Yes, steamed chicken is a healthy cooking option.
Why Steamed Chicken is Healthy
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain the nutrients in the food. Unlike frying, which can destroy vital nutrients, steaming ensures that you benefit from all the goodness chicken has to offer.
Benefits of Steaming Chicken
- Nutrient Retention: Steaming preserves vitamins and minerals, which can be lost through other cooking methods.
- As the reference states: "Steaming cooks food gently, so it doesn't destroy the nutrients like other methods such as frying. This means that you get all the goodness from the chicken."
- Low in Added Fats: Steaming doesn't require added oils or fats, making it a naturally low-fat cooking option.
- Easy to Prepare: It is a straightforward cooking method.
- The reference also mentions: "It is easy to cook chicken in this manner. Simply put your chicken in a steamer basket or on a rack over some boiling water and leave it to cook."
Comparison with Other Cooking Methods
| Cooking Method | Nutrient Retention | Added Fats | Ease of Cooking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steaming | High | Low | Easy |
| Frying | Low | High | Moderate |
| Baking | Moderate | Moderate | Easy |
| Boiling | Moderate | None | Easy |
How to Steam Chicken
- Place chicken pieces in a steamer basket or on a rack above boiling water.
- Ensure the chicken is not touching the water.
- Cover and steam until the chicken is cooked through.
