Chinese Steamed Chicken Breast Recipe: A Simple and Healthy Dish

If you're looking for a healthy and easy weeknight dinner, Chinese steamed chicken breast recipe is a great option. Steaming the chicken breast ensures that it stays juicy and tender, while also retaining its nutritional value. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a low-fat and low-carb meal option.

To make this dish, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ginger, garlic, green onions, and soy sauce. You can also add seafood like shrimp or scallops to the dish to add more flavour and nutrition. Simply marinate the chicken breasts with the ginger, garlic, green onions, and soy sauce, then steam them for about 20 minutes.

This Chinese steamed chicken breast recipe is a great option for those who are looking for a healthy and easy meal option. It's perfect for busy weeknights, and the addition of seafood makes it even more nutritious and delicious. So why not give it a try tonight?

Key Takeaways

• Chinese steamed chicken breast recipe is a healthy and easy weeknight dinner option.
• Seafood can be added to the recipe for more flavour and nutrition.
• Steaming the chicken breast retains its nutritional value and keeps it juicy and tender.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Main Ingredients

To make a delicious Chinese steamed chicken breast recipe, you will need the following main ingredients:

• Chicken breast: You can use boneless or bone-in chicken breast, depending on your preference. Bone-in chicken breast adds more flavour to the dish. If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use prawns or scallops.

• Ginger: This aromatic root adds a unique flavour to the dish. You can use fresh ginger or ginger powder.

• Salt: Salt is an essential ingredient that enhances the flavour of the chicken.

• Scallion: Scallions are used to add a mild onion flavour to the dish.

Sauce and Seasonings

To make a tasty sauce for your Chinese steamed chicken breast, you will need the following ingredients:

• Oyster sauce: This sauce adds a savoury flavour to the dish.

• Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavour to the dish.

• Soy sauce: Soy sauce is used to add saltiness to the dish.

• Rice wine: Rice wine adds a sweet flavour to the dish.

• Sugar: Sugar is used to add sweetness to the dish.

• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce.

• Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is used to sauté the ginger and scallion.

Optional Additions

If you want to add more flavour and texture to the dish, you can add the following optional ingredients:

• Dried shiitake mushrooms: These mushrooms add a meaty texture and a savoury flavour to the dish.

• Green onions: Green onions add a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to the dish.

• Dried lily flowers: These flowers add a mild floral flavour and a crunchy texture to the dish.

• Red dates: Red dates add a sweet flavour and a chewy texture to the dish.

You can adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preference, and you can also experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version of the recipe.

Preparation Before Cooking

Before you start cooking your Chinese steamed chicken breast, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that your dish is flavourful and delicious.

Cleaning the Chicken

The first step is to clean the chicken breast thoroughly. Rinse it under cold running water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Make sure that all the excess water is removed from the chicken breast before you start marinating it.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken breast is an important step as it helps to infuse the chicken with flavour. You can use a variety of ingredients to marinate the chicken, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or scallops to the marinade for an extra burst of flavour.

To marinate the chicken, mix the ingredients in a bowl and pour the mixture over the chicken. Make sure that the chicken is completely coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.

Setting Up the Steamer

While the chicken is marinating, you can set up your steamer. Fill the bottom of the steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Place the chicken breast on a heat-proof plate and place the plate on the steamer rack. Cover the steamer with the lid and steam the chicken for about 15-20 minutes or until it is cooked through.

By following these simple steps, you can prepare a delicious Chinese steamed chicken breast that is juicy and flavourful. The prep time for this dish is minimal, and you can marinate the chicken while you are setting up the steamer.

Steaming Process

Steaming the Chicken

To steam the chicken breast, you need a bamboo steamer and a pot that can fit the steamer. First, place the chicken breast in the steamer basket and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Then, bring water to a boil in the pot and place the steamer on top. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the chicken breast for about 15-20 minutes.

Checking for Doneness

To check if the chicken breast is cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The meat should be white and opaque, and the juices should run clear.

Resting the Chicken

Once the chicken breast is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken breast more tender and juicy.

If you want to add some seafood to your steamed chicken breast recipe, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops on top of the chicken breast before steaming. The seafood will cook at the same time as the chicken and add some extra flavour to the dish.

Sauce Preparation and Serving

Making the Sauce

The ginger scallion sauce is a classic pairing with Chinese steamed chicken breast, and it's incredibly easy to make. Here's what you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped ginger
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped scallions
• 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

To make the sauce, simply mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Heat up the vegetable oil in a pan until it's hot, then pour the oil over the mixture. Stir the sauce well, and it's ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Chinese steamed chicken breast with ginger scallion sauce is a simple and delicious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:

• Serve the chicken breast on a bed of rice with the sauce drizzled on top.
• Garnish the dish with some fresh cilantro or chopped scallions for added flavor.
• If you're looking for a dipping sauce, mix some soy sauce and rice vinegar together and serve it on the side.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat the chicken and sauce in the microwave or on the stove.

If you want to add some seafood to the dish, shrimp or scallops would be a great addition. Simply steam them along with the chicken breast, and serve them on top with the ginger scallion sauce. Alternatively, you could make a seafood dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, and some minced garlic together.

Nutritional Information and Variations

Health Benefits

Chinese steamed chicken breast is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in fat and calories. Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, and it is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium.

Steaming the chicken breast is a healthy cooking method that helps to retain the nutrients and flavour of the meat. It also helps to reduce the fat content of the dish as no additional oil is required during the cooking process.

Recipe Variations

There are many variations of the Chinese steamed chicken breast recipe, and you can modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

For a more flavourful dish, you can use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless skinless chicken breasts. This will add more flavour to the dish as the bones will release more flavour during the cooking process.

If you are looking for a seafood option, you can add shrimp or scallops to the dish. Simply place the seafood on top of the chicken breast before steaming. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to the dish. Alternatively, you can replace the chicken breast with fish fillets such as cod or sea bass.

For a Cantonese-style dish, you can add Chinese sausage to the dish. This will add a sweet and savoury flavour to the dish that is popular in southern China, particularly in Guangdong province.

Here is a table summarizing the nutritional information for one serving of Chinese steamed chicken breast:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	165
Protein	31g
Fat	3g
Carbohydrates	0g
Fibre	0g
Sodium	660mg

Overall, Chinese steamed chicken breast is a healthy and delicious dish that can be easily modified to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to keeping steamed chicken breast moist?

The key to keeping steamed chicken breast moist is to not overcook it. Overcooking can cause the meat to become dry and tough. It's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), which is the safe temperature for consumption. Covering the chicken with a lid or foil while steaming can also help to retain moisture.

Can you recommend a simple method for steaming chicken breast?

Yes, steaming chicken breast is a simple process. First, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Then, place it on a steaming rack or in a steamer basket. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander or a metal sieve. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, place the steaming rack or basket over the pot and cover it with a lid. Steam the chicken breast for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What are the health benefits of eating steamed chicken breast?

Steamed chicken breast is a lean protein source that is low in fat and calories. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus. Additionally, steaming is a healthy cooking method that helps to retain the nutrients in the chicken breast.

How long does it take to properly steam a chicken breast?

The cooking time for steaming a chicken breast will depend on the thickness of the meat. As a general rule, a chicken breast that is 1 inch thick will take approximately 10-12 minutes to steam. However, it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What are some flavourful additions to a steamed chicken breast recipe?

There are many flavourful additions that can be used in a steamed chicken breast recipe. Some examples include garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions. Seafood such as shrimp, scallops, and crab can also be added to the recipe to enhance the flavour.

Is there a notable difference between boiling and steaming chicken breast?

Boiling and steaming are both healthy cooking methods that can be used to cook chicken breast. However, there is a notable difference between the two methods. Boiling involves submerging the chicken breast in boiling water, which can cause the meat to become waterlogged and lose flavour. Steaming, on the other hand, involves cooking the chicken breast in steam, which helps to retain the flavour and nutrients.