🍗 Steamed Chicken with Cordyceps Flower
Tender steamed chicken infused with ginger, spring onion, red dates, goji berries, and delicate cordyceps flower.
This simple steamed chicken dish is light, savory, and wonderfully aromatic. Chicken wings are gently seasoned with salt, ginger, and spring onions, then steamed with cordyceps flower, red dates, and goji berries until tender and juicy.
The steaming method keeps the chicken moist while allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. It’s an easy dish that’s especially delicious served alongside freshly steamed rice and simple vegetables.
⏱️ Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 2–3
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Steamed
🛒 Ingredients
- 300 g chicken, preferably 6 chicken wings
- 5 g salt, approximately 1 teaspoon
- 10 g dried cordyceps flower
- 4–5 red dates, pitted if desired
- 1 tablespoon goji berries
- 1–2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 spring onions, sliced or cut into short pieces
Optional Garnishes
- Thinly sliced spring onions
- Fresh ginger strips
- A few additional goji berries
- A drizzle of toasted sesame oil
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken wings if desired and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Place the chicken in a bowl and sprinkle evenly with the salt.
Add the grated ginger and gently massage the seasoning into the chicken.
Allow the chicken to marinate for approximately 20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Cordyceps Flower
Place the dried cordyceps flower in a bowl.
Cover with cool or lukewarm water and soak for approximately 5–10 minutes, or according to the package instructions.
Drain thoroughly.
If the pieces are particularly long, gently trim them into smaller lengths for easier serving.
3. Prepare the Red Dates and Goji Berries
Rinse the red dates and goji berries under cool running water.
If using whole red dates, remove the pits if preferred and slice them into smaller pieces.
Set aside.
4. Arrange the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken wings in a heatproof shallow dish that fits comfortably inside your steamer.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer so the steam can circulate evenly.
Scatter the soaked cordyceps flower, red dates, and goji berries over and around the chicken.
Finish with some of the sliced spring onions.
♨️ Steam the Chicken
5. Prepare the Steamer
Fill a steamer pot with enough water to produce steady steam without allowing the water to touch the chicken dish.
Bring the water to a strong simmer or boil.
Once steam is flowing steadily, carefully place the dish inside.
6. Steam
Cover tightly and steam over medium-high heat for approximately 20–25 minutes.
The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces.
The chicken is ready when it is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
7. Check the Juices
Carefully remove the dish from the steamer.
The chicken should be tender and the juices in the dish should be clear.
If the chicken needs additional cooking, return it to the steamer for another 3–5 minutes.
8. Finish with Spring Onion
Scatter the remaining fresh spring onions over the hot chicken.
For additional fragrance, add a few thin strips of fresh ginger.
Allow the dish to rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
🍚 Serve
Serve the steamed chicken hot with freshly steamed jasmine or white rice.
Spoon some of the flavorful juices from the bottom of the dish over the chicken and rice.
For a complete meal, serve alongside:
- Steamed bok choy
- Chinese broccoli
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Blanched spinach
- Cucumber salad
⭐ Chef’s Tips
Pat the chicken dry: This helps the salt and ginger adhere better and prevents excess water from diluting the flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the dish: Arrange the chicken in a single layer for even steaming.
Soak dried cordyceps flower first: This helps soften it and allows it to cook evenly with the chicken.
Use fresh ginger: Freshly grated ginger gives the dish a much brighter aroma than dried ginger powder.
Keep the steamer covered: Removing the lid repeatedly releases steam and can extend the cooking time.
Check the chicken with a thermometer: The thickest portion should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
🌿 Easy Variations
Steamed Chicken with Mushrooms
Add sliced shiitake mushrooms or other fresh mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Soy-Ginger Version
Add 1 tablespoon light soy sauce to the chicken before steaming for a deeper savory flavor.
Sesame Ginger Chicken
Finish with a small drizzle of toasted sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Chicken Thigh Version
Replace the wings with boneless or bone-in chicken thighs. Adjust the steaming time according to the size and thickness of the pieces.
Extra-Ginger Chicken
Add thinly sliced ginger underneath and on top of the chicken for a stronger ginger aroma.
🧊 Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the chicken and its cooking juices together to help retain moisture.
🔥 Reheating
Reheat gently in a steamer until the chicken is heated through.
You can also microwave it covered with a microwave-safe lid, adding a spoonful of water or cooking juices to prevent the chicken from drying out.
🍗🌿 Final Result
This Steamed Chicken with Cordyceps Flower is wonderfully tender, fragrant, and simple.
The chicken absorbs the gentle sweetness of the red dates and goji berries while ginger and spring onions provide fresh aromatic notes. The cordyceps flower adds a delicate earthy character to the dish.
A beautifully simple steamed chicken dinner that’s best served hot over a bowl of fluffy rice. 🍗🍚🌿✨