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Steamed Chicken
Chinese FoodDinnerHealthy Eating

Steamed Chicken

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (34 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Steamed Chicken offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 24g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 329 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Steamed Chicken offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Steamed Chicken to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Steamed Chicken, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 whole chicken, about 2 1/2 lb. (1 kg)
  • 1/4 tsp. (1 g) fennel seed
  • 4 tsp. salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp. (1g) Dahurian angelica root,
  • chopped, if available
  • 5 oz (150g) scallions, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. whole Sichuan peppercorn
  • 5 tsp. (25g) fresh ginger, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp. whole Sichuan peppercorn
  • 1/4 tsp. (2 g) cloves
  • 3 1/2 tbsp wine

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Wash the chicken

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Mix together the salt, half the scallions, and half the ginger, and rub over the chicken inside and out

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Mix together the remaining scallions and ginger, the cloves, fennel seed, angelica, ground peppercorns, and rice wine, and place in the chicken cavity. 2

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Place the chicken on a heat-proof dish in a steamer and steam for 1 1/2 hours

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Remove from the heat and let cool

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Discard the seasonings in the body cavity. 3

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories329 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein24gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates40gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat19gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Steamed Chicken

This chef-curated Steamed Chicken offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 34 votes
Steamed Chicken
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories16% DV
329 kcal
Protein48% DV
24g
Fat24% DV
19g
Carbs15% DV
40g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Chicken breastTurkey breast or extra-firm tofu (1:1 ratio)
Dino kale/greensBaby spinach or Swiss chard (cooks faster, add at the end)

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Wash the chicken

2

Technique & Execution: Mix together the salt, half the scallions, and half the ginger, and rub over the chicken inside and out

3

Technique & Execution: Mix together the remaining scallions and ginger, the cloves, fennel seed, angelica, ground peppercorns, and rice wine, and place in the chicken cavity. 2

4

Technique & Execution: Place the chicken on a heat-proof dish in a steamer and steam for 1 1/2 hours

5

Technique & Execution: Remove from the heat and let cool

6

Technique & Execution: Discard the seasonings in the body cavity. 3

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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