Are you looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional ham? Look no further than this moist and tender chicken ham recipe! Perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a celebratory occasion, this recipe delivers incredible flavor without the guilt. Forget tough, dry chicken breasts – this method ensures incredibly juicy and flavorful results, thanks to a simple brining process and careful cooking technique. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and requires minimal ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
This recipe offers a healthier twist on a classic, using readily available ingredients to create a surprisingly impressive dish. The result is a flavorful, succulent chicken ham that’s perfect for slicing thinly and serving on its own, in sandwiches, or as part of a larger meal. Ready to create your own delicious, homemade chicken ham? Let’s dive into the easy step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Scallions
- Shio koji
- Soy sauce
- White dashi
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken
- Locate the line in the middle of the chicken breast where the fibers change. Make a cut along this line. Slowly cut open the left side to match the height of the meat on the right. This ensures even thickness for easier cooking.
- Poke holes in the chicken breast with a fork to prevent shrinkage during cooking and allow flavors to penetrate better.
- Place the prepared chicken breast in a sealable plastic bag.
- Cut off the green part of the scallions and tear them by hand to enhance flavor. This will be used to reduce chicken odor and add flavor.
- Season the chicken with shio koji (or a soy sauce-based mixture with white dashi). Shio koji tenderizes the meat.
- Add the prepared scallions to the bag.
- Seal the bag tightly to prevent air from entering.
Step 2. Sous Vide the Chicken
- Submerge the sealed bag in plenty of boiling water. If the bag floats, cover it with a plate to keep it submerged. Simmer gently; insufficient water will lower the temperature and affect cooking.
- After 30 seconds, turn off the heat. Let the chicken simmer in the hot water for 60-90 minutes (or even up to 23 hours).
- Let the chicken cool completely before slicing to prevent losing juices.
Step 3. Prepare the Garnish
- Sprinkle salt on the scallions and cook slowly until browned. Then cook the sides, and finally steam them under aluminum foil for about 3 minutes to enhance their flavor.
Step 4. Serve the Chicken Ham
- Transfer the cooled chicken ham to a tray. Reduce the remaining broth in the pan by simmering until about half the original amount remains. Add the grilled scallions to the reduced sauce and mix.
- Slice the chicken ham and serve with the reduced sauce and grilled scallions.
Read more: Steamed Meat-Topped Tofu with Sesame Sauce: A Delicious Japanese Recipe
Tips
- Use plenty of water when simmering the chicken to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Allow the chicken to cool before slicing to prevent juices from escaping.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will result in an even more moist and tender chicken ham due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time as needed; thighs may cook slightly faster.
2. How long can I store the leftover chicken ham?
Store your leftover chicken ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's also great sliced and frozen for future meals.
This moist and tender chicken ham recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier, flavorful protein source. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while its versatility allows for endless culinary possibilities. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and impress yourself and your loved ones with this surprisingly simple yet satisfying dish!