Steaming is one of the healthiest and simplest ways to cook chicken breast or other chicken parts. It yields incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful results every time.
But a common question many home cooks have is just how long does it take to steam chicken? The answer isn’t quite as straightforward as you may think.
The steaming time can vary considerably based on a few key factors:
The Thickness and Size of the Chicken
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Thinner chicken breasts or small pieces will steam faster. Allow 10-15 minutes for chicken breasts about 1 inch thick.
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Larger, thicker breasts may need upwards of 20 minutes for full cooking and food safety.
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Bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks will take 20-25 minutes to become fully cooked through to the bone.
Frozen Versus Thawed
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Steaming frozen chicken breasts or parts will take significantly longer than fresh raw chicken,
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While doable, frozen chicken will require nearly double the steaming time, around 20-30 minutes depending on thickness
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Always thaw frozen chicken safely in the refrigerator before steaming for faster cooking.
Type of Steamer Used
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The power and efficiency of the steaming method can impact total cooking time.
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Smaller steamer baskets or improvised steamers may add a few extra minutes to the process.
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High powered electric steamers or multi-level bamboo steamers tend to work fastest.
Altitude and Location
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Higher altitudes where water boils at lower temperatures will increase steaming time.
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Expect to add a few extra minutes if you live in a higher elevation area.
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Likewise, steamers that enclose the chicken more tightly retain more heat and moisture, cooking a bit faster.
No matter what factors are at play, following some best practices will ensure perfect steamed chicken every time.
Steaming Chicken Breast – Step by Step
Follow this simple steaming process for foolproof results:
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Prepare the chicken – Trim excess fat and pound to an even thickness if necessary. Cut into smaller pieces for quicker cooking if desired.
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Season well – Generously season all sides with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. Consider marinating ahead of time.
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Bring water to a boil – Fill the steamer pot or basket with enough water so it steams vigorously but doesn’t boil over.
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Steam for the recommended time – Start checking for doneness a few minutes early. See times above.
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Use a meat thermometer – Insert into the thickest part and ensure it reaches 165°F. This guarantees safety and proper cooking.
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Let it rest briefly – Allowing the chicken to rest 5 minutes after steaming allows juices to redistribute so it stays moist.
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Add flavorful sauces or toppings – Drizzle with pesto, chimichurri, teriyaki, etc. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Tips for Perfectly Steamed Chicken
Follow these handy tips for the best steamed chicken:
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Resist lifting the lid to peek – This releases steam and increases cooking time.
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Use a timer and thermometer – Don’t rely solely on appearance or timing.
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Add aromatics to the steaming liquid – Consider garlic, ginger, citrus, herbs for extra flavor.
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Prevent overcrowding – Leave space between pieces so steam circulates effectively.
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Let it rest before slicing – As mentioned, this keeps chicken extra juicy.
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Store leftovers in broth – Steaming liquid keeps chicken moist for leftovers.
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Reheat gently – Don’t re-steam to reheat, which dries it out. Use microwave or oven.
With the proper technique, steaming chicken is easy and yields impressive results every single time. Just keep thickness, steamer type, and altitude in mind when determining the timing.
Follow these best practices for steaming and you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready in no time! Enjoy your perfectly steamed chicken in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and a variety of healthy meals.
Use Your Steamer For The Juiciest Chicken
Steaming keeps the juices inside, which guarantees the chicken never to be overcooked! I love using my steamer to make this steamed chicken. If you have a rice cooker, you can also steam your chicken in the rice cooker. I use pre-cut chicken thighs today. If you’d like to steam your chicken thigh whole, add an extra 5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
To steam food without a rice cooker or steamer, fill a large pot with 1-2 inches of water, place a heatproof plate or bowl upside down inside, and arrange the food on top. Cover the pot with a lid, and bring the water to a simmer to start steaming.
- 2 Chicken Thigh (chopped)
- 2 tbsp of Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp of Oyster Sauce
- 1 tsp of White Pepper
- ½ tbsp of Sugar
- 1 tbsp of Sesame Oil
- 1 inch of Ginger sliced thinly
- 2 tbsp of Chinese Cooking Wine (Optional)
- 2 tbsp of chopped Green Onion
Steamed Chicken: The Easiest Household Dish
If you grew up in an Asian household, you probably had Chinese Steamed Chicken before, whether it’s from your parents or your grandparents. It is such a staple dish that hits the spot every single time! I never knew how easy and fast it was to create Chinese Steamed Chicken at home, and now that I do, it is a staple recipe in our household.
I love serving this dish with a side of veggies and a big bowl of Multigrain Rice. Chinese Steamed Chicken is an excellent dish for those that live alone or don’t have much time to cook.
HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT STEAM CHICKEN – FAIL PROOF METHOD!
FAQ
How much time does it take to steam a chicken?
Bring water to a boil; cover and steam chicken until juices run clear, about 30 minutes. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Can you put raw chicken in a steamer?
Yes you can cook chicken in the steamer, but a few points worth considering first. What size is the chicken breast and is it boneless? I am presuming it is so I would say for approx 140g weight, this would take 15-20 minutes.
How do you cook chicken in a steamer?
If you are using a regular steamer, half-fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil adding spices or herbs (these will permeate the chicken). Put your chicken pieces in the steamer without overcrowding them. Make sure there is some space between each one so the steam can get in, circulate, and cook the chicken evenly.
How long does it take to Steam Chicken?
As a general guideline, boneless chicken breasts usually take about 10-15 minutes to steam, while bone-in chicken pieces may take 20-25 minutes. It’s important to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Should I marinate the chicken before steaming?
Is steamed chicken a good way to cook?
Steaming chicken is a fantastic way to cook this versatile protein. It’s a gentle cooking method that locks in moisture, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy chicken. Forget dry, rubbery chicken – with the right technique, steamed chicken can be a culinary star.
How long does a boneless chicken breast take to steam?
Boneless chicken breasts usually take around 15-20 minutes to steam, but this may vary slightly depending on their thickness. 8. Can I reuse the water from steaming chicken breast?
Can You Steam Chicken in a pressure cooker?
You can also use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to steam chicken. This method is faster than traditional steaming and can result in even more tender chicken. Steaming chicken is a simple, healthy, and versatile cooking method that yields incredibly tender and juicy results.
Is steaming chicken breast healthy?
Steaming chicken breast is a healthy and simple way to cook this lean protein, as it helps to retain its natural flavors and nutrients. If you’re wondering how to steam chicken breast, look no further! In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to ensure tender and juicy chicken every time. Do you like this article?