The Juiciest Steamed Ginger Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delectable steamed ginger chicken dish promises a culinary adventure that’ll awaken your taste buds.

Fragrant herbs mingle with delicate protein, creating a symphony of flavors.

Tender meat becomes infused with zesty ginger notes that dance across your palate.

Lightweight and nutritious, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional chicken preparations.

Skilled home cooks can master this technique with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.

Whispers of asian cuisine drift through your kitchen as subtle spices embrace succulent chicken.

You’ll discover a simple yet sophisticated meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Steamed Ginger Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: A tender and flavorful cut that absorbs the marinade beautifully and becomes juicy when steamed.

• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to enhance the chicken's taste.
• Oyster Sauce: Provides a rich, savory umami depth to the marinade.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a salty and complex seasoning to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the chicken and create a smooth coating.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall flavor profile.

• Ginger: Offers a warm, spicy note that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Spring Onion: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright green color.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Contributes an earthy and meaty texture to the steamed dish.

How to Prepare Steamed Ginger Chicken

Step 1: Blend Flavor Enhancers

• Sesame oil
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Massage these ingredients thoroughly into the chicken, ensuring every piece is generously coated and infused with rich flavors.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Aromatics

• Fresh ginger
• Green onions
• Shiitake mushrooms

Create thin, uniform cuts that will release their robust essence during cooking.

Step 3: Create Steamy Magic

Arrange the sliced aromatics elegantly over the marinated chicken in a steaming setup.

Position the dish inside a steamer basket positioned over simmering water. Cover and steam at a medium-high temperature for approximately 30 minutes.

The steam will gently cook the chicken while allowing the ingredients to meld together, creating a tender and incredibly fragrant dish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the steamed chicken from the heat.

Transfer to a serving plate, allowing the aromatic juices to cascade over the meat. Garnish with additional fresh green onions for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Tender Steamed Ginger Chicken

• Let chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator to ensure deeper seasoning penetration.
• Use fresh chicken thighs and pat them dry before marinating to prevent excess water during steaming.
• Select firm, plump shiitake mushrooms with intact caps for better texture and richer umami taste.
• Check water levels midway through cooking and add hot water if needed to maintain consistent steam.
• Drizzle remaining marinade and fresh chopped spring onions over the chicken for added color and flavor when serving.

Variations of Steamed Ginger Chicken

• Herb-Infused Steamed Chicken: Replace ginger with rosemary and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken: Add gochujang paste and red pepper flakes to create a fiery, tangy version of the original recipe.
• Coconut Curry Steamed Chicken: Incorporate coconut milk, curry powder, and lemongrass for a Southeast Asian-inspired dish.
• Lemon Garlic Steamed Chicken: Use lemon zest, minced garlic, and fresh parsley to brighten the chicken's flavor with citrusy and aromatic notes.

Pairing Ideas for Steamed Ginger Chicken

• Pair with Delightful Jasmine Rice: Fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice complements the steamed ginger chicken perfectly, soaking up the savory juices and adding a subtle aromatic touch to each bite.
• Refresh with Crisp Green Tea: Light, slightly grassy green tea cuts through the richness of the chicken, cleansing the palate and enhancing the ginger's subtle warmth with its clean, refreshing flavor.
• Match with Crunchy Asian Slaw: A zesty slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy rice vinegar dressing provides a cool, crisp contrast to the tender, steamed chicken, adding textural excitement to the meal.

Proper Storage for Steamed Ginger Chicken

• Store leftover steamed ginger chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the chicken to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Place chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth. Cover and warm over low heat for 3-5 minutes, gently stirring to distribute heat evenly and preserve moisture.

FAQs

• What makes ginger important in this dish?

Ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor that tenderizes the chicken and provides a traditional Chinese medicinal benefit of improving digestion and reducing inflammation.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, but chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful. If using breast, reduce steaming time to prevent drying out and ensure it remains juicy.

• Why do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps the chicken absorb flavors, tenderize the meat, and lock in moisture, creating a more delicious and succulent final dish with deeper taste profile.

• Is cornstarch necessary in the marinade?

Cornstarch helps seal in the chicken’s moisture, creates a silky texture, and prevents the meat from becoming tough during the steaming process, ensuring a smooth and tender result.

Why Steamed Ginger Chicken Is a Favorite

• Unlock Authentic Asian Flavors: Dive into a delightful culinary journey with this traditional steamed chicken recipe that brings the rich, comforting tastes of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Steam your way to a healthy, tender chicken dish that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum flavor without complicated steps or equipment.
• Nutrient-Packed Meal Solution: Enjoy a protein-rich dinner that combines lean chicken with fresh ginger and shiitake mushrooms, offering a nutritious one-pot meal that supports wellness and satisfies hunger.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: Create a restaurant-quality dish in less than an hour, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, hassle-free meal that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

Steamed Ginger Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delicate Chinese steamed ginger chicken brings warmth and comfort to your dining table with its delightful aromatic blend. Delicious tender meat infused with fragrant ginger creates a simple yet elegant dish perfect for home cooks seeking authentic Asian flavors you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 3 shiitake mushrooms
• 2 segments ginger
• 1 spring onion

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Thickening Agent:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Blend chicken thighs with sesame oil, oyster sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
2. Carefully slice ginger into delicate, translucent strips, trim spring onions into fine diagonal cuts, and segment shiitake mushrooms with precision.
3. Arrange marinated chicken in a steaming basket, layering sliced ginger, spring onions, and mushrooms across the surface for optimal flavor infusion.
4. Position steaming basket over boiling water, maintaining medium-high heat, and allow chicken to cook for approximately 30 minutes until tender and fully cooked.
5. Verify chicken’s doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy, perfectly steamed meat with aromatic herb-infused essence.
6. Remove from heat, let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, creating a succulent and flavorful dish ready for serving.

Notes

• Keep chicken thighs at room temperature before marinating to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
• Use fresh ginger for a more vibrant, zesty flavor that penetrates the chicken deeply.
• Choose bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and richer taste during steaming process.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after steaming to help juices redistribute, resulting in more succulent meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg