Steaming Chicken: How Long Before It's Done Right?

Steaming is a great way to cook chicken fillets, keeping them moist and juicy. The cooking time will depend on the size of the fillets and the type of steamer being used. For example, a recipe from CookingPal recommends steaming four chicken fillets for 15 minutes, while another recipe from Allrecipes recommends steaming two chicken breast halves for 30 minutes. In general, it's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and that the juices run clear. One technique is to briefly steam the chicken in a liquid such as wine, sake, or water, and then let the residual heat slowly cook the meat, preventing it from drying out.

Seasoning the chicken

When it comes to seasoning chicken fillets for steaming, there are several methods and ingredients you can use to enhance the flavour. Here is a detailed guide:

Salting the Chicken

One popular method is to salt the chicken before steaming. Place the chicken fillets in a bowl and add a generous amount of salt. Use your hands to rub the salt evenly into the meat. You can then cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for about 30 minutes to let the salt penetrate the meat. Salting the chicken helps to season the meat and also draw out some of the moisture, resulting in a more tender texture. If you have the time, you can even try salting the chicken a day in advance to allow the flavour to truly soak in.

Adding Spices and Herbs

In addition to salt, there are various spices and herbs you can use to season your chicken fillets. For a classic option, freshly ground black pepper is a simple yet effective choice. You can also experiment with spices like garlic powder, red chilli flakes, paprika, or dried thyme. These spices not only add flavour but can also give your chicken a nice golden colour during cooking. If you prefer fresh herbs, you can use chopped thyme, rosemary, or parsley, adding them directly to the chicken or sprinkling them on top before steaming.

Marinades and Sauces

Creating a marinade or sauce for your chicken fillets is another way to infuse flavour. You can try a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your choice of spices or herbs. Alternatively, experiment with different sauces like soy sauce, sesame oil, or even a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Coat the chicken fillets in your chosen marinade or sauce and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before steaming. This will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Aromatics in the Steamer

Don't forget that you can also add flavour to your steamed chicken by incorporating aromatics into the steaming process itself. For example, you can add ingredients like sliced onions, carrots, celery, or gingerroot directly into the steaming water. These aromatics will infuse the steam with their flavour, which will then be absorbed by the chicken as it cooks. This technique is a great way to add depth of flavour to your dish without directly seasoning the chicken fillets themselves.

Remember, when it comes to seasoning, you can follow recipes, but it's also a creative process where you can experiment and find combinations that suit your taste preferences.

Preparing the steamer

Firstly, you'll need to decide on the type of steamer you want to use. A common method is to use a steamer basket placed in a saucepan or pot. Fill the saucepan or pot with water, ensuring that the water level is just below the bottom of the steamer basket. This is crucial to prevent the water from touching the chicken directly and creating a boiling effect rather than a steaming one. An alternative option is to use a dedicated steaming tray, which can be placed in a mixing bowl or similar container and filled with water.

Once you've set up your steamer, it's time to prepare the chicken fillets. Many recipes recommend seasoning the chicken with salt, and sometimes other spices, before steaming. This is an optional step but can add a lot of flavour to the dish. If you choose to do this, place the chicken fillets in a bowl and rub them with salt, ensuring they are well coated. You can also add other seasonings like pepper, garlic, or chilli flakes to enhance the flavour. After seasoning, it's a good idea to refrigerate the chicken for about 30 minutes to let the flavours truly absorb into the meat.

Before placing the chicken in the steamer, it's essential to rinse off any excess salt or seasonings. This can be done by simply running the fillets under running water until all the seasonings are removed. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel if needed.

Now your steamer is ready to go! Place the chicken fillets in the steamer basket or tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam inside. The steaming time will depend on the size of your chicken fillets, but on average, it should take around 15 to 30 minutes for them to cook through.

While the chicken is steaming, you can prepare any sides or sauces to accompany your meal. Steamed chicken goes well with a variety of sides, such as rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also create a simple sauce by stirring together ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.

Keep an eye on the water level in your steamer and top it up if needed to ensure a consistent steam environment. Remember to always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling the steamer, as it will be very hot.

Cooking the chicken

Firstly, prepare your chicken by seasoning it with salt and pepper, and other spices or herbs of your choice. You can also marinate the chicken in salt beforehand, leaving it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to overnight. This is an optional step, but it adds flavour and makes the meat more tender. You can also add aromatics, such as lemongrass, to the boiling water to infuse the chicken with extra flavour.

Next, set up your steamer. Fill a saucepan with water to just below the steamer basket, or about one inch of water if using a steamer without a basket. Place the chicken in the steamer, ensuring it is raised above the water level. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover the pan.

Let the chicken steam for 5-10 minutes for smaller pieces, or up to 30 minutes for larger pieces, such as chicken breasts. The chicken is done when the juices run clear. You can also check by cutting into the thickest part of the meat to ensure it is cooked through.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the steamer and serve immediately, or allow it to cool and store it in the refrigerator for later. Steamed chicken goes well with salads, wraps, and sandwiches, or can be served with a sauce and a side of rice or potatoes.

Making a sauce

Steaming chicken is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine, and it is also a staple in many Asian households. It is a simple, quick, and versatile way of cooking chicken that helps retain moisture and flavour.

Steaming chicken often involves marinating the chicken in a sauce before cooking, and serving it with a dipping sauce or a garnish. Here are some ideas for sauces to accompany steamed chicken:

Oyster-Based Dipping Sauce

This sauce is a thick, savoury paste that is popular in southern China. It is often served with blanched vegetables and proteins. The thick texture makes it a great coating for steamed chicken.

To make this sauce, heat up a tablespoon of sesame oil in a saucepan and stir-fry chopped garlic and green onion until fragrant. Then, add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and water. Mix well and bring the contents to a boil. Transfer to a dipping bowl and let it cool down a little before serving.

Ginger Scallion Sauce

This sauce is a great accompaniment to steamed chicken, adding flavour and moisture. To make it, add ginger and green onions to a food processor and pulse until broken down. You can use the light green parts of the green onions to create a light green sauce, or the dark green parts for a darker colour. Dump the processed ginger and green onions into a small bowl. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes and pour it over the ginger and green onions. Add salt and stir.

Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil

A simple sauce can be made by heating vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Mix in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Finally, stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, then remove from heat. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with cilantro or green onions.

Avocado Dip or Herb Sauce

For a simpler sauce or dip, steamed chicken can be served with an avocado dip or a herb sauce. This can be a great option if you are short on time, as the chicken can be served as-is with just a simple sauce or dip.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve steamed chicken fillets. Here are some serving suggestions:

Salads, Wraps, and Sandwiches

A popular choice is to use the steamed chicken in salads, wraps, or sandwiches. The chicken can be sliced or pulled apart and paired with an avocado dip or herb sauce. This option is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to create various dishes with different sauces and dips.

Rice Bowls

For a heartier meal, steamed chicken can be served with a big bowl of fragrant rice. The chicken fillets are placed on top of the rice and then covered with the onion sauce and garnishes. This creates a tasty and filling dish that can be enjoyed with chopsticks for a full Asian culinary experience.

Side Dishes

Steamed chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Some options include everyday salad, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, and sweet treats like berry fruit salad or winter fruit salad. These sides add colour, flavour, and nutritional value to your meal.

Marinades and Spices

To enhance the flavour of your steamed chicken, consider using a marinade or adding dried herbs and spices. Homemade marinades made with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper can elevate the taste without adding too much sugar or salt. Alternatively, dried herbs and spices can be sprinkled generously on both sides of the chicken before steaming, ensuring a juicy and flavourful outcome.

Frequently asked questions