Chicken Steam Roast Recipe...

 

Chicken Steam Roast Recipe – A Juicy Delight Full of Flavor

If you're craving something flavorful yet healthy, Chicken Steam Roast is a perfect choice. A culinary favorite across South Asia, this dish combines the smoky taste of traditional roast with the tenderness of steamed chicken. Whether you're serving it at a dinner party or preparing a weekend treat, this dish never fails to impress.

 What is Chicken Steam Roast?

Unlike deep-fried or baked chicken, Chicken Steam Roast is first marinated in a blend of rich spices and then cooked using the steam method, making it juicy, succulent, and bursting with flavor. This recipe captures the best of both worlds — the intensity of spices like in a tandoori roast and the tenderness you’d expect from slow cooking.

 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken (skinless, about 1.2 to 1.5 kg), cut into 4 or 8 pieces

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp vinegar

  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

For the Marinade:

  • 1 cup thick yogurt (hung curd preferred)

  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

  • 2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to spice level)

  • 1 tsp turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp coriander powder

  • 1 tsp cumin powder

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp garam masala

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 2 tbsp mustard oil or regular oil

  • 1 tbsp paprika (for color, optional)

  • Salt to taste

 Instruction

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry.

  2. Apply lemon juice, vinegar, and salt over the chicken. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to remove any smell and tenderize slightly.

  3. Rinse again lightly and pat dry.

Step 2: Marinate

  1. In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients into a thick paste.

  2. Coat the chicken pieces generously with this marinade. Ensure it goes into the cuts and crevices.

  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.


Step 3: Steam Cooking

There are two common methods to steam roast:

Method 1: Stovetop Steaming

  1. Place a steamer pot or large cooking pot with a steaming rack.

  2. Add water to the base, ensuring it doesn't touch the chicken.

  3. Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack or a perforated plate.

  4. Cover with a tight lid and steam on medium-low for 40–45 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Method 2: Oven Steaming (Roast + Steam)

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

  2. Place the chicken on a baking tray with a rack. Pour some water in the bottom tray to create steam.

  3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

  4. Remove foil and grill for another 10–15 minutes to get a light char.

 Optional Finishing Touch: Smoke Infusion (Dum)

To add that BBQ-style aroma:

  1. Heat a small piece of charcoal until red hot.

  2. Place it in a small bowl inside the chicken tray.

  3. Drizzle a few drops of oil or ghee on the charcoal and quickly cover the tray for 5–8 minutes.

  4. This will infuse the chicken with a delightful smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with naan, paratha, or jeera rice.

  • Pair with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges.

  • It also works well with a side of grilled vegetables or a light salad.

 Tips and Variations

  • For Extra Tenderness: Add a tablespoon of raw papaya paste to the marinade.

  • Spice Variation: Add green chili paste for an extra kick.

  • Boneless Option: Use chicken thighs or breast pieces if you prefer boneless.

  • Healthier Version: Skip the oil in the marinade and steam without any added fat.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on the Chicken Steam Roast Recipe blog:

1. What is the difference between steam roast and regular roast chicken?

Answer: Steam roast uses steam to cook the chicken, making it more tender and juicy, while regular roast chicken is usually baked or grilled, often resulting in a drier texture.

2. Can I make this recipe without a steamer?

Answer: Yes. You can use a large pot with a rack or even a colander over boiling water. Just make sure the chicken doesn't touch the water directly.

3. How long should I marinate the chicken?

Answer: Ideally, marinate the chicken overnight. If short on time, at least 4 hours is recommended for the spices to penetrate.

4. Can I use boneless chicken for steam roast?

Answer: Absolutely. Boneless thighs or breast pieces work well, though cooking time may be slightly shorter.

5. What’s the purpose of the yogurt in the marinade?

Answer: Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy texture to the marinade. It also balances the spices.

6. Is this dish spicy?

Answer: It can be mildly to moderately spicy depending on the chili level used. You can adjust the spice according to taste.

7. Can I freeze marinated chicken for later use?

Answer: Yes. Marinated chicken can be frozen in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 2–3 weeks.

8. What side dishes go best with chicken steam roast?

Answer: Mint chutney, naan, paratha, rice, grilled vegetables, or a light salad complement it perfectly.

9. How do I get a smoky flavor without a BBQ grill?

Answer: Use the dum method by placing a piece of hot charcoal in the pot with a few drops of oil and sealing it for 5–10 minutes.

10. Is Chicken Steam Roast a healthy dish?

Answer: Yes. Since it involves no deep frying and uses lean protein with minimal oil, it’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken.

 Final Thoughts

Chicken Steam Roast is a wonderful blend of taste and health — no deep frying, minimal oil, and rich in protein. It’s a treat that doesn’t make you feel guilty. Try this once, and it will become a regular on your dinner table.


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