Steaming Chicken Breasts: A Simple, Healthy Cooking Method

Steaming is a popular way of cooking chicken in Southeast Asian countries, where it is often served with chicken rice. It is a keto-friendly technique that is easy to do and keeps the chicken moist and juicy. To steam chicken, you can use a steamer basket or pan over a pot of boiling water, or a heavy pot like Le Creuset. The chicken is usually marinated in salt and sometimes other aromatics like lemongrass, before being placed in the steamer and cooked for around 30 minutes.

Characteristics of Steaming Chicken Breast

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, select the right chicken for steaming. It is recommended to use skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, as they are versatile and can be used in various dishes. Organic younger chicken is also a good option, as it is commonly used in steamed dishes.

Before seasoning the chicken, some recipes suggest cutting a few shallow slices or poking holes into the thickest parts of the breast. This step ensures that the heat is distributed evenly throughout the meat during steaming. However, this step is optional and can be omitted if you prefer to keep the chicken breast whole.

Now, let's move on to seasoning the chicken. While this step is optional, it adds a tremendous amount of flavour to the dish. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the chicken and rub it into the fillets. You can also add other seasonings like olive oil, pepper, or vegetable oil to enhance the flavour. If you have time, it is recommended to season the chicken and let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavours soak in.

After seasoning, it's time to prepare the steaming setup. Place a steamer basket or a deep steaming tray into a saucepan or a heavy pot. Fill the saucepan or pot with water, ensuring that the water level is just below the bottom of the steamer. If you're using a rice cooker, you can use the steamer attachment and follow the same steps.

Once your steaming setup is ready, it's time to add the chicken. If you have seasoned the chicken with salt, be sure to rinse the fillets thoroughly under running water to remove the excess salt. Then, place the chicken in the steamer basket or tray, ensuring that it is secure and won't fall over during steaming.

Some recipes also suggest adding aromatics to the boiling water to infuse extra flavour into the chicken. You can use white wine, sake, or water, along with herbs like bay leaf, thyme, or ginger. These additions will enhance the flavour of the chicken and make it even more delicious.

Now, your chicken is prepared and ready for steaming. Follow the steaming instructions carefully, and you'll have perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender steamed chicken breast!

Choosing a steamer

Steaming chicken is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine, and it's also common in Southeast Asian countries. It's a simple, quick, and effective way to cook chicken, keeping it moist and juicy.

When choosing a steamer, there are a few options to consider:

• Steamer basket: This is a great option if you already have a large pot or saucepan that can accommodate it. Simply fill the pot with water, place the steamer basket inside, and you're ready to go. This method allows for even steaming and makes it easy to remove the chicken from the pot when it's done.
• Rice cooker steamer: If you have a rice cooker, you can use the steamer basket that comes with it. This is a convenient option if you're looking to save time and energy, as you can cook your rice and chicken at the same time.
• Regular steamer: A regular steamer can be used on the stovetop. It typically has a wok or pot-like structure and can be placed directly on the burner. This option may be suitable if you're looking for a dedicated steamer for cooking chicken and other foods.
• Heavy pot: A heavy pot, such as a Le Creuset, can also be used for steaming. This option is good if you don't have a steamer basket or rice cooker, as it can hold heat well and create a steaming environment when covered.

When choosing a steamer, consider the size of your chicken and the number of portions you want to cook. Ensure that your steamer basket or pot is large enough to accommodate the chicken comfortably, allowing for even cooking. Additionally, consider the heat source you'll be using—whether it's a stovetop, rice cooker, or other appliance—and choose a steamer that is compatible.

Cooking the chicken

Firstly, prepare your chicken. If you have the time, it is recommended to sprinkle the chicken with salt the day before cooking to tenderise the meat and enhance the flavour. If you don't have time, you can do this 30 minutes before cooking. Place the chicken in a bowl and rub the salt in, then place in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook the chicken, rinse the salt off the fillets under running water.

Next, prepare your steamer. Place a steamer basket or pan over a pot of boiling water. You can add aromatics such as lemongrass to the water to infuse the chicken with extra flavour.

Now, add the chicken to the steamer. If your chicken is boneless, you can add some onion and ginger to the pot first, then place the chicken on top, skin-side down.

Cover the pot and steam the chicken for around 30 minutes, or until the juices run clear. If you are using a boneless chicken breast, you may find that 20-25 minutes is sufficient. If your chicken is cut into chunks, it will take less time to cook, so check after 15 minutes.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the steamer and slice or pull apart with your fingers. Sprinkle with pepper, if desired. You can serve the chicken as it is, or with an avocado dip or herb sauce. Alternatively, you can serve it with an onion and garlic sauce, or an oyster-based dipping sauce.

Making a sauce

To make a sauce for your steamed chicken breast, you can try a few different options. A simple sauce can be made by heating vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until tender, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in light soy sauce and sesame oil, then remove from the heat. Spoon this sauce over your steamed chicken breast and garnish with cilantro or green onion.

Another option is to make an oyster-based dipping sauce, which is popular in southern China and goes well with blanched vegetables and proteins. To make this sauce, heat sesame oil in a saucepan and stir-fry chopped garlic and green onion until aromatic. Then, add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and a bit of water. Mix well and bring the contents to a boil. Transfer the sauce to a dipping bowl and let it cool down a bit before serving with your steamed chicken.

Additionally, you can briefly steam chicken in white wine, sake, or water, which will add flavour and prevent the meat from drying out. You can also sprinkle the chicken with salt a day before cooking to enhance the flavour and make the meat more tender.

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

One popular option is to slice or shred the steamed chicken and use it as a topping for a salad. This can be a great way to add protein to your greens and other vegetables. You can also add some extra flavour with a dressing or sauce, such as an avocado dip or herb sauce.

Wraps and Sandwiches

Steamed chicken also works well in wraps and sandwiches. Try pairing it with fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, tomato, and avocado, and a spread of your choice. You can also experiment with different types of bread or wraps, such as whole wheat, spinach, or sundried tomato.

Rice Bowls

In Southeast Asian cuisine, steamed chicken is often served with rice. You can create a rice bowl by pairing steamed chicken with cooked rice and vegetables. For extra flavour, you can add a sauce or garnish, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, or fresh cilantro.

Sides and Garnishes

If you're looking for a simpler option, you can serve steamed chicken breast with a variety of sides and garnishes. Some ideas include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a green salad, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You can also try drizzling a sauce or dressing over the chicken, such as a light soy sauce or a creamy avocado dip.

Appetizers and Snacks

Steamed chicken can also be served as an appetizer or snack. Try slicing the chicken into strips and serving it with a dip, such as an herb sauce or a spicy salsa. You can also offer a variety of vegetables, crackers, or bread on the side for dipping and spreading.

With its versatility and simplicity, steamed chicken breast is a great option for a quick and healthy meal. These serving suggestions are just a starting point, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours and combinations.

Frequently asked questions