Steaming Chicken In A Rice Cooker: A Quick, Easy Meal

Steaming chicken in a rice cooker is a convenient and healthy way to prepare this versatile protein. It is a gentle cooking method that helps retain moisture, flavour, and nutrients. By following a few simple steps, you can easily steam a whole chicken in a rice cooker, resulting in tender and juicy meat. First, clean and prepare the chicken by removing any giblets and excess fat. Then, season the chicken generously with your choice of spices and herbs. Place the seasoned chicken into the rice cooker, adding enough water to create steam. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken, but it is recommended to steam a whole chicken for about 60-90 minutes. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Chicken preparation: Clean, trim fat, cut into pieces, and marinate

To prepare your chicken for steaming in a rice cooker, start by cleaning it thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or excess blood. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Next, trim any visible excess fat from the chicken, as this can contribute to an oily texture and affect the overall taste.

Decide whether you want to steam the chicken whole or cut it into pieces. Cutting the chicken into portions helps ensure even cooking and quicker cooking times. If you're using chicken pieces, make sure they are bone-in for better flavour.

If you want to add extra flavour and tenderness to the meat, you can marinate the chicken. You can use a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other spices as a marinade. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, and coat the chicken well. Squeeze out the excess air and seal the bag. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for a more intense flavour.

Seasoning: Salt, pepper, aromatics, herbs, spices, and liquid seasonings

Seasoning your chicken is an essential step in creating a tasty and flavorful dish. Here are some ideas for seasoning your chicken before steaming it in a rice cooker:

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are the foundational seasonings for your chicken. Sprinkle them generously over the chicken to enhance its natural flavors. Don't be shy with the salt and pepper—the flavors will penetrate the meat during the steaming process.

Aromatics

Aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onions can add depth and complexity to the chicken's taste. Mince or crush these ingredients and rub them onto the chicken. You can also place aromatics inside the cavity of a whole chicken for extra flavor infusion.

Herbs and Spices

Get creative and experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile. Popular choices include thyme, rosemary, paprika, and cayenne pepper. You can also use a blend of poultry seasoning. Sprinkle these herbs and spices over the chicken or mix them with butter or olive oil and brush the mixture onto the chicken for added moisture and flavor.

Liquid Seasonings

Incorporate liquid seasonings like soy sauce or lemon juice to give your chicken a tangy and savory flavor boost. Brush these seasonings onto the chicken or add them to a marinade if you're marinating the chicken beforehand.

Additional Ingredients

To take your chicken to the next level, consider adding sliced lemons, fresh herbs, or even a few slices of bacon on top of it. These ingredients will infuse your chicken with their unique flavors and aromas during the steaming process, resulting in a delicious and aromatic dish.

Rice cooker setup: Add water, insert steam basket, preheat, and arrange chicken

To steam a whole chicken in a rice cooker, you'll first need to prepare the appliance. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Rice Cooker Setup:

Add Water: Begin by filling the inner pot of your rice cooker with water. The amount of water required will depend on the size and specifications of your rice cooker model. As a general rule, use one cup of water for every two pounds of chicken.

Insert Steam Basket or Rack: Place a steam basket or rack inside the inner pot, if your rice cooker has one. This accessory will keep the chicken elevated above the water level, ensuring it cooks evenly through steam rather than by boiling.

Preheat the Rice Cooker: Some rice cookers have a preheat function, while others require you to place the chicken inside immediately. Check your rice cooker's instruction manual to understand if and how to preheat your specific model.

Arrange the Chicken: Place the whole chicken on the steam basket or rack inside the rice cooker. Ensure the chicken is not submerged in the water but rather positioned to cook through the rising steam.

Now that your rice cooker is set up, you're ready to begin the steaming process. Close the lid, select the appropriate settings, and let the rice cooker work its magic!

Cooking process: Close lid, select setting, avoid opening, and steam for recommended time

Now that your chicken is prepared, seasoned, and placed in the rice cooker, it's time to start steaming.

Close the lid of your rice cooker. This is an important step as it helps trap the steam inside, ensuring even cooking and retaining the moisture in the chicken.

Select the steaming setting on your rice cooker. If your cooker does not have a specific steaming setting, set the cooking mode to "Steam" or "Cook". You may also need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. As a general rule, chicken pieces will take about 20-30 minutes, while a whole chicken will take approximately 60-90 minutes.

Once you have closed the lid and selected the appropriate setting, press the start button or turn on the rice cooker to initiate the steaming process.

Resist the temptation to open the lid during cooking. Opening the lid releases the steam and can disrupt the cooking time and temperature, resulting in unevenly cooked chicken. Allow the chicken to steam according to the recommended cooking time. It is always better to slightly undercook the chicken, as you can easily continue steaming if needed. Overcooking can result in dry and tough meat.

While the chicken is steaming, you will notice the aroma of cooking chicken filling your kitchen. However, resist the temptation to open the lid and check on the chicken. Let the steaming process continue uninterrupted until the recommended cooking time has elapsed.

Checking for doneness: Use a meat thermometer, visual check, or texture check

Checking for doneness is an important step to ensure your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Here are three ways to check if your chicken is cooked to perfection:

Temperature Check:

The best and most accurate way to determine if the chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding any bones. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the ideal temperature for safe consumption.

Visual Check:

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can visually inspect the chicken. Cut into the thickest part of the meat, and if you find that the juices run clear and there is no pinkness, the chicken is likely fully cooked. However, this method is less reliable than using a thermometer and may not always provide an accurate assessment.

Texture Check:

Another way to check for doneness is by feeling the texture of the chicken. When you gently press the chicken with a fork or your finger, it should feel firm but still slightly springy. If it feels too soft or mushy, it may need additional cooking time. This method can be subjective, so it's always a good idea to combine it with a temperature check for more accurate results.

Remember, it's crucial not to overcook the chicken, as this can result in dry and tough meat. It's better to slightly undercook the chicken and then continue steaming if necessary. Once your chicken reaches the desired temperature and passes the visual and texture checks, remove it from the rice cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful chicken dish.

Frequently asked questions