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Sake-Steamed Chicken and Kabocha Squash

This aromatic sake-steamed chicken and kabocha squash is a beautiful example of how simple techniques can produce deeply satisfying results. By steaming the chicken over a mixture of sake and dried chillies, the meat remains incredibly moist while absorbing subtle notes of spice and rice wine. The kabocha squash, known for its velvety texture and natural sweetness, provides a nutritious and filling accompaniment that balances the warmth of the fresh ginger matchsticks.

As a diabetes-friendly recipe, this dish focuses on lean protein and complex carbohydrates, making it a brilliant choice for a light yet nourishing midweek dinner. The reduced steaming liquor forms a concentrated, savoury sauce that ties the elements together without the need for heavy fats. Serve it simply as it is, topped with plenty of fresh spring onions for a clean, vibrant finish.

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Ingredients for Sake-Steamed Chicken and Kabocha Squash

  • 2 dried chillies de árbol, seeded, crushed, or 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • 240ml sake

  • 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, peeled, cut into thin matchsticks

  • 2 (230g) skin-on or skinless, boneless chicken breasts

  • Kosher salt

  • 1/4 small kabocha or red kuri squash, seeded, sliced crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick half-moons, then sliced in half again

  • 2 spring onions, sliced on a diagonal, plus more for serving

How to make Sake-Steamed Chicken and Kabocha Squash

Combine chillies, sake, and 240ml water in a pot. Fit with a steamer basket and arrange ginger in basket. Season chicken with salt and place in steamer basket, skin side up; add squash and 2 sliced spring onions. Cover pot and steam chicken and squash over medium heat, adding more water by 1/4-cupfuls if needed, until squash is tender and chicken is just cooked through, 16–20 minutes.

Remove steamer basket from pot and bring liquid to a boil. Cook until flavours are concentrated and liquid thickens, 6–8 minutes (you should have about 45ml ).

Slice chicken and arrange on plates with squash. Pour steaming liquid over and top with additional spring onions.

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 16 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
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