Steaming Chicken Breasts: A Simple, Quick, And Healthy Method

Steamed chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be used in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or served as a main course. It is considered a healthy option as it is low in fat and high in lean protein. Steaming is a quick and easy way to cook chicken without adding extra fat or calories. The dish can be prepared in a variety of ways, including steaming the chicken in the oven, on the stove, or in the microwave. Various ingredients can be used to enhance the flavour of steamed chicken, such as herbs, spices, marinades, wine, or sake.

Characteristics of Steamed Chicken Breast

How to steam chicken breast in the oven

Steaming chicken in the oven is a great way to ensure your meat is cooked to perfection, and there are a few ways to do it.

Method 1:

Steaming chicken in a mixture of white wine, sake, or water is a simple and effective way to cook your chicken. This method requires a heavy pot or a covered saucepan.

First, prepare your chicken by sprinkling it with salt. Ideally, you should do this a day in advance to let the flavour soak in and make the meat more tender. You can also add some shallow slices or poke holes in the thickest parts of the breast to ensure the heat cooks it through.

Next, add your choice of onion tops, ginger, and/or chicken skin-side down to your pot. If you didn't salt the chicken beforehand, sprinkle with salt now and pour in your wine, sake, or water. Bring the liquid to a simmer on medium heat, then cover with a lid and turn the heat to low. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes. After this, turn off the heat and let the pot sit, still covered, for around 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breast.

Method 2:

Alternatively, you can steam chicken in the oven by preparing a brine. This is another great way to ensure your chicken is juicy and tender.

To make the brine, fill a large bowl halfway with lukewarm water and stir in a handful of salt until it dissolves. Then, add cold water or ice cubes to lower the temperature so that the water is cool to the touch. Add your chicken breasts and let them sit in the brine for at least 15 minutes, or up to 6 hours if you're preparing them in advance.

When you're ready to cook your chicken, preheat your oven to 450°F. Remove the chicken from the brine, rinse it with cold water, and pat it dry. Then, brush your chicken breasts with melted butter or olive oil, and place them in a large baking dish.

Method 3:

A third option is to use a simple seasoning and bake your chicken at a high temperature. This method also ensures juicy, tender chicken with a nice crust.

First, preheat your oven to 425°F/220°C (200°C fan). Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness of around 1.5cm using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even your fist. This helps with even cooking and tenderises the meat.

Line a baking tray with foil and baking/parchment paper. Place your chicken upside down on the tray and drizzle with a small amount of oil, rubbing it in with your fingers. Sprinkle with seasoning, then flip the chicken and repeat.

Bake for around 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the internal temperature is 165°F/75°C.

Tips:

• Using a cooking thermometer is a great way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly.
• Always let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, to lock in the juices.
• You can use a variety of seasonings on your chicken, including salt and pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and brown sugar.
• Olive oil or butter can be used to add flavour and help the seasonings stick.

How to make a scallion-ginger sauce to accompany steamed chicken breast

To make a scallion-ginger sauce to accompany steamed chicken breast, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ginger
• Scallions
• Oil (vegetable, grapeseed, corn, or other light oil)
• Salt
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil

Optional ingredients include:

• Sugar
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Orange juice
• Rice vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Mirin or sweet sherry

The first step is to stir together the ginger, oil, scallions, and salt to taste in a bowl. The mixture should be quite strong, so you can add more ginger, scallions, or salt if you like. You can also purée the ginger and oil in a blender, then pulse in the scallion for a creamier, though less attractive, sauce.

Next, drizzle the steamed chicken with soy sauce and sesame oil. Finally, serve the chicken with the scallion-ginger sauce on the side for dipping.

How to steam chicken breast on a stovetop

Steaming chicken breast is a quick and healthy way to cook, as it adds no extra fat or calories. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming chicken breast on a stovetop:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Firstly, you will need to prepare your chicken. If you have time, it is recommended to sprinkle the chicken with salt and leave it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 30 minutes. This will help to tenderise the meat and enhance the flavour. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic, chilli flakes, lemon zest, thyme, or your choice of marinade.

Step 2: Set Up Your Steamer

Fill a large saucepan or pot with about an inch of water and place it on your stovetop. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can create one by placing a rack inside the pan, ensuring the water level is just below the rack.

Step 3: Steam the Chicken

Place the chicken in your steamer basket or directly on the rack. Cover the pan and let the chicken steam for about 5-10 minutes for boneless breasts and 10-15 minutes for bone-in breasts. The chicken is done when it is white and firm to the touch. You can also cut into the thickest part of the breast to ensure it is cooked through.

Step 4: Serve

Once your chicken is cooked, you can serve it as-is or with your choice of sauce or dip. Steamed chicken is very versatile and can be used in salads, wraps, or sandwiches, or served with an avocado dip, herb sauce, or soy dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to prepare chicken breast before steaming

Preparing chicken breast for steaming is a simple process. Firstly, choose your chicken: you can steam either boneless or bone-in chicken breasts, but boneless breasts will cook faster. If you have the time, sprinkle the chicken with salt and leave it in the refrigerator overnight to tenderise the meat and allow the flavour to soak in.

Before steaming, coat the chicken with a light layer of olive oil, which will add flavour and ensure the meat doesn't dry out. You can also add other seasonings, such as pepper, at this stage. If you want to add further flavour, you can also try marinating the chicken before steaming. Just be sure to use a homemade marinade to control the ingredients and avoid adding extra sugar or salt to your dish.

Finally, if you're steaming boneless chicken breasts, it can be helpful to cut a couple of shallow slices or poke holes into the thickest parts of the meat to ensure the heat reaches all the way through.

What to serve with steamed chicken breast

Steamed chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It can be used in salads, wraps, or sandwiches, or served with an avocado dip or herb sauce.

For a simple, healthy meal, steamed chicken breast can be served with vegetables and a dipping sauce. A popular option is a soy dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, and dark sesame oil. This can be served with steamed asparagus and sugar snap peas.

Another option is to serve the steamed chicken with a scallion-ginger sauce. This sauce is made by combining minced ginger, oil, scallions, and salt, and can be served as a dip or drizzled over the chicken.

If you're looking for a heartier meal, steamed chicken breast can be served with chicken rice, a popular dish in Southeast Asian countries. Alternatively, you can pair it with a side of garlic rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious meal.

For a more western take, steamed chicken breast can be served with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower. You can also serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Lastly, steamed chicken breast can be used as a protein base for a variety of dishes. It can be added to soups, stir-fries, or pasta dishes, providing a lean and healthy option for a range of culinary creations.

Frequently asked questions