Steaming chicken in a steamer is a healthy and easy way to cook chicken. Steaming is a cooking method that uses hot steam to cook food, which helps to retain the moisture and nutrients in the food. Using a steamer to cook chicken is also a great option if you want to avoid using oils or fats, as the chicken will cook in its own juices. Additionally, steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the natural flavor of the chicken.
Which kinds of chicken can you steam on steamer?
You can steam any kind of chicken on a steamer, including chicken breasts, chicken thighs, chicken wings, and even a whole chicken. It’s important to make sure that the chicken is fully thawed before steaming, as steaming frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and potentially harmful bacteria.
Why should you use steamer for steaming chicken?
Using a steamer to cook chicken has several benefits:
- Healthy cooking method: Steaming chicken is a healthy cooking method as it does not require any additional fats or oils. This means that the chicken will retain its natural flavor and moisture, and you won’t be adding any unnecessary calories or unhealthy fats.
- Retains nutrients: Steaming helps to retain the nutrients in the chicken, as the steam cooks the chicken without leaching out any vitamins or minerals.
- Gentle cooking: Steaming is a gentle cooking method that ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly without drying it out. This results in a tender, juicy and flavorful chicken.
- Easy and convenient: Steaming chicken in a steamer is easy and convenient. All you need is a steamer, a pot of boiling water, and the chicken. There’s no need to worry about the chicken sticking to the pan or burning, as it is cooked in the gentle steam.
- Versatile: A steamer can be used to steam various cuts of chicken, such as breasts, thighs, wings, and even a whole chicken. This makes it a versatile cooking method for preparing chicken dishes.
How to steam chicken in steamer
Here’s how to steam chicken in a steamer:
- Start by preparing the chicken. You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or any other parts of your choice. Remove any skin or bones, and cut the chicken into small pieces or strips.
- Marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade or seasoning for at least 30 minutes to add flavor. You can use simple ingredients like salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger, or make a more complex marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and other ingredients.
- Fill the steamer with water and bring it to a boil. You can use a bamboo steamer or a metal steamer, depending on what you have available.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the steamer basket. Make sure the pieces are not touching each other, so they can cook evenly.
- Cover the steamer and let the chicken steam for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. You can check if the chicken is cooked by cutting a piece in half to see if it’s white and no longer pink inside.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve the steamed chicken as is or use it in a variety of dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, or sandwiches.
Note: Always make sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature if you’re not sure.
How long does it take to steam chicken on bamboo steamer?
The cooking time for steaming chicken in a steamer can vary depending on the size and cut of the chicken. As a general rule, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can take around 10-15 minutes to steam, while a whole chicken can take up to an hour or more. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Tips for steaming chicken on the bamboo steamer
When steaming chicken in a steamer, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Season the chicken: Before steaming, season the chicken with your favorite herbs, spices, and marinades to enhance the flavor.
- Use boneless chicken: Boneless chicken is easier to cook and faster to steam. You can also use bone-in chicken, but it may take longer to cook.
- Cut chicken into smaller pieces: Cut chicken into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Add aromatics: Add aromatics such as ginger, garlic, and scallions to the water in the steamer to infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check the temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Serve with dipping sauce: Serve the steamed chicken with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or hoisin sauce.
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