Steamed Ginger-Lime Chicken with Herb Broth
Tender chicken breasts steamed with fresh ginger and lime, served in a light herb-infused broth that revitalizes the senses. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) skinless chicken breasts, inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) skinless chicken breasts
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro stems
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 skinless chicken breasts in a heatproof dish suitable for steaming. Pour 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice over the chicken and scatter 1 inch thinly sliced fresh ginger on top. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Prepare a steamer setup and bring water to a boil. Place the dish with chicken into the steamer basket and cover. Steam over medium-high heat for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring 2 cups low sodium chicken broth to a simmer. Add 1/4 cup fresh cilantro stems, 2 sliced green onions, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to infuse flavors, then strain.
- Step 4: Slice the steamed chicken and arrange on plates. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and ladle the warm herb broth around the chicken. Serve immediately for a rejuvenating meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Ginger-Lime Chicken with Herb Broth take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Steamed Ginger-Lime Chicken with Herb Broth?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Ginger-Lime Chicken with Herb Broth?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Steamed Ginger-Lime Chicken with Herb Broth for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Steamed Ginger-Lime Chicken with Herb Broth?
Asian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
