Well, if ya ask me how long it takes to steam chicken, I’ll tell ya, it kinda depends on what part of the chicken ya got and how thick it is. Now, I’m not a fancy cook or nothin’, but when I steam chicken, I always think about how big the pieces are. A chicken breast that don’t have no bones in it? Well, that usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes if you got a good steamer and it’s sittin’ over some boilin’ water.
Now, some folks like to steam their chicken real slow, so the meat stays tender and juicy. I reckon that’s a good way to cook it if you wanna keep all them good flavors and nutrients inside. Ya know, it’s much healthier than fryin’ it in a lot of oil, that’s for sure. Steamin’ chicken breast, it’s like the easy way to get it done without messin’ up too much of the natural taste. I tell ya, when you steam chicken right, it’s real good.
If we’re talkin’ about a boneless chicken breast, you’ll wanna keep it in the steamer for about 10 to 12 minutes, but don’t forget to check it. Now, if you’re cookin’ a whole bird or somethin’ bigger, like a Cornish hen, that might take a little longer, say around 20 minutes or so. I always tell folks to make sure it’s good and cooked through, ’cause undercooked chicken ain’t no good, ya know?
How to Steam Chicken the Right Way
- First, get ya a steamer or a pot with a steaming basket in it.
- Fill the bottom of the pot with water, just enough so it don’t touch the chicken, but plenty to make some steam.
- Put your chicken pieces in the steamer basket, make sure they ain’t all piled up, give ’em some space so the steam can get around ‘em.
- Put the lid on the pot and let the steam do its work.
- Wait for the right time. For them boneless breasts, it’ll be about 10 to 12 minutes, but for a whole chicken, like a Cornish hen, you might need to give it 20 minutes or so.
- Check with a meat thermometer, if ya got one. You wanna make sure the chicken’s cooked all the way through. The inside should be at least 165°F.
That’s all there is to it! Ain’t too complicated, and it don’t take a lot of fancy ingredients or equipment. Just some good ol’ chicken and water, and you’re set. The best part is, ya don’t need no oil or butter. It’s just plain and simple, and keeps the chicken healthy too!
Now, I always say, don’t rush it. You gotta let the chicken get steamed through nice and slow. Don’t be pullin’ it out too early, or it won’t taste right. And don’t forget, after it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes. It’ll stay juicier if you do that. If you try to cut into it too soon, all the juices run out and it might end up dry, and nobody wants that.
Why Steam Chicken?
Well, let me tell ya, steamin’ chicken ain’t just about how quick it is. It’s about keepin’ all that good flavor locked inside. When you steam chicken, it stays nice and tender. I reckon it’s a whole lot better than fryin’ it, and it’s good for folks who are tryin’ to eat a little healthier. You don’t lose none of the nutrients either, which is more than I can say for some other methods of cookin’.
And, if you want, you can always throw a little salt, pepper, or even some herbs in the water for extra flavor. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with addin’ a little somethin’ to make the taste pop. Just be careful not to overdo it, though. You don’t wanna drown out the chicken’s natural taste.
So, the next time you’re wonderin’ how long it takes to steam chicken, remember, it’s all about the size of the chicken and how you like it cooked. For those boneless breasts, 10 to 12 minutes should do it. For the whole small chickens like Cornish hens, ya might need about 20 minutes. And don’t forget that thermometer to check the inside temp! Once it hits 165°F, you’re good to go!
Tags：[Steaming Chicken, How to Steam Chicken, Chicken Cooking Time, Healthy Chicken, Steamed Chicken Breast, Cooking Chicken, Steamed Chicken Recipe]
