Chinese Steamed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Chinese Steamed Chicken is a staple across many Asian households—its tender, juicy meat is achieved with minimal oil, and its delicate ginger-scallion aromatics result in an addictive, natural flavor. Steaming keeps the chicken succulent and highlights its freshness, making this dish both nourishing and simple. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is an instant crowd-pleaser thanks to its straightforward preparation and deeply satisfying taste.

What Makes Chinese Steamed Chicken Irresistible?

Unlike fried or roasted versions, this recipe uses gentle steam to lock in moisture and showcase the pure flavor of chicken. When paired with a classic soy-ginger dipping sauce and showered with fragrant green onions, each bite feels clean and comforting, yet impossibly savory. It’s also family-friendly and adaptable—serve with rice, in salads, or as a protein-packed meal prep option.

Prepping Chicken and Aromatics for Steaming

To guarantee even cooking and boost flavor, it’s important to prepare your ingredients thoughtfully. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes quick work of mincing ginger and slicing scallions. Pat your chicken dry and rub with salt to remove impurities, which also helps the skin turn glossy after steaming.

Laying out all your aromatics on a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 keeps prep neat—and lets you transfer everything directly into your steamer or dish with minimal cleanup.

Simple Steps for Steaming Chicken at Home

For this dish, use a heatproof plate that fits inside your steaming setup, and line with aromatics. If you like to avoid sticking, cut a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet to fit beneath your chicken, keeping the presentation pristine.

If you prefer to monitor doneness, a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken—aim for an internal temp of 165°F/74°C at the thickest part of the meat.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating Chinese Steamed Chicken

To serve, slice chicken and drizzle with the reserved juices, then top with fresh scallions. Pair this dish with hot jasmine rice or enjoy it cold with a crunchy salad packed in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for lunch the next day.

Leftovers keep well for up to three days in an airtight container. For maximum freshness, store sliced chicken separately from the sauce. To reheat, simply steam gently again or warm in the microwave with a splash of water.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Chinese Steamed Chicken Recipe yields 4 servings. Steaming ensures it remains lean and protein-rich. Each serving (without rice) provides approximately 180–220 calories, mainly from protein and a modest amount of healthy fats, with minimal added oil.

Chinese Steamed Chicken Recap

This recipe exemplifies why simple methods can create extravagant results—moist, supple chicken in an aromatic soy-ginger sauce, ready with minimal tools and prep. Serve it for family dinners or elegant gatherings, knowing it will impress every palate.

Instructions

1. Rub chicken pieces all over with salt. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly with Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dish Cloths, 6-Pack, Dark Grey for a residue-free finish.
2. Arrange ginger slices and scallion whites on a heatproof plate. Set chicken pieces on top, skin side up. Drizzle with Shaoxing wine, if using.
3. Set up a steamer or pot with a rack and steam chicken over medium-high heat for 25–30 minutes, or until juices run clear and a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking inserted into the thickest part reads at least 165°F/74°C.
4. Carefully transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate. Reserve the steaming juices.
5. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil with 2–3 tablespoons reserved juices.
6. Heat neutral oil in a small pan until shimmering (but not smoking) and pour over scallion greens in a heatproof bowl to release their fragrance.
7. Slice chicken and arrange on serving platters. Drizzle with sauce and top with sizzling scallion oil. Serve immediately with rice.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

This luscious Chinese Steamed Chicken is proof that simplicity can deliver maximum flavor—serve it today to savor the freshest, most nourishing poultry dish.