Steaming Chicken Breasts: How Long Does It Take?

Steamed chicken is a popular dish in Southeast Asian countries, where it is often served with chicken rice. It is also a keto-friendly option for those who want to add it to their salads. The cooking time for steamed chicken breasts varies depending on the size of the chicken and the recipe followed. Some recipes recommend steaming for 15 minutes, while others suggest 5 to 10 minutes, or even 30 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken is also important, with some sources recommending an internal temperature of 165 °F for juicy chicken.

Seasoning and preparation

Steamed chicken is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps. It is also popular in Southeast Asian countries, where it is typically served with chicken rice.

Firstly, prepare your steamer by filling it with about one inch of water and placing it over medium-high heat. You can use a steamer basket inside a saucepan or a dedicated steaming appliance.

For the chicken, you will need:

• 2 single chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped
• Lemon
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• Red chilli flakes (optional)

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. You can also try sprinkling salt on the chicken a day or 30 minutes before cooking to tenderize the meat and enhance the flavour.

Next, sprinkle the garlic and chilli flakes (if using) over the chicken breasts. Zest the lemon over the chicken, and then remove the leaves from the thyme sprigs and sprinkle them on top as well.

Spray the steaming basket with oil or line it with perforated parchment paper. Place the chicken breasts inside the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Cooking:

Once the water in the steamer comes to a simmer, place the basket over the water, cover with a lid, and let the chicken steam for 5-10 minutes or until cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and whether you have cut into them to help the heat distribute more evenly.

After steaming, remove the chicken from the basket and plate it. You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice and drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken before serving, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed chicken!

Steamer setup

To steam chicken breast, you'll need a steamer basket that fits into a saucepan, or a deep steaming tray that fits into a mixing bowl. You'll also need a lid that fits the saucepan or bowl.

First, fill the bottom of your saucepan or bowl with water. The water level should be just below the bottom of the steamer basket or deep steaming tray. If you're using a heavy pot, you can add a bit less than 1/4 cup of water, sake, or white wine instead.

Next, place the steamer basket or deep steaming tray into the saucepan or bowl. If you're using a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. If you're using a heavy pot, bring the wine/sake/water to a simmer on medium heat, then turn the heat to low.

Now you can add the chicken to the steamer basket or deep steaming tray. If you're using a saucepan, place the lid on top and steam the chicken for about 30 minutes, or until the juices run clear. If you're using a heavy pot, cover with a lid and let the chicken cook for 5-6 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the pot sit, still covered, for another 10-15 minutes.

You can also steam chicken in a deep steaming tray inside a mixing bowl using a multi-cooking appliance. Simply add water to the mixing bowl, insert the deep steaming tray, and steam the chicken for 15 minutes.

Cooking time

The cooking time for steamed chicken breast depends on a few factors, including the size of the chicken breast, the heat level, and the desired doneness. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you determine the ideal cooking time:

Preparing the Chicken:

Before steaming, it is recommended to season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and other desired spices or herbs. Some recipes suggest refrigerating the seasoned chicken for 30 minutes to let the flavours meld. Additionally, you can add flavour by marinating the chicken in white wine, sake, or water, or by coating it with olive oil.

Setting Up the Steamer:

Fill the steamer with water, ensuring it reaches just below the bottom of the steamer basket. Place the chicken in the basket, ensuring it is skin-side down. Bring the water to a boil or a simmer, depending on the recipe.

Steaming the Chicken:

Cover the pot and start timing once the water is boiling or simmering. The steaming time can vary from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breast and the desired doneness. For a single chicken breast, 5 to 10 minutes of steaming should be sufficient. However, for multiple chicken breasts or larger portions, you may need to steam for a longer duration, around 15 to 30 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the heat level and the steamer used. Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee it is cooked thoroughly. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Finishing and Serving:

After steaming, remove the chicken from the steamer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. You can serve steamed chicken breast with various sides, such as steamed vegetables, salad, wraps, or sandwiches. It can also be enjoyed as-is with an avocado dip or herb sauce.

Internal temperature

When cooking chicken, it's important to monitor the internal temperature to ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly and safely. The internal temperature of chicken can be measured with an instant-read thermometer, inserted into the thickest part of the meat.

The USDA recommends that chicken be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for at least 30 seconds to ensure any harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, are eliminated. This temperature guideline applies specifically to white meat, such as chicken breast. Dark meat, like chicken thighs, is recommended to be cooked to a higher temperature of 175 °F to 180 °F (79.4 °C) due to its higher amount of connective tissue.

When steaming chicken breast, the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken. As a reference, a typical chicken breast may take around 5 to 10 minutes to steam until just cooked through. However, it's crucial to rely on the internal temperature rather than cooking time alone to determine doneness.

To achieve the recommended internal temperature of 165 °F, you can steam the chicken for the suggested duration and then use a thermometer to check if it has reached the desired temperature. If not, you can continue steaming in short intervals, checking the temperature each time until it reaches 165 °F.

It's worth noting that carryover cooking occurs when the chicken is removed from the heat source, as the residual heat will cause the internal temperature to continue rising even after it's been taken off the steam. Therefore, it's advisable to remove the chicken from the steam just before it reaches 165 °F, as the temperature will continue to rise during the resting period, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked without overcooking and drying out the meat.

Serving suggestions

Steamed chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Salads

A popular option is to slice or shred the steamed chicken and use it as a salad topping. This keto-friendly choice adds protein to your greens and can be dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, or your favourite salad dressing.

Rice Bowls

In Southeast Asian cuisine, steamed chicken is often served with chicken rice. You can pair it with steamed or fried rice, adding sauces like soy sauce or sesame oil, and toppings such as spring onions or cilantro.

Wraps and Sandwiches

The steamed chicken's moist and juicy texture makes it ideal for wraps and sandwiches. Try it with some avocado dip or herb sauce, and add some fresh vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Sides

For a more substantial meal, steamed chicken can be served with sides like steamed kale and baby potatoes. You can also experiment with other steamed, roasted, or stir-fried vegetables, like artichokes or beans.

Sauces and Dips

Create a sauce or dip to accompany your steamed chicken. For example, a simple combination of olive oil and lemon juice can enhance the flavour of the chicken. Alternatively, you could make a more complex sauce with garlic, onion, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Customisation

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients. You can try marinating the chicken in salt beforehand to enhance its flavour and tenderness, or add spices and herbs like thyme, garlic, or red chilli flakes to give it a kick.

Frequently asked questions