Cooking Chicken In A Rice Steamer: A Simple Guide

Steaming chicken is a healthy and convenient way to cook, helping to retain the meat's natural juices and flavour. It's also a versatile cooking method, with rice cookers able to steam any cut of chicken, from breasts to wings, thighs, and even a whole chicken. This paragraph will explore the simple steps to achieve perfectly steamed chicken in a rice cooker, including preparation, cooking, and serving tips for a tasty and nutritious meal.

Chicken preparation: clean, season, and bone-in for flavour

Preparing chicken for cooking in a rice steamer begins with cleaning the meat. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water, ensuring you wash away any residue or impurities.

Next up is seasoning. Seasoning the chicken is a crucial step in adding flavour, and it's an opportunity to get creative. A simple yet effective seasoning blend includes garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other spices and herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or ginger. Massage the seasonings into the chicken to ensure even distribution. For optimal results, season the chicken well ahead of time, as this allows the salt to penetrate the meat and enhance its juiciness. A basic wet brine solution can be made by dissolving 1/4 cup of additive-free kosher salt in hot water, then adding ice water to cool it down. Place the chicken in this brine for 45-90 minutes. Alternatively, a dry brine can be achieved by sprinkling kosher salt or sea salt on the chicken and refrigerating it until cooking time.

Finally, bone-in chicken is recommended for better flavour. The bone adds structure to the meat and helps it hold its shape during cooking. Additionally, the presence of bone marrow contributes to enhanced flavour. Bone-in chicken also tends to be juicier due to the bone's ability to retain moisture.

Rice cooker setup: fill with water, add a rack, and choose a setting

To cook chicken in a rice cooker, you'll need to fill the cooker with water, add a rack, and choose the right setting. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Filling the Rice Cooker with Water

The amount of water you need will depend on the size and capacity of your rice cooker, as well as the amount of chicken you're cooking. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of water for every 2 pounds of chicken. However, if you're cooking chicken and rice together, as in some recipes, you'll need to adjust the water quantity to avoid soggy rice. In this case, use about 80% of the water you would usually use for the amount of rice you're cooking.

Adding a Rack

Place a rack inside your rice cooker. If your rice cooker didn't come with a rack, you can create a makeshift one by balling up some tin foil and placing a small plate on top. This will ensure that the chicken is raised above the water level and cooks evenly.

Choosing the Right Setting

Close the lid of your rice cooker and select the appropriate setting. If you're cooking chicken and rice together, simply press the ''cook' button as you would for regular rice. If you're steaming chicken without rice, choose the steam or cook function. The cooking time will vary based on the size and type of chicken pieces. For example, chicken pieces may take around 20-30 minutes, while a whole chicken may take 60-90 minutes. Always refer to your rice cooker's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Chicken cooking: steam for 20-30 minutes, checking with a thermometer

Chicken cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces or whether it's a whole chicken. As a general rule, bone-in chicken pieces should be cooked for 20-30 minutes, and a whole chicken for 60-90 minutes.

When cooking chicken in a rice steamer, it's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly. The best way to do this is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to get an accurate reading.

If you are cooking chicken pieces, set the timer for 20 minutes and start checking the temperature with the thermometer. The chicken is likely to need a few more minutes, so keep checking every few minutes until the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).

For a whole chicken, the cooking time is longer, so start checking the temperature after 60 minutes of cooking. Keep checking every few minutes until the chicken is cooked to the recommended temperature.

It's important to note that the timing is crucial when cooking chicken in a rice steamer. If you add the chicken too late, it won't be cooked enough, and if you add it too early, the chicken will soak in the rice water for too long, resulting in less-than-perfect results.

Rice cooking: add rice, salt, and flavourings, then press cook

Now that you've prepared your chicken, it's time to cook some rice!

First, you'll want to wash your rice. Place your rice in a bowl and fill it with water. Swirl the rice with your hand and drain the water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. This will help get rid of any starch on the rice, ensuring a better texture and taste.

Next, you'll want to add your rice to the rice cooker. For this step, you'll need to add water. The general rule of thumb is to add 1 and 1/4 cups of water for every 1.5 cups of rice. However, because you'll be cooking chicken with your rice, you'll want to reduce the amount of water to ensure your rice doesn't become too soggy. Aim for about 80% of the amount of water you would usually use.

Now, it's time to add some flavour! Sprinkle in some salt and your chosen flavourings. You can keep it simple with just salt, or experiment with different seasonings. Some popular options include garlic, ginger, spring onions, and soy sauce for a Chinese-style dish. You can also try barbecue, taco, or fajita seasonings.

Once you've added your rice, water, salt, and flavourings to the rice cooker, give it a quick stir to ensure everything is well combined. Then, simply place the lid on your rice cooker and press the 'cook' button.

The cooking time will depend on your rice cooker and the type of rice you're using. For white rice, it typically takes around 15-20 minutes to cook. For brown rice, the cooking time will be longer. Refer to your rice cooker's instructions for the best results.

Once the rice cooker has done its job, let the rice rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the rice become even fluffier and more moist. Then, simply mix the rice together, garnish as desired, and enjoy your delicious chicken and rice meal!

Chicken and rice serving: allow chicken to rest, and garnish rice

Once the chicken is cooked, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavourful meat.

While the chicken is resting, you can prepare the rice for serving. If you cooked the chicken and rice together, simply fluff up the rice with a fork and mix in any garnishes. If you cooked the rice separately, you can plate it up and garnish it with sliced green onions or spring onions. You could also add some sweet soy sauce to taste.

If you want to add a crispy element to your dish, transfer the steamed chicken to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.

Finally, plate the chicken with the rice and any sauces or dips you'd like to serve alongside. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions