Steaming Chicken Breasts: The Perfect Oven Method

Chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and steaming is one of them. Steaming chicken breast is a healthy and convenient way to prepare this lean protein, and it can be done in a steam oven with minimal fuss. The steam oven method locks in moisture, ensuring juicy and tender chicken that can be paired with a variety of sides and sauces. Whether you're cooking for one or a large group, this technique delivers consistent results. In this guide, we'll explore the steps to achieve perfectly steamed chicken breast, highlighting key considerations and variations to make it your own.

How to prepare chicken breast for steaming

There are a few ways to prepare chicken breast for steaming, depending on the desired level of doneness and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare chicken breast for steaming:

Step 1: Trimming and Seasoning

Start by trimming any excess fat or sinew from the chicken breasts. You can do this with a knife or kitchen scissors. Then, season the chicken with your desired spices and herbs. For example, you could use a combination of paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also marinate the chicken in a brine solution made by combining salt and water for 20 minutes to enhance the flavour and moisture of the meat. After marinating, be sure to dry the chicken before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Crumbing (Optional)

If you want a crispy, golden crust on your chicken, you can create a crumb mixture to press onto the chicken before steaming. Combine breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, chopped herbs (such as parsley), minced garlic, melted butter, and cracked black pepper in a bowl. Press the crumb mixture onto the chicken breasts, creating a generous mound on top of each fillet.

Step 3: Steaming

Preheat your steam oven to the desired temperature and setting. The temperature and duration of steaming will depend on your specific oven and the level of doneness you prefer. For example, one recipe recommends preheating to 350°F/180°C with the combination steam setting, while another suggests 100°C for a more tender result. Place the chicken in a steam container or oven-safe dish and follow the instructions for your specific steam oven model.

Step 4: Pan-Frying (Optional)

For an extra crispy skin, you can remove the chicken from the steam oven and pat it dry with a paper towel. Heat a frypan on medium heat and place the chicken skin-side down, pan-frying for about 2 minutes. Add butter to the pan and continue frying for another minute, basting the chicken with the melted butter.

Step 5: Slicing and Serving

Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into diagonal slices or shred it, depending on your preference. Serve the steamed chicken with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a green salad. Enjoy!

The best temperature and time settings

Most steam ovens will have different settings for steam cooking, such as a combination steam setting or a convection steam setting. For cooking chicken breasts, you will typically want to use the combination steam setting, which uses a combination of steam and dry heat to cook the food. This setting is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and tender on the inside.

When using a combination steam setting, a temperature of around 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C) is recommended. At these temperatures, your chicken breasts will typically take around 12 to 30 minutes to cook through, depending on their thickness. It's important to ensure that your oven has reached the desired temperature before inserting the chicken.

If your oven has variable steam settings, you can select a higher steam percentage (such as 60%) to increase the humidity during cooking. This can help keep the chicken moist and juicy. Alternatively, if you're looking for more of a crispy texture, you can select a lower steam percentage.

For even cooking and to prevent overcooking, it's recommended to use an oven-safe probe to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken breasts are typically considered done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). However, you can also cook them to a lower temperature if you prefer a more medium or rare doneness.

In some cases, you may want to cook the chicken at a lower temperature for a longer period. For example, steaming the chicken at 65°C for 1 hour can result in a more tender texture. Additionally, if you're cooking other ingredients alongside the chicken, such as rice or vegetables, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

By experimenting with different temperature and time settings, you can find the combination that works best for your taste and preferences. Just remember to always follow food safety guidelines to ensure that your chicken is cooked properly and safely.

How to get a crispy exterior

To get a crispy exterior when cooking chicken breasts in a steam oven, there are several techniques you can use.

Firstly, ensure you pat the chicken dry before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of a crisp exterior, so use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the chicken.

Next, consider using a breading or coating. This is especially important if you are cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as these cuts lack the fatty exterior that crisps up in the oven. You can use a variety of coatings, such as flour, nuts, breadcrumbs, crushed pretzels or chips, or even crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option. Combine your chosen breading with an egg wash to help it stick to the chicken.

Another tip is to use a wire rack when cooking the chicken. Place the chicken on top of an oven-safe wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This allows heat to fully circulate around the chicken and helps to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy as the excess fat and moisture will drip down.

Finally, cook the chicken at a high temperature. Cooking the chicken at a higher temperature will help to achieve a crispy exterior while retaining moisture on the inside. For a crispy breaded chicken breast, a temperature of 400°F is recommended, with a cooking time of 20-25 minutes.

What to serve with steamed chicken breast

There are many ways to cook chicken breast in a steam oven, and it is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways.

One option is to serve the chicken on top of a salad. This is a keto-friendly option and can be served with an avocado dip or herb sauce. You could also add mango and chilli chutney, a yoghurt and chilli sauce, or a simple olive oil and butter dressing.

Chicken breast is also commonly served with rice. This could be chicken and rice cooked together in a steam oven, or chicken served on top of rice with a sauce. A simple sauce can be made by frying onions and garlic in oil, adding soy sauce and sesame oil, and serving this over the chicken and rice.

You could also serve the chicken with roasted vegetables, or a green salad or wrap on the side.

How to store leftovers

Once you've cooked your chicken breasts in the steam oven, it's important to know how to store your leftovers safely. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it's important to get your cooked chicken into the fridge as soon as possible. Bacteria can multiply quickly when chicken is left at room temperature, so aim to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. If you have a lot of chicken, it's best to divide it into smaller portions so it cools down faster.

When storing, use a clean and dry, airtight container or an unused food-grade plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date, so you know when you need to eat the chicken by. Cooked chicken will last in the fridge for three to four days.

It's important to note that using this method, the chicken should be consumed within this timeframe. Spoiled chicken may have a slimy texture, become soft, or develop an unpleasant odour. It may also turn a dark colour or develop a greenish or yellowish tint. If you're unsure, it's best to throw it out.

Now, for some ideas on how to use up those leftovers:

• Add to a leafy green salad.
• Make a chicken salad.
• Toss some into a soup or curry.
• Use in pasta, wraps, tacos, or quesadillas.
• Create a chicken sandwich or chicken rolls.
• Try some more substantial dishes like chicken pot pie, chicken enchiladas, or chicken quiche.

Frequently asked questions