Chicken breast is a widely consumed type of poultry. It’s a lean and easy-to-prepare cut of meat. It’s versatile and can be cooked in many different ways, from roasting to grilling.
But can you steam chicken breast in a steamer? The answer is yes! Steaming chicken breast is one of the most efficient and healthiest ways to prepare your favorite poultry dish.
It reduces fat, and steaming locks in the flavor and moisture for a tender, succulent meal.
This article will discuss how steaming chicken breast can transform your cooking repertoire. We’ll also provide helpful tips on steam-cooking time and adding flavors to ensure a delicious dinner every time.
Let’s get into it!
Benefits of Steaming Chicken Breast
There are many benefits to steaming chicken breast. But here are the three most common benefits you should know.
Health
When it comes to healthy eating, chicken breast is a great choice. It’s an excellent source of lean protein and low in saturated fat.
Steaming your chicken breast allows you to cook it without adding additional fat or calories.
Doing so keeps the nutritional value intact and ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender instead of dry and tough, which can happen when cooking with high heat.
The vitamins and minerals in steamed chicken stay locked inside, so they’re not lost during the cooking process, like if cooked on a stovetop or oven-roasted.
Taste
Steaming is one of the best ways to prepare food because it preserves its flavor without needing a lot of spices or sauces added at the end.
With this cooking technique, all you need is some salt or your favorite herbs for seasoning before you start steaming, then let nature take its course!
You’ll be left with succulent pieces of meat bursting with flavor from within.
Plus, there’s much less chance of burning than other methods, such as roasting in an oven or pan frying on a stovetop.
Convenience
In addition to being healthier, steamed chicken breasts are also very convenient for busy moms and dads. The steaming method can serve quickly while still feeling good about what they’re feeding themselves and their families.
See also: Can You Steam Beets In A Steamer?
What’s The Difference Between Boiling And Steaming Chicken Breast?
The primary difference between boiling and steaming chicken breasts is how they are cooked.
Boiling cooks food by submerging it in hot liquid, whereas steaming involves cooking food with steam or a small amount of water.
When boiling chicken breast, it should be placed into a pot filled with enough cold water to cover the breasts completely before bringing the water to a boil.
Steaming, however, requires less preparation as no pre-boiling is required. Instead, you place your chicken onto a rack over simmering liquid such as stock and then cover it with a lid until cooked through.
When boiled, the chicken breast becomes tender but can dry when overcooked. So care must be taken not to leave them too long after reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C degrees Fahrenheit.
The advantage of steaming over boiling is that there’s much less risk of drying out the meat. It’s because surrounded by steam rather than immersed directly in hot liquid.
This helps keep moisture locked inside while cooking, resulting in juicier, more flavorful results every time.
See also: Can You Steam Cod In A Steamer?
How To Clean Chicken Breast Before Steaming?
Rinsing raw poultry like chicken breast with cold water is a key step in preventing foodborne illnesses. Doing so can reduce the risk of cross-contamination from harmful bacteria such as salmonella and campylobacter.
The purpose of rinsing the chicken breast is to wash away any loose particles which may contain harmful bacteria.
Then use paper towels to pat it dry so there isn’t any excess moisture left on the meat, which could cause problems when cooked for long periods at high temperatures like steamed.
After rinsing raw poultry with cold water to remove potential contaminants, paper towels can help absorb any remaining organisms on the surface and further reduce contamination risks before cooking.
Drying off chicken breast properly also helps reduce unpleasant smells when steaming, as moisture can trap odors released during cooking, resulting in strong aromas around the kitchen.
See also: Can You Steam Cabbage In A Steamer?
How To Steam Chicken Breasts In A Steamer?
Electric steamers are great because they provide consistent heating temperatures throughout the pot, which means even cooking results every time.
Add water to the base and turn it on to steam chicken breasts in an electric steamer.
Place the chicken breasts onto the steaming tray and put it into the electric steamer. Close the lid tightly and set a timer for 15 minutes.
When the timer goes off, open the lid carefully and check if the chicken is cooked through by inserting a thermometer or knife into the middle of the breast.
If cooked later, close the lid and set the timer for another 3-5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving or storing away.
What Should You Not Do When Steaming Chicken Breast?
When steaming chicken breast, it is important to avoid overcooking the meat. Overcooking can result in dry, tough chicken that needs more flavor.
You should also not add oil or butter when steaming, as this will prevent the steam from circulating and distributing evenly.
Additionally, it would be best if you used a pot with a tight-fitting lid so that the moisture stays inside while cooking and does not escape into the air.
Refrain from overcrowding your pot; give each piece room to cook properly without simultaneously steaming other pieces of meat.
See also: Can You Steam Carrots In A Steamer?
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Steam A Chicken Breast In An Electric Steamer?
It typically takes 10 minutes to steam a chicken breast in an electric steamer.
Why Is My Steamed Chicken Tough?
Steamed chicken can become tough if it is overcooked or cooked at too high a temperature. To ensure that your steamed chicken stays tender and juicy, cook it at low heat for the appropriate time.
How To Cook Chicken Breast Without Losing Protein?
To cook chicken breast without losing protein, it is best to use moist-heat cooking methods such as poaching, steaming, or boiling.
These methods help keep the moisture in the chicken and prevent it from drying out. Also, ensure not to overcook the chicken as this can cause some proteins to break down.
How To Steam Chicken Breast In A Pan?
To steam chicken breast in a pan, heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
Reduce the heat to low, add ½ cup of water to the pan, cover it with a lid and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and serve warm.
What Is The Best Way To Tenderize Chicken Breast?
The best way to tenderize chicken breast is by using a meat mallet or marinating it in an acidic liquid like lemon juice, vinegar, buttermilk, or yogurt.
Conclusion: Can You Steam Chicken Breast In A Steamer?
Yes, you absolutely can steam chicken breasts using a steamer. This method locks in flavor while ensuring your meal is perfectly cooked every time without drying out, as other methods might.
Steamed chicken breasts are especially great for recipes calling for shredded chicken, as they stay nice and moist during preparation.
Plus, your meal stays healthy since you’re not adding any additional oils or fats during this process.
You should have a try today!
Happy cooking!