Chicken strips are a family favorite These thin, tender pieces of chicken breast are perfect for dipping in sauce, adding to salads and sandwiches, or enjoying on their own
Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook chicken strips It allows the natural moisture and flavor to be retained without adding any extra fat or calories But many home cooks wonder – how long does it take to steam chicken strips to perfection?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to steam juicy, delicious chicken strips, including:
- Benefits of steaming vs other cooking methods
- Factors that affect steaming time
- How to know when chicken strips are done
- Step-by-step instructions
- Average steaming times
- Tips for best results
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Serving suggestions
Why Steam Chicken Strips?
Steaming is one of the easiest, healthiest ways to cook chicken strips. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
-
Retains moisture and flavor – The steam cooks the chicken gently and evenly, sealing in the natural juices and chicken flavor. No need to add oil or butter.
-
Yields tender, juicy results – The moist heat environment makes chicken strips incredibly tender on the inside.
-
Quick cooking time – Thin chicken strips steam more quickly compared to whole chickens or thicker cuts.
-
Minimal cleanup – Steaming contains the mess to the steamer basket No need for multiple pans
-
Healthy – With no added fat or calories, steamed chicken is perfect for any diet. Steaming even retains more vitamins than other cooking methods.
-
Safety – Steam reaches hot enough temperatures to kill any potentially harmful bacteria on the raw chicken.
So if you’re looking for a quick, easy, mess-free way to cook juicy chicken strips, steaming is the way to go. Now let’s look at how long it takes.
What Affects Chicken Strip Steaming Time?
Several factors impact how long it takes to perfectly steam chicken strips:
Thickness
The thinner the chicken strip, the less time it needs to steam. Thicker, wider strips will take a bit longer. For even cooking, try to cut strips to a uniform thickness before steaming.
Quantity
The more chicken you are steaming, the longer the cooking time since it takes longer for the interior of the pile to reach safe temperatures. Steam smaller batches for shorter cook times.
Steam Environment
A tightly covered steamer basket with active steaming liquid will cook chicken strips faster than an open environment where steam can escape. Maintain a steady steam environment.
Power of Heat Source
Chicken will steam more quickly over a vigorous boil than a gentle simmer. High powered stovetops will yield faster results.
Taking these factors into account will allow you to estimate the best steaming time for your specific batch of chicken strips.
How to Know When Chicken Strips are Done
Since chicken strips are thin, they cook through relatively quickly via steaming. Here are some ways to test when they are fully cooked:
-
Internal temperature – Check the internal temperature of the thickest strip with a meat thermometer. 160°F is the minimum safe temperature.
-
Texture – Fully cooked chicken will be firm yet still juicy. It should not feel rubbery or mushy.
-
Color – The chicken strips will appear opaque all the way through when done, not pink or translucent.
-
Juices – Use a knife to cut into a strip. If the juices run clear, the chicken is fully cooked. If pink or red, continue steaming.
When in doubt, it’s best to steam an extra minute or two to ensure the chicken reaches safe internal temperatures. Now let’s go over the full steaming process.
How to Steam Chicken Strips – Step-by-Step
Steaming chicken strips is easy but following proper technique is key. Here are the steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken Strips
-
Trim chicken breasts of any excess fat or sinew.
-
Slice each breast lengthwise into long 1/2 inch thick strips.
-
Pat the raw chicken strips dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface can prevent browning.
2. Arrange Steamer Basket
-
Place steamer basket in a large saucepan or pot. Add 1-2 inches of water to the bottom (enough so basket does not touch water).
-
If your steamer does not have a basket, rig one with a heat proof plate by placing chopsticks or a rack underneath.
3. Steam the Chicken
-
Bring the water to a vigorous boil over high heat.
-
When steaming vigorously, place chicken strips in a single layer in the basket if possible, avoiding overlap.
-
Cover pot tightly with lid. Start timing. Maintain a strong steam environment the entire time.
4. Check for Doneness
-
After estimated cook time, check the thickest part of a strip for doneness using one of the methods above.
-
If needed, continue steaming 1-2 minutes until fully cooked through.
5. Remove and Serve Immediately
- Immediately transfer chicken strips to a serving platter. Enjoy hot off the steamer!
Follow these steps for perfectly steamed chicken strips every time. Now let’s look at average cook times.
How Long to Steam Chicken Strips on Average
On average, thin 1/2 inch chicken strip pieces take 8-12 minutes to steam over vigorously boiling water in a tightly covered steamer basket.
However, cooking times can vary based on the quantity and thickness. Here are more estimates:
- 1/4 inch thick chicken strips – 5-8 minutes
- 1/2 inch thick chicken strips (average size) – 8-12 minutes
- 3/4 inch thick chicken strips – 12-15 minutes
- 1 pound chicken strips – 10-14 minutes
- 2 pounds chicken strips – 14-18 minutes
The timing also starts once the water is at a rapid boil and steam is active. It’s best to set a timer and begin checking a few minutes early. Look for the visual signs of doneness rather than relying solely on cook times.
Now that you know approximately how long chicken strips take to steam, let’s go over some tips for the best results.
Tips for Perfectly Steamed Chicken Strips
Follow these tips for ensuring your chicken strips turn out tender and delicious:
-
Pat strips very dry before steaming for faster cook time.
-
Cut strips to a uniform size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
-
Arrange strips in a single layer in the steamer, not overlapping.
-
Keep the lid tightly sealed during steaming for optimal heat circulation.
-
Use a lid with a vent hole to allow some steam to escape vs. pressure building up.
-
Maintain a vigorous boil and steady steam environment. Add more hot water as needed.
-
Use fresh chicken within 2 days of purchasing for ideal texture. Frozen strips may take slightly longer.
-
Do not leave chicken strips to steam for longer than necessary or they can turn rubbery.
-
Check strips early and often until you are comfortable with exact cook times.
Following these best practices will reward you with perfectly steamed chicken strips every time.
Common Steaming Mistakes
It’s easy to over or undercook chicken strips when steaming. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
-
Underfilling the steamer with water leading to dry cooking.
-
Steaming over low heat without vigorous steam.
-
Leaving the lid ajar, releasing steam and heat.
-
Overcrowding the steamer basket preventing steam circulation.
-
Adding frozen strips without extending cook time.
-
Steaming too long after chicken is cooked through.
-
Not checking strips early and often for doneness.
With a little care to avoid these errors, you can perfectly steam juicy chicken strips for any recipe.
Serving and Storage Tips
Chicken strips are versatile and pair well with endless sauces, seasonings, and sides. Here are some serving ideas:
-
Toss strips in your favorite barbecue, ranch, honey mustard or other sauce.
-
Sprinkle with Cajun, lemon pepper, jerk or other spice blend.
-
Add strips to salads, sandwiches, tacos, pasta, or rice bowls.
-
Enjoy as-is for a healthy snack or meal.
Steamed strips will keep 3-4 days refrigerated and 1-2 months frozen. Reheat gently in the microwave or steamer basket to serve again.
Get Steaming!
Steaming chicken strips results in tender, juicy pieces perfect for any recipe. Follow this guide for full details on the average cook time, tips for success, and how to tell when chicken is done. In around 10 minutes, you can have a healthy, flavorful protein ready to become the star of any meal. Get your steamer basket out and get steaming tonight!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken – Choose boneless, skinless chicken — breasts, thighs, or tenders will all work.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens up the entire dish with a dose of citrus sunshine. Real, fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for this one!
- Oyster Sauce – Adds salty, sweet, and savory flavor. Look for it in the international aisle or at your local Asian market.
- Soy Sauce – I usually use a low-sodium soy sauce. Feel free to use regular, but you might want to reduce the amount of salt you add.
- Sugar – Gives a tiny touch of sweetness. Feel free to omit if desired.
- Rice Wine Vinegar – Adds a dash of brightening acidity. Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar make decent substitutes.
- Ginger – Adds zesty flavor and earthy warmth. Look for ginger paste in the produce section or use ground ginger instead.
- Sesame Oil – Gives the dish a deeply earthy and nutty flavor.
- Cornstarch – Tenderizes the chicken and thickens the sauce.
- Cilantro – Adds a pop of clean, peppery freshness.
What is Oyster Sauce?
Oyster sauce (háo yóu, 蚝油) is a savory Chinese condiment. It’s a viscous dark brown condiment made from oyster extracts, sugar, salt and water, thickened with corn starch. Today, some commercial versions are darkened with caramel. A beautiful flavor touch I add to so many Asian marinades and dishes. Some say fish sauce or hoisin sauce are acceptable substitutes, but I do not agree. They are really different in taste and viscosity. It can be found in most markets, Asian stores and online, please seek it out!
Why order chicken tenders at a restaurant #chickentenders
FAQ
How long does chicken take to steam?
How long are you supposed to cook chicken strips?
While deep-frying results in extra-rich chicken, oven chicken strips are still crunchy and delicious. They’re also a bit healthier, as they’re lower in fat. After breading the chicken as in Step 1, place the strips on a greased or lined baking sheet. Bake at 375° until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.
How much time to steam chicken legs?
Add the chicken legs in 1 layer and cover. Steam until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the chicken legs from the steamer and keep warm while you make the sauce.