Steam-Cooking Chicken In A Pan: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Steaming chicken is a healthy and simple way to cook it, retaining its natural flavours and nutrients. It's a popular method in Southeast Asian countries, where it's often served with chicken rice. This guide will take you through the steps to steam chicken in a pan, including preparation, seasoning, and cooking. You'll learn how to set up a steaming rack, arrange the chicken, and determine when it's fully cooked. With this method, you can enjoy tender and flavourful chicken without compromising on taste or texture.

How to Steam Cook Chicken in a Pan

Prepare the chicken

Start by rinsing your chicken pieces under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. If you're using a whole chicken, you may want to remove the skin. You can also trim any excess fat.

If you have time, sprinkle the chicken with salt and leave it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavour soak in and make the meat more tender. You can also try adding other seasonings, such as garlic powder, herbs, or spices of your choice. Massage the seasonings into the chicken to ensure even distribution.

If you're using a large piece of chicken, such as a breast, you can cut a couple of shallow slices or poke holes into the thickest parts to help the heat reach all the way through during cooking.

Seasoning options

Seasoning the chicken before steaming it is an important step to enhance its flavour. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, and herbs, or get creative with other spices and seasonings. Here are some detailed seasoning options to consider when steaming chicken in a pan:

• Classic Smoky Seasoning: Combine steak seasoning, smoked paprika, and sweet paprika. Coat the chicken liberally with this mixture on all sides. This classic blend adds a smoky flavour to the chicken and is perfect for those who enjoy a traditional taste.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: This option adds a tangy and peppery flavour to the chicken. It is a refreshing choice for those who want a bright and zesty twist to their dish.
• Montreal Steak Seasoning: A savoury and bold option that can transform your chicken's flavour. It often includes a blend of garlic, pepper, coriander, red pepper flakes, and other spices.
• Garlic Herb Seasoning: A versatile choice that pairs well with the natural taste of chicken. You can use a variety of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, and combine them with garlic powder or fresh garlic for an aromatic and flavourful dish.
• Asian-inspired Seasoning: For an Asian twist, try using soy sauce, sesame oil, and cilantro. You can also add aromatics like lemongrass to the boiling water for extra flavour. This combination creates a fragrant and savoury chicken dish.
• Salt and Herb Marinade: Cover the chicken with salt before steaming and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse the salt off and proceed with steaming. This technique adds flavour and helps retain moisture in the chicken.

Pan preparation

To steam chicken in a pan, you will need a pan with a tight-fitting lid. A stainless steel or non-stick pan with high sides is ideal. If you don't have a pan with a lid, you can use aluminium foil to cover the pan tightly.

Place the pan on the stove and add water, chicken broth, wine, fruit juice, or another liquid of your choice to the pan. You only need to add enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pan. If you want to add extra flavour, you can place herbs such as tarragon, chervil, rosemary, or sage in the liquid. Bring the liquid to a boil.

If your pan has a steaming rack, place it inside the pan, ensuring it sits above the water level. If your pan doesn't have a rack, you can use a heat-resistant plate or a wire cooling rack.

Chicken preparation

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Cooking time

The cooking time for steaming chicken in a pan depends on several factors, including the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, whether the chicken is boneless or bone-in, and the type of cookware used. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cooking times:

Boneless Chicken Breasts:

If you are using boneless chicken breasts, the cooking time will depend on their thickness. For a boneless chicken breast that is about one inch thick, cook it over medium-low heat for around 8 minutes per side. This longer cook time at a lower temperature ensures that the meat heats through without the outside burning.

Thin Chicken Breasts:

If you are using thin chicken breasts, either purchased as such or achieved through pounding the meat to around ½-inch thick, the cooking time will be reduced. Increase the heat to medium and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side. This allows for some browning on the outside while ensuring the chicken cooks through.

Bone-in Chicken Breasts:

Bone-in chicken breasts take significantly longer to cook through than boneless breasts. It is recommended to use an oven to ensure the meat cooks evenly without burning the exterior.

Whole Chicken Pieces:

When steaming whole chicken pieces such as thighs or drumsticks, keep in mind that they will take longer to cook than slices of chicken. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the pieces.

Checking for Doneness:

Regardless of the type of chicken piece you are steaming, it is crucial to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked. The best way to determine this is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat. Alternatively, you can make a small cut near the center of the chicken to check if the juices run clear. If the juices are still pink, continue steaming for a few more minutes.

Serving suggestions

Steamed chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Rice and Noodles

In Southeast Asian countries, steamed chicken is typically served with chicken rice. For a simple and delicious meal, pair your steamed chicken with a bowl of freshly cooked rice. If you're feeling adventurous, try making Chinese Sausage Fried Rice (Lap Cheong Chow Fan) to accompany the chicken. Alternatively, steamed chicken also goes well with noodles. Try it with Traditional Chinese Beef Chow Fun or Lo Mai Gai (Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice Chicken).

Vegetables

Steaming chicken with vegetables is a great way to create a nutritious and well-rounded meal. You can steam vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers alongside the chicken in the pan. Just ensure that the vegetables are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Steamed chicken also pairs well with stir-fried or blanched vegetables, such as Chinese water spinach.

Sauces and Dips

To enhance the flavour of your steamed chicken, serve it with a delicious sauce or dip. You can make a simple sauce by heating vegetable oil in a skillet, adding onion and garlic, and then stirring in soy sauce and sesame oil. Spoon this sauce over the chicken before serving. Alternatively, try making a savoury dipping sauce like the oyster-based sauce in the Chinese Steamed Chicken recipe. This sauce is made by stir-frying garlic and green onions in sesame oil, and then adding oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and water.

Sides and Appetizers

Steamed chicken can be served as part of a larger meal, accompanied by sides such as salads, pasta, or sandwiches. It can also be a tasty appetizer, served in smaller portions before the main course. Try slicing the steamed chicken and adding it to a bed of greens, or serving it with a side of your favourite vegetables or dips.

Other Dishes

Steamed chicken is a versatile protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be added to salads, pasta, bowls, or sandwiches. For a heartier meal, try the Steamed Chicken and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce, or the Thai-Style Steamed Chicken with Basil and Chili. You can also use steamed chicken as a base for other recipes, such as Air Fryer Chicken Katsu or Black Chicken Soup (Chinese Silkie Chicken).

Frequently asked questions