Steaming Chicken: Easy, Quick, And Delicious Meals

Cooking chicken in steam bags is a convenient and tasty way to prepare chicken. It's a quick and easy method that requires minimal clean-up and can be done in the oven or microwave. Steam bags are usually made from paper or plastic and trap moisture inside, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly without drying out. This technique is particularly good for those who enjoy crispy skin, as the bag can be opened for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown. Steam bags can be purchased from most supermarkets, and the chicken can be seasoned to your taste.

How to Cook Chicken in Steam Bags

How to cook chicken in steam bags in the oven

Cooking chicken in a steam bag in the oven is a simple and convenient way to achieve juicy, flavorful results with minimal cleanup. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any giblets from the chicken and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. You can also place chopped vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and celery, inside the cavity of the chicken for added flavor.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken generously with your choice of seasonings. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary. You can also brush the chicken with melted butter or olive oil before seasoning.

Step 3: Prepare the Steam Bag

Place the oven bag in a large roasting pan. Add a tablespoon of flour to the bag and shake it to distribute the flour evenly. The flour will help create gravy and prevent the bag from bursting.

Step 4: Place Chicken in the Bag

Insert the seasoned chicken into the oven bag, ensuring it is centered and not touching the sides. Close the bag securely with the included tie or kitchen twine. Cut a few small slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook the chicken according to its weight. A good rule of thumb is to roast the chicken for 15-20 minutes per pound. For a 3.5- to 4-pound chicken, cook for 1 to 1 1/4 hours. For a 5- to 7-pound chicken, cook for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.

Step 6: Remove and Rest

Remove the roasting pan from the oven and carefully cut open the top of the bag. Lift the chicken out of the bag and place it on a cutting board or serving platter. Allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Slice the chicken into thin slices and serve with the juices from the bag. You can also make a gravy by stirring the juices until smooth and pouring them into a small bowl or gravy boat.

Cooking chicken in a steam bag in the oven is a simple and effective method that results in juicy and flavorful meat with minimal cleanup. By following these steps, you can easily prepare a delicious roast chicken for your family or special occasions.

How to make sure the chicken is cooked

Eating raw chicken can cause food poisoning, so it's important to ensure your chicken is cooked properly. Here are some ways to check if your chicken is cooked:

• Use a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a whole bird, push the thermometer into the thigh, under the big thigh bone where the drumstick and thigh meet.
• Check the juices: If the juices from the chicken are clear or white, the chicken is likely cooked. If the juices are still pink or tinted, the chicken needs more time.
• Check the colour of the meat: Cut into the thickest part of the chicken and check the colour. The meat should be white, very light pink, or light tan with no shiny pink areas. If there are large pink areas, the chicken is not cooked.
• Check the texture: Raw chicken feels rubbery or wobbly, while cooked chicken is firmer and springs back from your touch. Poke the chicken with your finger in a thick spot without bone underneath to check.
• Check the size: Chicken will shrink by about 25% when fully cooked due to the evaporation of moisture during the cooking process.
• Check the skin: If your chicken has skin, carefully cut open the bag towards the end of the cooking time and check if the skin is browned and crispy.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, cook the chicken for a little longer or use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

How to prepare the chicken for steaming

Preparing the chicken before steaming is essential for safety, cooking performance, and maximum flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare chicken for steaming:

Firstly, ensure your chicken is as close to refrigerator temperature as possible. Steaming chicken straight from frozen will result in uneven cooking, and defrosting at room temperature can be unsafe. It is best to defrost the chicken in the refrigerator beforehand.

Next, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This is an important step as wet surfaces repel steam, and dry surfaces allow the steam to penetrate and cook the meat more evenly and efficiently.

Now, cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces. Boneless chicken breasts cook more quickly than bone-in chicken, so it is important to cut them into similar sizes to ensure they cook at the same rate. For bone-in chicken legs and wings, try to choose similarly sized pieces, or place larger pieces towards the centre of the steaming basket.

After cutting the chicken, season as desired. Salt, pepper, herbs, citrus, soy sauce, vinegar, and spice rubs all work well. The steam will infuse these flavours deeply into the meat.

Finally, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding the steaming basket will reduce steam contact and lead to uneven cooking.

Once you have prepared the chicken, it is time to steam it! Remember to use a food thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.

How to season chicken in a steam bag

Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of steam bag you will be using. You can use a microwave steam bag or an oven steam bag. The type of bag you choose will determine the cooking method and seasoning options.

For microwave steam bags, you can use ready-to-cook, individually frozen chicken breasts. Place the chicken and seasoning in the bag and microwave for around 4-5 minutes or until done. You can use store-bought seasoning mixes or create your own. Some popular seasoning options include steak seasoning, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage.

If you are using an oven steam bag, you will need to preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, usually around 350°F to 400°F. Place the opened cooking bag in a baking pan or dish. Then, you can season your chicken with a mix of spices, herbs, or a store-bought seasoning blend. Place the chicken in the bag in a single layer and add any vegetables or potatoes you want to cook along with the chicken. Close the bag loosely and cut small holes in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake in the oven for around 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through.

When seasoning chicken in a steam bag, you can get creative and use a variety of spices, herbs, and other ingredients to add flavor. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, soy sauce, vinegar, and spice rubs. You can also place the raw chicken on a bed of herbs such as tarragon, chervil, rosemary, or sage to infuse flavor. Additionally, you can use acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, but be sure to add them after steaming to avoid overcooking the meat.

Remember to always follow the instructions on your steam bag package and ensure that your chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving. Enjoy experimenting with different seasoning combinations to find your favorite flavors!

How to cook chicken in a steam bag in the microwave

Cooking chicken in a steam bag in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal with minimal cleanup. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Seasoning

Start by taking one ready-to-cook, individually frozen chicken breast. You can also use fresh chicken, but it's important that it's as close to refrigerator temperature as possible, not frozen or at room temperature. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to allow the steam to penetrate efficiently. Then, choose your seasoning. You can go with a simple option like salt and pepper, or try something more complex like McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning.

Step 2: Place the Chicken in the Steam Bag

Place the chicken and seasoning in a microwave steam bag. You can use bags designed specifically for this purpose, such as Glad SimplyCooking or Ziploc Zip n' Steam. Make sure the bag is large enough to accommodate the chicken without overcrowding, as this can restrict steam flow and lead to uneven cooking.

Step 3: Microwave the Chicken

Place the sealed steam bag in the microwave and cook on high power for around 4.5 minutes for one chicken breast. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave's wattage and the size and thickness of the chicken, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. You can also use a food thermometer to check if the chicken is done; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the steam bag from the microwave, as it will be hot. Open the bag and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender texture. You can serve the chicken as-is or slice it into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. Enjoy it with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or salad.

Tips and Variations:

• For bone-in chicken or larger pieces, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly.
• If you want to add vegetables, such as potatoes, green beans, or carrots, simply place them in the steam bag with the chicken and season them as well.
• Be careful when opening the steam bag, as the steam will be hot and can cause burns.
• Always follow the instructions provided with your specific oven bag or steam bag product to ensure safe handling and cooking.

Frequently asked questions