Chinese Steamed Chicken Thigh Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Dish

If you're looking for a healthy and easy weeknight dinner, Chinese steamed chicken thigh is a great option. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also quick to prepare and can be made with simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

To make Chinese steamed chicken thigh, you'll need bone-in chicken thighs, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You can also add other ingredients, such as shiitake mushrooms or seafood like shrimp or scallops, to make the dish more flavourful.

Steaming is a great cooking method for those who are health-conscious because it doesn't require any oil or fat. It's also a gentle cooking method that helps to retain the nutrients and flavour of the ingredients. With a little bit of preparation and patience, you can easily make a delicious and healthy Chinese steamed chicken thigh dish that your family will love.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese steamed chicken thigh is a healthy and easy weeknight dinner option that can be made with simple ingredients like bone-in chicken thighs, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
• You can add other ingredients like shiitake mushrooms or seafood to make the dish more flavourful.
• Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps to retain the nutrients and flavour of the ingredients.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese steamed chicken thigh, there are a few essential ingredients that you simply cannot do without. Here are the key components that you will need to create a delicious and authentic dish.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The first thing you need to consider is the type of chicken you will be using. Chicken thighs are a popular choice for this recipe, as they are tender and flavourful. You can use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, depending on your preference. Make sure to choose high-quality, fresh chicken that has been properly cleaned and prepared.

Key Seasonings and Sauces

To give your chicken the right flavour, you will need to use a few key seasonings and sauces. Soy sauce and oyster sauce are two of the most important ingredients in this recipe. They add depth and richness to the dish, while sesame oil provides a nutty aroma and flavour. Garlic, ginger, and scallion are also commonly used to add a savoury kick to the dish.

Additional Flavour Enhancers

To take your Chinese steamed chicken thigh to the next level, you can add a few extra flavour enhancers. White pepper, for example, adds a subtle heat to the dish, while cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce. Sugar can be used to balance out the salty and savoury flavours, and Shaoxing wine can be used to add a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish. Shiitake mushrooms and dried shiitake mushrooms are also commonly used to add a rich, earthy flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding seafood to your Chinese steamed chicken thigh. Shrimp or scallops can be a great addition, adding a sweet and delicate flavour to the dish. Just make sure to cook the seafood properly and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

With these essential ingredients, you can create a delicious and authentic Chinese steamed chicken thigh that is sure to impress.

Preparation Guide

Before you begin preparing your Chinese steamed chicken thigh recipe, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. In this section, we'll guide you through the process of preparing your chicken and steamer, as well as rinsing and soaking your accompaniments.

Marinating the Chicken

To get the most flavour out of your chicken, it's important to marinate it before steaming. You can use a variety of marinades, but a classic Chinese marinade consists of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice wine. Simply mix these ingredients together and rub them all over the chicken, making sure to get the marinade into all the nooks and crannies. Then, cover the chicken and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight if possible.

Prepping the Steamer

While your chicken is marinating, you can prep your steamer. A bamboo steamer is the traditional tool used for steaming Chinese dishes, but you can also use a metal steamer basket. Whichever type of steamer you use, make sure to line it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Rinsing and Soaking Accompaniments

Before you start steaming your chicken, you'll need to rinse and soak any accompaniments you plan to serve with it. For example, if you're serving rice with your chicken, rinse the rice until the water runs clear and then soak it for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you're using shiitake mushrooms, rinse them under cold water and then soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes to soften them up.

As a suggestion, you can also add seafood to your Chinese steamed chicken thigh recipe to give it an extra boost of flavour. Some great options include shrimp, scallops, or even crab meat. Simply add the seafood to the steamer basket along with the chicken and cook as directed.

With these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to preparing a delicious Chinese steamed chicken thigh dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Steaming Process

Steaming chicken is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine that helps to preserve the flavour and texture of the meat. Here's how to steam chicken thighs to perfection.

Layering Ingredients

To start, place the chicken thighs in a heatproof dish, and season them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like ginger, garlic or soy sauce to enhance the flavour.

Next, layer the chicken with vegetables like carrots and onions. You can also add seafood like prawns or scallops for an extra burst of flavour.

Cooking on the Right Heat

Fill a wok or steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and place the dish with the chicken in the steamer basket. Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the chicken for about 20-25 minutes.

Be sure to check the water level and add more water if necessary to prevent the steamer from running dry. You can also use chopsticks to check the doneness of the chicken. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.

Checking for Doneness

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

Serve the steamed chicken thighs hot with steamed rice or noodles. You can also garnish it with chopped green onions or coriander for added flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add seafood like prawns or scallops to the dish for an extra burst of flavour. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks faster than chicken.

With these simple steps, you can easily steam chicken thighs to perfection and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.

Finishing Touches

Making the Sauce

To complete your Chinese steamed chicken thigh recipe, you need to make a sauce that will complement the dish. The sauce is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. You can use oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil to make a simple yet delicious sauce. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl and pour the sauce over the chicken once it is cooked.

If you want to add a bit of seafood flavour to your dish, you can also add some shrimp or crab meat to the sauce. This will give the dish a unique touch and elevate the overall flavour. Make sure to use fresh seafood and chop it into small pieces before adding it to the sauce.

Garnishing for Presentation

To add some colour and texture to your dish, you can garnish it with some green onions and garlic oil. Chop some green onions into small pieces and sprinkle them over the chicken once it is cooked. This will add a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.

To make garlic oil, heat some oil in a pan and add some minced garlic. Cook the garlic until it is golden brown and then strain the oil into a bowl. Drizzle the garlic oil over the chicken before serving to add a rich and aromatic flavour.

When serving your Chinese steamed chicken thigh, make sure to arrange it on a serving plate and pour any remaining gravy or juice over the chicken. This will keep the chicken moist and add extra flavour to the dish. With these finishing touches, your Chinese steamed chicken thigh recipe will be complete and ready to impress your guests.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have cooked your delicious Chinese steamed chicken thighs, it's time to think about serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Steamed Rice

Chinese steamed chicken thigh is best served with steamed rice. The fluffy, fragrant rice is the perfect accompaniment to the tender, flavorful chicken. You can use any type of steamed rice you like, but we recommend jasmine rice for its delicate flavour.

Dipping Sauce

A dipping sauce can add extra flavour to your Chinese steamed chicken thigh dish. A simple soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with different flavours and ingredients. Try adding some goji berries, which are a popular ingredient in southern China, to give your dipping sauce a unique twist.

Seafood

If you want to add some seafood to your Chinese steamed chicken thigh recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. Simply place the seafood on top of the chicken before steaming. This will infuse the seafood with the delicious flavours of the chicken and make for a unique and tasty dish.

Chinese Sausage

Chinese sausage is a popular ingredient in many steamed dishes, and it pairs perfectly with Chinese steamed chicken thigh. Simply slice the sausage and place it on top of the chicken before steaming. The sausage will add a sweet and savoury flavour to the dish.

Guangdong Style

If you want to make your Chinese steamed chicken thigh dish more authentic, try making it in the Guangdong style. This style of cooking is popular in southern China and is characterised by its use of simple, fresh ingredients. To make your dish in the Guangdong style, simply use boneless chicken thigh and steam it with some ginger and garlic.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can come up with your own unique serving suggestions for your Chinese steamed chicken thigh dish. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to marinate chicken thighs for steaming?

Marinating chicken thighs before steaming is a great way to add flavour to your dish. For a Chinese-style marinade, mix together soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of sugar. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before steaming.

How can I ensure my steamed chicken thighs are tender and not dry?

To ensure that your chicken thighs are tender and juicy, be sure not to overcook them. Steam bone-in chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can also add a small amount of chicken stock or water to the steaming liquid to help keep the meat moist.

Can I add ginger and wine to my chicken when steaming for extra flavour?

Yes, ginger and wine are both great additions to a steamed chicken recipe. Slice fresh ginger and place it on top of the chicken before steaming. You can also add a splash of Shaoxing wine to the steaming liquid for extra flavour.

What's the ideal time for steaming bone-in chicken thighs?

The ideal time for steaming bone-in chicken thighs is 25-30 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.

How can I incorporate mushrooms into my steamed chicken recipe?

Mushrooms are a great addition to a steamed chicken recipe. Slice shiitake mushrooms and place them on top of the chicken before steaming. You can also add other vegetables like bok choy or broccoli to the steaming basket for a complete meal.

Are there any health benefits to choosing steamed chicken over boiled?

Steaming chicken is a healthy cooking method as it allows the meat to retain its nutrients and natural flavour without adding any extra fat. It is a great alternative to boiled chicken, which can sometimes become tough and dry. If you're looking for a way to add more seafood to your diet, you can also consider adding shrimp or scallops to the steaming basket along with the chicken.