Steamed Ginger Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor but light on the fuss, then Steamed Ginger Chicken is your new best friend. This recipe is all about simplicity, with tender chicken infused with the aromatic warmth of fresh ginger, a hint of soy sauce, and just the right amount of seasoning. Steaming the chicken keeps it juicy and tender, locking in all those savory flavors while maintaining a light, fresh profile. It’s the perfect dish when you want something healthy, easy to make, and yet utterly satisfying. Trust me, you’ll be coming back to this one over and over again—it’s that good!

Why You’ll Love Steamed Ginger Chicken

Healthy and Light: Steamed instead of fried, this chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a lighter, health-conscious meal.

Full of Flavor: The fresh ginger, soy sauce, and garlic create a deliciously aromatic marinade that soaks into the chicken, making every bite burst with flavor.

Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is as easy as it gets. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.

Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like a little extra spice, add some chili flakes or chili paste to kick it up a notch.

Ingredients

For the Steamed Ginger Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect for this recipe as it stays tender and juicy when steamed.
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated – The key ingredient that gives this dish its signature aroma and flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For an extra punch of flavor.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce – Adds a savory umami flavor to the chicken.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar – A subtle tang to balance the richness of the chicken.
• 1 tsp sesame oil – For a nutty, rich depth of flavor.
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance out the savory elements.
• 1/4 tsp white pepper or black pepper – For a mild spice and depth of flavor.
• 2-3 green onions (scallions) – Chopped, for garnish (optional).
• 1 tsp sesame seeds – For garnish (optional).

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or brown sugar, and pepper until the honey is dissolved, and everything is well-combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) into a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Set Up the Steaming Equipment:
Fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. If you have a steamer basket, place it into the pot. If not, you can use a heatproof dish that fits comfortably in your pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water.

4. Steam the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken into the steamer basket or heatproof dish. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the chicken for 20-25 minutes (depending on the thickness of the chicken), or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is fully cooked through.

5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the steamer and transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and a little crunch. Serve immediately with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 240
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 570mg
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 3%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Steamed Ginger Chicken

With Steamed Rice: This dish is delicious served over a bowl of warm steamed rice, which soaks up all the savory juices from the chicken.

With Vegetables: Pair the chicken with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for a well-rounded, healthy meal.

In a Wrap: Slice the chicken thinly and wrap it up with some fresh veggies, a drizzle of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds in a whole wheat wrap for a tasty, light lunch.

In a Salad: Add the steamed ginger chicken to a crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing meal.

Additional Tips

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, chicken thighs add an extra layer of juiciness and flavor, so feel free to switch things up based on your preference.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or a splash of chili oil.

Make It a Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make a batch of chicken, and it will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Serve it throughout the week with different sides for variety.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A1: It’s best to use fresh chicken for steaming, but if you have frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating and steaming to ensure even cooking.

Q2: Can I add more vegetables to the steaming process?
A2: Yes! You can steam vegetables like carrots, bok choy, or mushrooms along with the chicken. Just make sure the veggies are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.

Q3: How do I make the chicken more flavorful?
A3: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for longer—up to 2 hours—or even overnight. You can also add additional seasonings like star anise or a touch of hoisin sauce.

Q4: Can I make this without sesame oil?
A4: Yes! If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil, though you’ll miss the unique nutty flavor that sesame oil provides.

Q5: Can I steam the chicken in a bamboo steamer?
A5: Absolutely! A bamboo steamer works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure your steamer basket is lined with parchment paper to keep the chicken from sticking.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Leftover steamed ginger chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or in a steamer to maintain moisture.

Q7: Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
A7: Yes, you can! For an Instant Pot, use the steam function and cook the chicken on high for about 8 minutes. Release the pressure naturally before opening.

Q8: What should I do if the chicken isn’t cooking fast enough?
A8: If the chicken isn’t fully cooked after the recommended time, simply continue steaming for a few more minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).

Q9: Can I freeze this chicken after it’s steamed?
A9: Yes! Once the chicken has cooled, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or steam to keep it tender.

Q10: How can I make the ginger flavor stronger?
A10: To enhance the ginger flavor, use more freshly grated ginger in the marinade, or add a small amount of ginger paste to the sauce while steaming.

Conclusion

This Steamed Ginger Chicken is the perfect balance of savory, tender, and flavorful. It’s simple to make, and the ginger sauce infuses the chicken with a delightful warmth that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner, meal prep option, or something new to try, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy!

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