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Steamed Asian Chicken with Tender Greens and Ginger

Asian Steamed Chicken with Greens

Asian Steamed Chicken with Greens is a simple, flavorful dish I developed years ago when I discovered how easy it is to steam chicken in a vegetable steamer alongside greens. It quickly became a go-to meal for busy weeknights because it’s fast, healthy and requires minimal equipment. The combination of sesame seed oil, fresh ginger and shallots gives the chicken a distinctly Asian character without relying on heavy sweet sauces or large portions of rice.

Why this recipe works

This dish highlights the gentle cooking power of steam: the chicken stays moist and tender while the bok choy (or other leafy greens) retains a bright colour and a pleasant crunch. The aromatic sauce of sesame oil, minced ginger and chopped shallots brings depth and fragrance without overpowering the natural chicken flavour. Because the recipe uses very few ingredients, it’s low waste, low fuss and easy to adapt to what you have in the pantry.

It’s also well suited to low-carb and ketogenic eating. The dish provides a solid serving of protein with a modest amount of fat from sesame oil and very few carbohydrates from the greens. It’s an excellent option for lunch or dinner when you want something light but satisfying.

Asian Steamed Chicken with Greens

Ingredients — simple and minimal

  • 1 medium chicken breast
  • 1 bunch bok choy (or other leafy green)
  • 1 handful shallots, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (or powdered ginger)
  • 2 tbsp sesame seed oil

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and set your steamer basket or insert on top so it sits above the water surface.
  2. Slice the chicken breast sideways to create an even thickness (similar to butterflying). Place the chicken on the steamer and cook for about 10 minutes on the first side.
  3. Flip the chicken and continue steaming for another 10 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the centre. (Total cooking time will depend on thickness; adjust as needed.)
  4. When the timer reaches about 15 minutes, add the bok choy to the steamer so it cooks for roughly 5 minutes. The greens should be tender but still bright green.
  5. While the chicken and greens are steaming, finely chop the shallots and mince the ginger. Combine them in a small bowl with the sesame seed oil to make a simple dressing. Taste and adjust — a little extra ginger or a pinch of salt can lift the flavours.
  6. When everything is cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate, slice if desired, and spoon the sesame–ginger–shallot sauce over the top. Serve the steamed bok choy on the side or arrange it beneath the chicken.

Asian Steamed Chicken with Greens

Serving suggestions and tips

This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and pairs well with simple sides: a crisp mixed salad, slices of avocado, or a small portion of cauliflower rice if you want something more substantial. For variety, try adding a splash of citrus (lime or lemon) to the dressing, or a few drops of toasted sesame oil for extra aroma. If you prefer a little heat, include a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of chilli oil to the sauce.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture—steaming or a brief microwave on low power are both good methods. The sauce can be made ahead and keeps in the fridge for several days, so you can quickly dress freshly steamed chicken when ready to eat.

Nutrition and suitability

This dish provides a high-protein, moderate-fat meal with very few carbs when prepared as written. It fits easily into gluten-free, grain-free, paleo, and low-carb or ketogenic meal plans. Adjust portion sizes and oil amounts to suit your individual calorie and macro goals.

About the recipe creator

This recipe is from FatForWeightLoss (Aaron Day), created to be an accessible, low-waste option for people following low-carb or ketogenic lifestyles. The focus is on simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that make healthy eating achievable without excessive cost or complexity.

Nutrition facts (per serving — approximate)

  • Calories: 625 kcal
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Protein: 55 g

Want more recipe ideas?

If you enjoy easy, low-ingredient meals like this, try combining similar protein-and-vegetable recipes for simple weekly meal plans. Small changes—different greens, swapping chicken for fish or pork, or adding fresh herbs—keep meals interesting while keeping shopping lists short and waste to a minimum.