Steaming Chicken: Using Your Aroma Rice Cooker

The Aroma Rice Cooker is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook chicken, in addition to rice. It offers convenience and efficiency, with its programmable settings, even heat distribution, and sealed cooking environment, which helps retain moisture in the food. The cooker can be used to steam chicken breasts, legs, thighs, or even a whole chicken. The cooking time varies depending on the type and size of the chicken pieces, but generally, boneless breasts take around 20-25 minutes, thighs take 25-30 minutes, and whole chicken pieces may take up to 40 minutes. For steaming chicken in the Aroma Rice Cooker, it is recommended to follow the safety guidelines provided in the manual.

How to Steam Chicken in an Aroma Rice Cooker

Chicken preparation and seasoning

Choosing the Chicken:

Start by selecting the type of chicken you want to cook. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even a whole chicken. For steaming, it is recommended to use either the breast or leg part of the chicken.

Seasoning and Marinades:

The key to adding flavour to your chicken is in the seasoning and marinades. You can opt for a simple seasoning of salt and pepper or get creative with various herbs and spices. For example, you could use rosemary, parsley, garlic cloves, lemon juice, soy sauce, ginger, or a blend of spices. Mix your chosen ingredients in a large bowl, creating a flavourful blend.

Coating the Chicken:

Once you have prepared your seasoning, it's time to coat the chicken. Using a basting brush or your hands, evenly coat both sides of the chicken with the seasoning mixture. Ensure that the entire surface of the chicken is covered for maximum flavour.

Placement in the Cooker:

After your chicken is seasoned, it's now ready to be placed in the Aroma Rice Cooker. If cooking rice simultaneously, add some water to the inner pan and put the rice in. Then, place the chicken on the tray used for steaming and put it inside the cooker. If steaming the chicken alone, pour 2.5 cups of water into the cooker.

Cooking Settings:

For cooking chicken with rice, press the White Rice button on your Aroma Rice Cooker. If steaming the chicken alone, press the Steam button and set the timer for 30 minutes. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.

Remember to always refer to the instruction manual for specific guidelines and safety measures provided by the manufacturer. Enjoy experimenting with different flavours and creating juicy, tender chicken with your Aroma Rice Cooker!

Lining the pot with foil

First, ensure you have a liner or aluminium foil that fits the bottom of the inner pot of your Aroma Rice Cooker. The liner or foil should be large enough to cover the entire surface that will come into contact with the chicken. If you are using foil, it is recommended to use a good quality, food-grade aluminium foil that is thick enough to withstand the heat and weight of the chicken without tearing.

Next, place the liner or foil inside the inner pot, ensuring it is smooth and flat, with no creases or folds. This is important to prevent any uneven surfaces that might cause the chicken to cook unevenly. If needed, use a small amount of cooking spray or oil on the bottom of the pot to help the liner or foil adhere and stay in place.

Once the liner or foil is in place, you can begin preparing your chicken. Season the chicken with your choice of herbs, spices, and marinades to add flavour and moisture. You can also add vegetables, rice, or sauces to cook alongside the chicken for a complete meal.

After your chicken is seasoned and ready to cook, gently place the pieces into the rice cooker, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. This allows the steam to circulate properly and ensures even cooking.

Finally, set the Aroma Rice Cooker to the appropriate setting and cooking time for chicken. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces you are using, so refer to your instruction manual for specific guidelines. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

Adding liquid to the cooker

Type of Liquid:

You can use a variety of liquids to add moisture to your chicken. The most common options are chicken broth, chicken stock, or water. You can choose the one that best suits your preferences and what you have available. These liquids will ensure that your chicken stays moist and juicy during the steaming process.

Amount of Liquid:

When steaming chicken alone in the Aroma Rice Cooker, it is recommended to use 2.5 cups of liquid. This amount ensures that there is enough moisture to properly steam the chicken without making it soggy. Adjusting the amount of liquid can also impact the cooking time, so it's important to follow the recommended amount for best results.

Pouring the Liquid:

Before adding the liquid to the cooker, make sure the inner pan is clean and dry. Carefully pour the liquid of your choice into the inner pan. If you are cooking rice along with the chicken, add the rice to the pan after pouring in the liquid. This step ensures that the rice absorbs the liquid and cooks properly.

Combining with Other Ingredients:

The Aroma Rice Cooker allows you to cook chicken with other ingredients such as vegetables or sauces. When combining chicken with other ingredients, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly. For example, if you are adding vegetables that release moisture during cooking, you might reduce the amount of liquid slightly to avoid making the dish too watery.

Steaming Tray:

Place the chicken in the steaming tray after adding the liquid. Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly spaced and not overcrowded to allow the steam to circulate properly. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Remember to always refer to the instruction manual for specific guidelines and safety measures provided by the manufacturer. With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to steaming juicy and delicious chicken in your Aroma Rice Cooker!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for steaming chicken in an Aroma Rice Cooker will depend on whether you are cooking the chicken alone or alongside rice.

If you are cooking the chicken on its own, you should put 2.5 cups of water in the cooker and set the temperature to 165°F (74°C). This is the recommended temperature to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. Set the steam button on the front of the cooker and leave it for 30 minutes. If the chicken is not fully cooked after this time, you can add an extra 5 to 10 minutes.

If you are cooking the chicken with rice, you will need to add some water to the inner pan and put the rice in. Then, add your chicken to the tray that is used for steaming and place it inside the cooker. Hit the white rice button and leave it for approximately 30 minutes.

The cooking time may also vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces you are using. For example, boneless chicken breasts will take around 20-25 minutes, while chicken thighs will take 25-30 minutes. A whole chicken will take longer, requiring around 30-40 minutes.

To ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be firm, white, and not pink in the centre.

Resting time

Allowing the Chicken to Rest

After your chicken is cooked in the Aroma Rice Cooker, it's crucial to give it some resting time before serving. This step might seem simple, but it plays a significant role in ensuring your chicken turns out juicy and flavourful. By letting the chicken rest, you allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender final product.

The ideal resting time for steamed chicken in the Aroma Rice Cooker is a few minutes. During this time, the chicken should remain in the cooker, allowing the heat to even out and the juices to settle. This waiting period ensures that when you serve the chicken, it will be at its most succulent and tasty.

Maintaining Temperature

While resting the chicken, it's important to note that the temperature will drop slightly. This is normal and expected. The chicken will still be safely above the recommended temperature for consumption, and the resting time ensures a more delicious dining experience.

Benefits of Resting Time

The resting period offers multiple advantages. Firstly, it allows the chicken to finish cooking gently, ensuring that the meat fibres relax and resulting in a more tender texture. Secondly, the resting time gives you, as the chef, a moment to finish up any side dishes or sauces, ensuring that all components of the meal are ready and can be served together.

Checking the Temperature

Before serving the chicken, it's always a good idea to double-check its internal temperature. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it has reached at least 165°F (74°C). This temperature reading guarantees that your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

In conclusion, resting time is an essential step in the process of steaming chicken in your Aroma Rice Cooker. By allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes, you ensure that the juices redistribute, resulting in juicy and flavourful meat. This simple step can elevate your chicken dish and make it a true culinary delight.

Frequently asked questions