Skip to main content

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.

Continue reading below

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.

Disclaimer

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.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.