Steamed Lemon-Ginger Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herbs
Tender chicken thighs steamed with zesty lemon, vibrant ginger, and a medley of fresh herbs, creating a fragrant and juicy stovetop dinner that's easy to prepare and full of bright flavors.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main Ingredients
- Flavorings
- Fresh Herbs
- Steaming Liquid
- Finishing Touch
- Seasoning
Let’s make it
Preparation
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Steaming Liquid Setup
Prepare a steaming setup by adding the chicken broth to a wide skillet or large sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring broth to a simmer over medium heat.
Assembly
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin side up in the steaming pan, making sure they are not submerged. Scatter the sliced ginger, minced garlic, lemon slices, and fresh thyme leaves evenly over the chicken.
Cooking
Cover the pan tightly with the lid. Steam the chicken thighs over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thighs are cooked through and tender.
Resting
Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest covered for 5 minutes in the residual steam to absorb the flavors further.
Finishing
Carefully remove the lid and sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken. Drizzle lightly with olive oil if using for extra richness.
Serving
Serve the steamed lemon-ginger chicken thighs hot with your choice of side or a fresh green salad.
Tips & notes
For more tenderness, you can marinate the chicken thighs with lemon zest and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for best results. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep flavor and moisture in.
Saving it for later
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3 days for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Heat until warmed through evenly before serving.
