Cooking a delicious and tender steamed chicken doesn’t have to be complicated. Below are 15 simple steps that will guide you through the process and ensure a perfect dish every time.
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- Gather your ingredients: One whole chicken, one tablespoon of salt, one teaspoon of ground black pepper, and any additional seasonings or herbs you’d like to use.
- Prepare your chicken by removing the giblets and thoroughly rinsing it under cold water.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season your chicken evenly using the salt, pepper, and any additional spices you’ve chosen. Remember to season both the inside cavity and the outside of the chicken.
- If desired, stuff the cavity of your chicken with aromatics such as lemon or lime slices, fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or a clove of crushed garlic for added flavor.
- Truss your chicken: tie its legs together with a piece of kitchen twine, to help the bird cook more evenly and maintain its shape during steaming.
- Prepare your steamer by filling it halfway with water then place on medium heat on your stove to bring it to a simmer. Be sure to use a steamer large enough to accommodate the size of your bird.
- Place a heat-resistant plate in the steamer basket as this will keep the chicken elevated from direct contact with the water.
- Put your seasoned chicken onto the plate in the steamer basket, breast-side up.
- Once steam is sufficiently rising from the simmering water, place the steamer basket containing your chicken onto the steamer pot.
- Cover and steam over medium heat for 40-50 minutes depending on the size of your chicken: use a meat thermometer to confirm that an internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked poultry.
- Check the water level regularly during cooking and make sure it doesn’t run dry; add more if necessary.
- When the chicken is done cooking, carefully remove it from the steamer basket using tongs or a carving fork.
- Allow your steamed chicken to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving and serving: this helps retain its juices and tenderness.
- Serve your perfectly cooked steamed chicken with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a refreshing salad.
Enjoy your tender and juicy steamed chicken prepared in just 15 simple steps. With practice, this flavorful and healthy cooking method will become second nature in your home kitchen.
