commonly used in steamed dishes.

When it comes to cooking chicken in a rice cooker, there are a few benefits to consider. Firstly, the low heat and steam of the rice cooker allow the chicken to cook evenly, retaining its natural moisture and flavour. This results in tender, juicy chicken that complements the rice. Secondly, cooking chicken in a rice cooker eliminates the need for oil, reducing the amount of fat and calories in your meal.

To cook chicken in a rice cooker, start by cleaning and preparing the chicken. Remove any bloody bits and rub each piece with salt to season and "exfoliate" the skin. Rinse and drain the chicken before deboning or cutting it into thin slices. You can also use chicken drumsticks or bone-in thighs, but lightly scoring the meat will help it cook faster.

Marinating the chicken is an important step to enhance its flavour. You can brine the chicken in your favourite marinating sauce or use wine, olive oil, or seasonings like salt and pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more intense flavour.

When you're ready to cook, simply place the chicken pieces on top of the rice grains in the rice cooker. Use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water, or chicken broth for more flavour. You can also add thin slices of vegetables like mushrooms or green onions for extra taste and texture.

Pop on the lid and let the rice cooker work its magic. Once the lever pops up, fluff up the rice and transfer everything to a bowl. Divide the chicken and rice into separate bowls, and drizzle with chopped spring onion, sesame oil, or toasted garlic for a flavourful and visually appealing dish.

So, if you're looking for a convenient, tasty, and healthy way to cook chicken, consider using your rice cooker. Not only will it retain the chicken's natural taste, but it will also reduce your cleanup time and give you a tender, juicy meal.

Frequently asked questions