How To Steam Chicken In Rice Cooker

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

Welcome to the world of steaming chicken in a rice cooker! If you’re looking for a simple and efficient way to cook chicken, using a rice cooker is a game-changer. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it also results in tender and flavorful chicken.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a rice cooker for steaming chicken and guide you through the process of preparing, seasoning, and steaming the chicken. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this method to be convenient and foolproof.

Steaming chicken is a healthier alternative to frying or grilling, as it preserves the natural juices and nutrients of the meat. By using a rice cooker, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken without the need for excessive oil or complicated cooking techniques.

Now, let’s dive into the world of steaming chicken in a rice cooker and discover the amazing results you can achieve with this method.

Benefits of Using a Rice Cooker for Steaming Chicken

Using a rice cooker for steaming chicken offers several advantages that make it a popular choice among home cooks. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits:

1. Convenience: Rice cookers are designed to simplify the cooking process, and steaming chicken is no exception. With just a few simple steps, you can have a fully cooked chicken ready to be served. The rice cooker handles all the cooking and timing, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
2. Even Cooking: Rice cookers provide uniform heat distribution, ensuring that the chicken is cooked evenly. This eliminates the risk of undercooked or overcooked parts, resulting in tender and succulent chicken.
3. Retains Nutrients: Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain the natural vitamins and minerals present in the chicken. The closed environment of the rice cooker traps the steam, allowing the chicken to cook in its own juices and preserving its nutritional value.
4. Healthier Cooking Option: Steaming is considered one of the healthiest ways to cook chicken as it requires little to no oil. This means you can enjoy the flavors and tenderness of the chicken without adding unnecessary calories or fat.
5. Time and Energy Efficiency: Rice cookers are designed to be energy-efficient, using minimal electricity to cook food. Additionally, the steaming process is relatively quick, allowing you to have a perfectly cooked chicken on the table in no time.
6. Versatility: Rice cookers are not limited to cooking rice alone. Many models come with additional features or steamer attachments that allow you to steam other ingredients, such as vegetables, dumplings, or even fish. This makes it a versatile appliance that can cater to various recipes and cooking preferences.

With these benefits in mind, it’s easy to see why using a rice cooker for steaming chicken is a popular choice. It provides a convenient, healthy, and efficient cooking method that yields delicious results every time.

Preparing the Chicken for Steaming

Before you can start steaming the chicken in your rice cooker, it’s important to properly prepare the chicken. Follow these steps to ensure your chicken is ready for the steaming process:

1. Cleaning the Chicken: Begin by rinsing the chicken thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove any dirt or excess blood. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels afterward.
2. Trimming Excess Fat: Trim any visible excess fat from the chicken, as this can contribute to an oily texture and affect the overall taste.
3. Cutting into Pieces: Depending on your preference and the size of your rice cooker, you can choose to steam the chicken as a whole or cut it into smaller pieces. Cutting the chicken into portions helps ensure even cooking and allows for quicker cooking times.
4. Marinating (Optional): Marinating the chicken can add extra flavor and tenderness to the meat. You can use a marinade of your choice, such as a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other spices. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for a more intense flavor.

Once you’ve prepared the chicken, it’s time to add your desired flavors and seasonings to elevate the taste of the steamed chicken. Let’s explore how to season the chicken in the next section.

Adding Flavors and Seasoning to the Chicken

Seasoning the chicken is an essential step in creating a flavorful and delicious dish. Here are a few ways to add flavors and seasoning to the chicken before steaming:

1. Basic Seasonings: Start with salt and pepper as the base seasonings for the chicken. Sprinkle them generously over the chicken to enhance the natural flavors.
2. Aromatics: Aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onions can add depth and complexity to the chicken’s taste. Mince or crush these ingredients and rub them onto the chicken or place them inside the cavity for more flavor infusion.
3. Herbs and Spices: Experiment with herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile. Popular choices include thyme, rosemary, paprika, cayenne pepper, or a blend of poultry seasoning. Sprinkle them over the chicken or mix them with butter or olive oil and brush it onto the chicken for added moisture and taste.
4. Liquid Seasonings: Incorporate liquid seasonings like soy sauce or lemon juice for a tangy and savory flavor boost. Brush these seasonings onto the chicken or add them to the marinade if marinating the chicken beforehand.
5. Additional Ingredients: To add even more flavor, consider adding sliced lemons, fresh herbs, or even a few slices of bacon on top of the chicken. These ingredients infuse the chicken with their unique flavors and aromas during the steaming process.

Remember, the seasonings and flavors you choose can vary based on your personal preferences and the specific recipe you’re following. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to customize the taste of your steamed chicken.

Now that the chicken is seasoned and ready, it’s time to set up your rice cooker for steaming. We’ll cover that in the next section.

Setting up the Rice Cooker for Steaming

Setting up the rice cooker for steaming the chicken is a simple process. Follow these steps to ensure your rice cooker is ready for the steaming process:

1. Add Water: Begin by adding water to the inner pot of the rice cooker. The amount of water needed will depend on your specific rice cooker model. Consult your rice cooker’s instruction manual for guidance on the appropriate water level.
2. Insert Steam Basket or Rack: If your rice cooker comes with a steam basket or rack, place it inside the inner pot. This allows the chicken to be elevated above the water, ensuring it cooks through the steam instead of getting submerged in the water.
3. Preheat the Rice Cooker: Some rice cookers have a preheating function, while others require you to place the chicken in the rice cooker immediately. Check your rice cooker’s manual to understand its specific preheating requirements.
4. Arrange the Chicken: If you’re steaming the chicken as a whole, place it on the steam basket or rack inside the rice cooker. If you’ve cut the chicken into pieces, arrange them in a single layer to promote even cooking.

Once you’ve set up the rice cooker for steaming, it’s time to start the cooking process and let the magic happen. In the next section, we’ll go through the steaming process itself and ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection.

Add flavor to your steamed chicken by seasoning it with herbs, spices, and aromatics before placing it in the rice cooker. This will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors as it cooks.

Steaming the Chicken

Now that your rice cooker is set up and the chicken is ready, it’s time to start the steaming process. Follow these steps to steam the chicken in your rice cooker:

1. Close the Lid: Close the lid of the rice cooker securely to create a seal. This helps trap the steam inside, ensuring even cooking and retaining the moisture in the chicken.
2. Select the Steaming Setting: If your rice cooker has specific steaming settings, select the appropriate one. If not, set the cooking mode to “Steam” or “Cook.” You may also need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
3. Start the Cooking Process: Press the start button or turn on the rice cooker to begin the steaming process. The rice cooker will automatically start heating up and steaming the chicken.
4. Avoid Opening the Lid: Resisting the temptation to open the lid during the cooking process is crucial. Opening the lid releases the steam and can disrupt the cooking time and temperature, resulting in unevenly cooked chicken.
5. Steam the Chicken: Allow the chicken to steam according to the recommended cooking time. The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. It’s always better to slightly undercook the chicken as you can easily continue steaming if needed, but overcooking can result in dry and tough meat.

While the chicken is steaming, you may notice the aroma filling your kitchen. It’s a wonderful indication that your delicious meal is in the making. However, resist the temptation to peak and let the steaming process continue uninterrupted.

In the next section, we’ll cover how to check the chicken for doneness and ensure it’s cooked to perfection.

Checking the Chicken for Doneness

Checking the chicken for doneness is an important step to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Here’s how you can check if the chicken is cooked to perfection:

1. Temperature Check: The best and most accurate way to determine if the chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding contact with bone. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Visual Check: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can visually inspect the chicken for doneness. Cut into the thickest part of the meat, and if the juices run clear and there is no pinkness, the chicken is likely fully cooked. However, this method is less reliable than using a meat thermometer.
3. Texture Check: When you press gently on the chicken with a fork or your finger, it should feel firm but still slightly springy. If it feels too soft or mushy, it may need additional cooking time.
4. Resting Time: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the rice cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Remember, it’s better to slightly undercook the chicken and then continue steaming if necessary. Overcooking can result in dry and tough meat.

Once you’ve confirmed that the chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy your steamed creation. We’ll explore how to serve the chicken in the next section.

Serving and Enjoying Steamed Chicken

Now that your steamed chicken is perfectly cooked and ready to be savored, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Here are some tips for serving and making the most of your steamed chicken:

1. Slice or Serve Whole: Depending on how you prefer to present your dish, you can slice the steamed chicken into pieces or serve it whole. Slicing the chicken allows for easier portioning and presentation, while serving it whole can make for an impressive centerpiece.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley over the steamed chicken to add a burst of color and freshness. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
3. Serve with Sauces: Consider serving the steamed chicken with accompanying sauces or dips. Traditional options like soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or sweet chili sauce can complement the flavors well.
4. Pair with Sides: Steamed chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, a side salad, or even plain rice to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
5. Leftovers: If you have any leftover steamed chicken, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated and enjoyed the next day as a quick and delicious protein option for salads, sandwiches, or stir-fries.

Remember that steamed chicken is versatile and can be used in various recipes. Feel free to explore new ways to incorporate it into your favorite dishes and experiment with different flavors and seasonings.

Now, sit back, indulge in the flavors of your steamed chicken, and savor the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked and healthy meal.

Conclusion

Steaming chicken in a rice cooker offers a convenient and efficient way to cook tender, flavorful, and healthy chicken. With the benefits of even cooking, nutrient retention, time efficiency, and versatility, using a rice cooker for steaming is a game-changer in the kitchen.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily prepare, season, and steam chicken to perfection. Remember to clean and trim the chicken, add your desired flavors and seasonings, and set up your rice cooker for steaming. Allow the chicken to steam until it reaches the recommended internal temperature, and don’t forget to let it rest before serving.

Whether you enjoy the steamed chicken as a main course or incorporate it into other dishes, it’s a versatile protein option that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Pair it with your favorite sauces, sides, and garnishes to customize the taste and create a well-rounded meal.

So, why not give steaming chicken in a rice cooker a try? Not only will you save time and effort in the kitchen, but you’ll also be rewarded with tender, juicy, and delicious chicken that is packed with flavors. Embrace the simplicity and healthy cooking approach of steaming, and open up a world of culinary possibilities with your rice cooker.

Happy cooking and enjoy your steamed chicken!