Steaming Chicken Thighs: How Long Before They're Done?

Steaming is a popular way of cooking chicken, especially in Asian households. It is a healthy method of cooking because no additional fat is used, and it retains the flavour, tenderness and moisture of the meat. Chicken thighs can be steamed in a variety of ways, including in a traditional steamer, a rice cooker, or a bamboo steamer. The cooking time will depend on the method used, but it typically takes between 15 and 35 minutes to steam chicken thighs until they are fully cooked.

Steamer basket setup

To set up a steamer basket, you will need a pot or saucepan with a lid, and a steamer basket that fits snugly inside. The first step is to find a pot that fits your steamer basket. For metal, silicone, or stainless steel steamer baskets, a deeper pot is fine, but for bamboo steamer baskets, a shallow pot is preferable so that you can easily access the basket.

Next, pour in about an inch of water—enough that the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. This is important because too much moisture touching the food can prevent it from steaming properly and make it too mushy.

Now, place your food in the steamer basket. If using a metal or silicone steamer basket, place your food and seasoning on top of the basket. If using a bamboo steamer basket, you can put multiple layers of food in the basket, with the food that will take the longest to cook (such as meat) in the bottom basket, and quicker-cooking foods like vegetables in the upper baskets.

Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Check on your food regularly to avoid overcooking. The time it takes to steam your food will depend on the type of food and how much you are cooking, so there is no primary rule of thumb to follow.

Finally, remove your food from the steamer basket. With a collapsible metal steamer basket or steamer rack, use utensils like a fork or tongs to remove the food from the pot. If your steamer basket has handles, you can pull the entire basket and food out. With a bamboo steamer basket, simply lift the entire basket out.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to cook chicken thighs in a steamer:

• Chicken thighs
• Salt
• Ginger
• Green onions
• Light soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• White pepper
• Sesame oil
• Chinese cooking wine (optional)
• Sugar

Marinating the Chicken

Before steaming the chicken, it is important to marinate it to infuse the meat with flavour. To do this, you can follow these steps:

• Clean the chicken thighs and pat them dry.
• Spread a marinating sauce, such as a mixture of light soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, and sugar, evenly on both sides of the chicken.
• Place ginger and green onion shreds on top of the chicken.
• Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Steaming the Chicken

Once the chicken is marinated, you can begin the steaming process:

• Fill a large pot or wok with enough water to reach just below the bottom of your steamer.
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the steamer, leaving a little room around each piece to allow the steam to circulate freely.
• Cover the pot or wok and steam the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
• To check if the chicken is done, pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a skewer. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.

Serving the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, you can serve it with a dipping sauce or a sauce poured over the chicken. You can also garnish it with green onions. Steamed chicken goes well with rice and steamed or stir-fried vegetables.

Cooking time

The cooking time for chicken thighs in a steamer varies depending on the type of steamer and the number of chicken thighs being cooked. Here is a step-by-step guide with approximate cooking times:

Preparation:

Before cooking, ensure your chicken thighs are cleaned and patted dry. You can also marinate the chicken in a sauce or rub it with salt to enhance the flavour.

Cooking:

If you are using a traditional steamer, fill the steamer pot halfway with water and bring it to a full boil using high heat. Herbs and spices can be added to the water for additional flavour. Place the chicken thighs in the steamer, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little room around each piece. This allows the steam to circulate freely and cook the meat evenly. Cover the steamer and place it over the boiling water, ensuring no water enters through the steamer holes.

For individual chicken thigh pieces, the cooking time is approximately 20 minutes. However, if you are cooking multiple pieces at once, the cooking time may increase. For example, if you are cooking a mix of chicken thighs, drumsticks, and wings, the initial steaming time is 5 minutes, after which you can add chicken breast fillets and steam for a further 20 minutes.

It is important to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. You can check this by piercing the thickest part of the meat with a skewer; if the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. Another indicator is the colour of the meat near the bone; it should not be pink, and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165°F (74°C).

Serving:

After cooking, remove the chicken from the steamer and serve immediately. Steamed chicken is often served with rice and a dipping sauce or garnish.

Please note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on your steamer and the number of chicken thighs being cooked, so it is always good to check the doneness of the meat to ensure it is cooked to your preference.

Sauce preparation

Steaming chicken is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine. It is a healthy way of cooking as no additional fat is used, and it also helps to retain the chicken's flavour, tenderness and moisture.

There are several sauces that can be used to complement steamed chicken. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare some of them:

Oyster-Based Dipping Sauce

This sauce is a thick, savoury paste that is commonly used in southern China. It pairs well with steamed chicken as it creates a strong contrast between the juicy, tender meat and the thick, savoury sauce.

Ingredients:

• Oyster sauce
• Light soy sauce
• Water
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Green onion

Preparation:

• Heat up a tablespoon of sesame oil in a saucepan.
• Stir-fry chopped garlic and green onion until fragrant.
• Add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and water to the saucepan.
• Mix well and bring the contents to a boil.
• Transfer the sauce to a dipping bowl and let it cool down slightly.

Onion and Soy Sauce

This sauce is prepared in a skillet.

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Light soy sauce
• Sesame oil

Preparation:

• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Stir in onion and cook until tender (3 to 4 minutes).
• Mix in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
• Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, then remove from heat.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth can be made using the water that was used for steaming the chicken.

Preparation:

• After steaming the chicken, remove the chicken from the steamer.
• Use the steaming water to make a broth.
• The broth can be eaten on its own or used to make a sauce to serve with the chicken.

Serving suggestions

Steamed chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this juicy and tender dish:

Rice or Noodles

Steamed chicken thighs go well with rice or noodles, which can absorb the juices and flavours of the dish. For a Thai-inspired meal, serve the chicken over a bed of jasmine rice. Alternatively, try creamy polenta or farro for a grain-based option.

Vegetables

A simple steamed or roasted vegetable side dish complements the chicken. Try asparagus, broccoli, or spinach. For a heartier meal, roast a variety of vegetables such as peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, or red potatoes alongside the chicken on a sheet pan.

Salads

A fresh salad can also be a great pairing. Opt for a simple side salad or a more substantial grain-based salad, such as a farro or Mediterranean quinoa salad.

Breads

Crusty bread or rolls can be used to soak up the juices from the chicken. For a Greek-inspired meal, serve with pita or flatbread.

Sauces

The addition of a sauce can enhance the flavour of the steamed chicken. Try a zesty sauce made with coconut juice, or a peanut sauce for a Thai-inspired dish. Alternatively, a variety of dipping sauces such as BBQ, pesto, honey mustard, or Ranch can be offered on the side.

Sides

For a complete meal, consider adding sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta. Baked goods like cornbread or crescent rolls are also great accompaniments.

Leftovers

Leftover steamed chicken thighs can be sliced and used in sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Frequently asked questions