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20-Minute Chinese Steamed Chicken

20-Minute Chinese Steamed Chicken - Friendsgiving Food Ideas

At its core, 20-Minute Chinese Steamed Chicken is a dish that brings together juicy chicken pieces steam-cooked to perfection, infused with rich flavors from traditional Chinese ingredients. 
Steaming is a method that elevates the natural flavors of the chicken while keeping it incredibly moist. This method pairs brilliantly with sauces that add a delightful twist. It’s a go-to meal, especially when pressed for time but still craving something extraordinary!
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian, Taiwanese
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: This will provide that nutty aroma we all love.
  • 2 boneless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces: These are tender and full of flavor.
  • ½ tablespoons brown sugar: Just a pinch balances the savory notes beautifully.
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine Chinese cooking wine
  • 1 clove garlic, minced: Because who doesn’t want that extra flavor boost?
  • 1 tablespoons oyster sauce: A touch of umami richness that’s hard to resist.
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce: This adds depth and savory goodness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper: It adds mild heat without overpowering.
  • 1 -inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced: A flavor essential in Chinese cuisine.
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallions green onion

Method
 

  1. Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a flavorful dish ready in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, white pepper, and ginger.
  2. This mixture is the magic potion that will elevate your chicken. Mix everything together until well-combined. Feel free to play with the ratios to suit your palate.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
  1. Add the chopped chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or simply let it sit in the fridge for about 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. If you have extra time, marinating longer is always a plus, but a short soak still delivers glorious flavors.
Step 3: Set Up Your Steaming Station
  1. While the chicken marinates, prepare your steaming setup. You can use a traditional bamboo steamer or a heat-safe plate placed inside a pot. If using a pot, fill it with about an inch of water—just enough to create steam—but not too much that it touches your chicken.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Steam
  1. Once your marination time is up, place the chicken in your steamer or on the heat-safe plate. Don’t overcrowd the pieces; aim for a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cover the steamer with a lid and set it over the boiling water. Allow it to steam for about 10 to 12 minutes. That’s it—easy peasy!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
  1. Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), carefully remove it from the steamer. Here’s where you can show off a bit.
  2. Transfer it to a serving platter, top it with chopped scallions, and perhaps a sprinkle of extra chili flakes if you like. Serve immediately, and watch as everyone digs in with glee!

Notes

Here are five handy tips to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly every time:
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the dish to a new level. Dried spices just don’t do it justice.
Don’t skip the sesame oil: This ingredient is pivotal in achieving that authentic taste.
Cut chicken evenly: Ensure all chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking. There’s nothing worse than having some pieces undercooked while others are perfect.
Play with the marinade: Feel free to adjust the amounts of soy sauce and garlic to suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Serve with a side: Pairing this dish with veggies or rice can make for a complete meal.