Embark on a culinary adventure with our [Easy Steamed Chicken Breast Recipe: Master the Art of Effortless Cooking]. We'll guide you through a foolproof method to achieve tender, juicy, and delectable chicken breasts, empowering you to conquer this essential cooking technique with ease.
Easy Steamed Chicken Breast Recipe
Steaming chicken breasts is an easy and healthy way to cook them. This simple technique will give you juicy, tender chicken that’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, or main courses.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breast in a steamer basket.
- Add the water to a medium saucepan and bring to a rapid boil.
- Place the steamer basket over the saucepan and cover.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and steam for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the steamer basket and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- For a more flavorful chicken, season with additional herbs and spices before steaming, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- To steam multiple chicken breasts, double or triple the recipe and increase the cooking time accordingly.
- If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use a colander lined with parchment paper.
Benefits of Steamed Chicken:
- Steaming chicken is a healthy way to cook it as it preserves its nutrients and keeps it moist and tender.
- Steamed chicken is low in fat and calories, making it a great option for those on a diet.
- Chicken breast is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissue.
For a tender and flavorful dish, try out our fantastic recipe for steamed chicken breast. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, we highly recommend our healthy steamed chicken breast recipe.
Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Adjusting Quantity
Key Takeaways:
- Experiment with herbs and spices to infuse your chicken with a variety of flavors.
- Marinate your chicken before steaming for deeper flavor penetration.
- Adjust the cooking time to suit your desired level of doneness.
- Steam multiple chicken breasts by doubling or tripling the recipe and adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Enhance the flavor of sauces or marinades to complement your steamed chicken.
Elevate your steamed chicken game with these simple flavor-enhancing tips:
- Seasoning: Go beyond salt and pepper. Experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for a more robust flavor profile. Consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a touch of freshness.
- Marinating: Give your chicken a flavor bath! Marinate it in your favorite sauce or marinade for at least 30 minutes before steaming. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful end product.
Tips for adjusting quantity:
- Multiple Breasts: Steaming multiple chicken breasts is easy. Simply double or triple the recipe and increase the cooking time accordingly. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the estimated time to prevent overcooking.
- Customizing Portions: Adjust the recipe to suit your needs. If you prefer smaller portions, reduce the chicken breast size and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Alternatively, you can cut the cooked chicken into smaller pieces for salads or sandwiches.
Remember, the beauty of steamed chicken lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and adjust the quantity to cater to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Happy steaming!
Citation: How to Steam Chicken Perfectly: The Ultimate Guide
Benefits of steaming chicken as a healthy cooking method
Steaming chicken is a healthy cooking method that preserves its nutrients and keeps it moist and tender. It is also a low-fat and low-calorie option, making it a great choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Key Takeaways:
- Preserves nutrients: Steaming chicken helps retain more of its nutrients than other cooking methods, such as grilling or frying. This is because steaming does not require high heat, which can damage nutrients.
- Keeps chicken moist and tender: Steaming chicken helps keep it moist and tender, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Low in fat and calories: Steamed chicken is a low-fat and low-calorie option, making it a great choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- Good source of protein: Chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissue.
How to steam chicken:
- Place the chicken in a steamer basket.
- Add water to a pot and bring to a boil.
- Place the steamer basket over the pot and cover.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and steam for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the steamer basket and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- For more flavor, season the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices before steaming.
- To steam multiple chicken breasts at once, double or triple the recipe and increase the cooking time accordingly.
- If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use a colander lined with parchment paper.
Citation:
Source of Protein and Nutritional Value of Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is a nutritional powerhouse, offering an array of essential nutrients while being low in fat and calories. It’s a prime source of protein, providing 26 grams per 3 oz serving, vital for building and repairing body tissues. Moreover, chicken breast is rich in vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.
Key Takeaways:
- Chicken breast is an excellent lean protein source, with 26 grams per 3 oz serving.
- It’s remarkably low in fat and carbohydrates, containing just 2.5 grams of fat and 0 grams of carbohydrates per 3 oz serving.
- Chicken breast is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.
Relevant URL Source:
- Chicken Breast: Complete Nutrition Data | Food Fact: https://www.foodfact.info/food/chicken-breast/
FAQ
Q1: How long do I need to steam chicken breasts?
A1: Steaming time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. As a general rule, steam for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to the steamer basket with the chicken?
A2: Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli florets, carrots, or green beans to the steamer basket along with the chicken.
Q3: What seasonings can I use to flavor my steamed chicken breasts?
A3: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are great basic seasonings for steamed chicken breasts. You can also try experimenting with other seasonings like herbs, spices, or citrus zest.
Q4: How do I know when my steamed chicken breasts are fully cooked?
A4: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q5: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for steaming?
A5: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for steaming. However, increase the steaming time by 5-7 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.