Steaming Boneless Chicken: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Guide

Steaming is a gentle and healthy way to cook chicken, allowing it to retain moisture, nutrients and flavour. This technique is particularly suitable for boneless chicken breasts, which cook more quickly and evenly than bone-in chicken. To steam boneless chicken, you will need a steamer basket, a pot, and some water. First, season the chicken and place it in the steamer basket. Then, bring the water to a boil and place the basket in the pot, ensuring the chicken is not in direct contact with the water. Cover and steam until the chicken is cooked through. This technique is versatile and can be used to prepare chicken for salads, wraps, sandwiches, or as a main dish.

Choosing the right equipment

Steam Basket:

Select a steam basket made from stainless steel or bamboo. Ensure it fits your pot with ample clearance and has feet to elevate it by over an inch. The basket should have small holes that allow steam to flow through while preventing chicken juices from dripping into the water.

Pot:

A tall, narrow pot made from stainless steel, aluminum, or ceramic works best for containing and directing steam. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the steam basket and chicken without overcrowding, leaving at least 1-2 inches of clearance on all sides. A tight-fitting lid is also crucial to trap the steam effectively.

Heavy Pot or Covered Saucepan:

If you don't have access to a steam basket, you can use a heavy pot, such as a Le Creuset, or a covered saucepan. These pots retain heat well and can be used for steaming without a separate basket. However, you may need to extend the steaming time by a minute or two.

Instant-Read Thermometer:

To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, it's essential to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. This is especially important for boneless chicken, which should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Preparing the chicken

For boneless chicken breasts, it is recommended to cut the meat into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate. The chicken should be patted dry before steaming, as wet surfaces repel steam, and this will allow the steam to penetrate the meat more efficiently.

Seasoning the chicken before steaming is also important, as the steam will infuse the flavours deeply into the meat. Salt, pepper, herbs, citrus, soy sauce, vinegar, and spice rubs all work well. You can also sprinkle the chicken with salt a day before cooking to let the flavour soak in and make the meat more tender. Additionally, you can cut a couple of shallow slices or poke holes into the thickest parts of the breast to ensure that the heat reaches the entire piece.

Finally, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer with space between each piece to allow for steam circulation. Overcrowding the basket will restrict the steam flow and lead to uneven cooking.

Cooking times and temperatures

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that uses vapour to cook food without submerging it in liquid. This technique is particularly suitable for chicken as it results in exceptionally moist, tender meat with a light, fresh flavour.

The cooking time for steamed boneless chicken will depend on the thickness of the meat and the size of the pieces. As a general rule, thicker pieces of meat will take longer to cook than thinner ones. Therefore, it is advisable to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.

For a whole boneless chicken breast, the cooking time will be around 30 minutes. However, if the breast is cut into halves or cutlets, the cooking time will be reduced to 6-8 minutes. Boneless chicken tenders or strips will cook even faster, requiring only 3-5 minutes of steaming.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of steaming equipment used. For example, when using a heavy pot like a Le Creuset, you may need to steam the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes.

To ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection, it is recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The target temperature for chicken breasts is 165°F.

Additionally, it is crucial to let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after steaming. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly, resulting in a moist and tender texture. During this resting period, you can also add acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar to enhance the flavour.

By following these guidelines for cooking times and temperatures, you can achieve perfectly steamed boneless chicken that is both delicious and safe to eat.

Resting the chicken

Resting your chicken is a crucial step in the cooking process. Once you've steamed your chicken breasts, it's important to let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices inside the meat to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is juicy and flavourful. If you slice into the chicken immediately after cooking, those delicious juices will end up on your cutting board and not in your meal!

For boneless chicken breasts, a resting time of around 5 minutes is perfect. This gives the meat time to relax and lets the juices settle back into the fibres of the meat. Keep in mind that the chicken will continue to cook slightly during this resting period, so it's best to take them off the heat a few degrees before they reach your desired internal temperature.

While your chicken rests, you can prepare any sides or sauces to accompany your meal. You can also use this time to quickly clean up any mess made during the cooking process. It's a great opportunity to ensure everything is in order before serving your delicious, juicy chicken!

Resting chicken is a simple step, but it makes a big difference in the final result. It ensures your chicken is moist and tender, not dry and grainy. So, the next time you steam boneless chicken breasts, remember to give them a few minutes to rest before digging in!

Common mistakes to avoid

Steaming is a great way to cook chicken, but there are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.

Firstly, it is important to ensure your chicken is not cold when you start cooking. Allow your chicken to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the steamer. This will ensure the middle of the chicken heats through without the outside drying out or burning.

You should also ensure your steamer is hot before adding the chicken. If you place the chicken in a cold steamer, it will heat up slowly, and the juices will start to seep out, leaving you with dry, pale, and overcooked meat.

Another common mistake is not drying the chicken before steaming. Blot the chicken with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will allow the steam to penetrate the meat more efficiently and cook it more evenly.

It is also important to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks at the same rate and avoids undercooked or overcooked sections.

Finally, do not skip the resting period after steaming. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute and keep the meat moist and tender.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your steamed boneless chicken is juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection.

Frequently asked questions