Steaming Chicken: Hamilton Style — Quick, Easy, Delicious

Steaming is a great way to cook chicken, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavourful dish. It is a healthy and fuss-free method that locks in flavour and moisture. In this article, we will be discussing how long to cook chicken in a Hamilton steamer, as well as providing some tips and tricks for achieving perfectly cooked chicken. So, whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, read on to elevate your culinary skills and learn more about the benefits of steaming chicken!

How to prepare chicken for steaming

Preparing chicken for steaming is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by selecting fresh or thawed chicken pieces of your choice, such as breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Clean and trim any excess fat from the chicken. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken dry, removing any moisture, as this will help your chosen seasonings adhere better.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Now, it's time to season your chicken. You can choose a simple combination of salt and black pepper or get creative with a mix of herbs and spices. Rub your chosen seasonings all over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. You can also try marinating the chicken before steaming to add extra flavour and enhance juiciness. A simple marinade can be made with salt, pepper, and other desired spices, or you can use your favourite marinade recipe. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 3: Prepare Your Steamer

Fill the base of your steamer with water, following the manufacturer's instructions. Place a steamer basket or rack on top of the water, ensuring it is stable and secure. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a heavy pot with a lid, such as a Le Creuset, or a covered saucepan.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken on the steamer basket or rack, ensuring the pieces are spread out evenly with space between them. This allows the steam to circulate around each piece for even cooking.

Step 5: Steam the Chicken

Cover the steamer with a lid to create a sealed cooking environment. This will trap the steam and help cook the chicken evenly. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. As a general rule, boneless chicken breasts take about 15-20 minutes to steam, while bone-in pieces may take around 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and juicy final product. Your steamed chicken is now ready to be served! You can pair it with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Seasoning and marinating the chicken

Before steaming your chicken, it's important to prepare and season it to infuse it with flavour. Start by cleaning and trimming any excess fat from the chicken pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture, as this will help the seasonings to adhere better.

When it comes to seasoning, you can opt for a simple combination of salt and black pepper, or experiment with a mix of herbs and spices. For example, you could try coriander, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, or basil. Rub the seasonings all over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.

If you want to add extra flavour and juiciness to your chicken, you can marinate it before steaming. Create your own marinade using bold ingredients such as lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, or chilli. Alternatively, use a store-bought marinade.

To make your own marinade, combine acidic ingredients, oils, sweeteners, and seasonings. For acidic ingredients, you can use citrus juice (lemon, lime, grapefruit, or orange), or vinegar (white wine, red wine, apple cider, or balsamic). For oils, try olive oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or toasted sesame oil. Sweeteners could include brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. And for seasonings, experiment with herb mixes, miso paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, ginger, or shallots.

If your marinade includes chunky ingredients, blend them into a smooth, thick liquid. If you don't have a blender, you can use a food processor. However, if your marinade only includes liquid ingredients and dry seasonings, simply shake the ingredients together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Once your marinade is ready, it's time to add the chicken. Place the raw chicken and marinade in a sealable bag or a food storage container. Turn the chicken to ensure it's fully coated, then seal or cover the container. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavour it will absorb. However, if you marinate the chicken for more than a day, the acidic ingredients may break down the meat proteins, affecting the texture.

Before cooking, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. If you want to use the leftover marinade as a sauce, pour it into a saucepan and bring it to a boil for at least one minute to kill any bacteria.

Cooking the Chicken

Now that your chicken is seasoned or marinated, it's time to steam it. Fill the base of your steamer with water, following the manufacturer's instructions. Place the steamer basket or rack on top, ensuring it's stable and secure. Arrange the chicken pieces on the steamer basket, leaving space between them for the steam to circulate.

Cover the steamer with a lid to create a sealed cooking environment, which will help trap the steam and cook the chicken evenly. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. As a guide, boneless chicken breasts typically take 10-20 minutes, while bone-in pieces may take 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74-75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender meat.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for chicken in a Hamilton steamer will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. As a general rule, boneless chicken breasts will take less time to cook than bone-in pieces. For example, boneless chicken breasts typically take around 15-20 minutes, while bone-in pieces may require around 25-30 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. The chicken is cooked when the juices run clear.

• Boneless chicken breast halves or cutlets: 6-8 minutes
• Boneless chicken tenders or strips: 3-5 minutes
• Chicken thighs: 15-18 minutes
• Chicken drumsticks: 20-25 minutes
• Whole chicken (4-6 lbs): 45-60 minutes

When steaming chicken, it is important to ensure that the water is fully boiling before placing the chicken in the steam basket. This will help ensure even cooking. Additionally, the chicken should be arranged in a single layer with space between each piece to allow for steam circulation. Overcrowding the steamer will result in uneven cooking.

It is also recommended to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after steaming. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender texture.

Mistakes to avoid when steaming chicken

Steaming chicken is a great way to cook the meat while retaining its natural flavours and nutrients. It is a healthy and fuss-free method that results in tender and juicy chicken. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when steaming chicken:

Not Preparing the Chicken Properly

Before steaming, ensure that your chicken pieces are cleaned and trimmed of any excess fat. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture, as this will help the seasonings to adhere better.

Not Seasoning the Chicken

Seasoning is crucial when steaming chicken. A simple combination of salt and black pepper can be used, or you can get creative with a mix of herbs and spices. Make sure to rub the seasonings all over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Incorrect Steamer Setup

Fill the base of your steamer with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the steamer basket or rack on top of the water, ensuring it is stable and secure. Make sure the chicken pieces are spread out evenly, allowing room for the steam to circulate around each piece.

Not Checking the Chicken's Doneness

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. As a general guideline, boneless chicken breasts typically take about 15-20 minutes to steam, while bone-in pieces may require around 25-30 minutes. It is important to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, or look for clear juices and firm, opaque flesh.

Not Letting the Chicken Rest

After removing the chicken from the steamer, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and succulent chicken.

Not Serving with Complementary Sides

Steamed chicken is versatile and can be paired with various side dishes. Serve it with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also incorporate the steamed chicken into stir-fries, wraps, or sandwiches for a healthy and tasty meal.

What to serve with steamed chicken

Steamed chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Here are some ideas on what to serve with steamed chicken to elevate your dining experience:

• Rice: In Southeast Asian countries, steamed chicken is often served with rice, creating a simple yet satisfying meal. The rice complements the chicken and absorbs any delicious sauces or juices.
• Vegetables: Steamed vegetables are an excellent choice to accompany steamed chicken. Opt for healthy options like steamed kale or baby potatoes. You can also incorporate the steamed chicken into a stir-fry with your favourite vegetables for a colourful and tasty dish.
• Salad: For a refreshing side, serve your steamed chicken with a fresh salad. A variety of leafy greens, vegetables, and a tangy dressing will balance out the meal.
• Dipping Sauce: Create a savoury dipping sauce to accompany your steamed chicken. For example, an oyster-based sauce made with oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and green onions will add extra flavour to your dish.
• Noodles: Try serving your steamed chicken with cellophane noodles or other types of noodles. It will make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Quinoa: For a gluten-free option, quinoa is a great choice to serve with steamed chicken. It provides a good source of protein and fibre, making your meal more nutritious.

When deciding on sides, consider the flavours and textures that will complement your steamed chicken. You can keep it simple with rice or salad, or get creative with sauces and noodles. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of sides that suits your taste!

Frequently asked questions