Cooking chicken in the microwave is a fantastic way to prepare a healthy, protein-packed meal in a flash. Whether you’re short on time or just want to avoid heating up the whole kitchen, the microwave can be your best friend. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook chicken in the microwave perfectly-tender, juicy, and safe to eat.
Why Cook Chicken in the Microwave?
Microwaving chicken is:
– Fast: It takes just minutes compared to traditional oven or stovetop methods.
– Energy Efficient: Uses less power than heating an oven.
– Moisture-Retaining: When done right, it keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
– Convenient: Perfect for quick meals, meal prep, or when you’re cooking for one or two people.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cut
For microwave cooking, the best cuts are:
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cook evenly and quickly.
– Chicken thighs (boneless) – slightly longer cooking time but flavorful.
Avoid cooking bone-in pieces or whole chickens in the microwave, as they cook unevenly and can pose food safety risks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken in the Microwave
1. Prepare Your Chicken
– Use fresh or fully thawed chicken.
– Pound chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper to an even thickness of about half an inch. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
– Trim excess fat or skin if desired.
2. Season the Chicken
– Sprinkle salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (like garlic powder, paprika, or lemon pepper) evenly on both sides.
– For extra flavor, marinate your chicken for 15 minutes with a simple mix of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
3. Choose the Right Container
– Use a microwave-safe glass or plastic dish.
– Place the chicken in a single layer.
– Add a little water (about 1/3 of the way up the chicken) to keep it moist.
– Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a vented lid to trap steam, which helps cook the chicken evenly.
4. Cooking Time and Power Settings
– Microwave on high power.
– Cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per breast.
– If cooking multiple pieces, increase cooking time slightly.
– For thighs, cook about 6-8 minutes per piece.
– If your microwave allows, reduce power to 60% (medium) and cook for 9-11 minutes for juicier results.
5. Check for Doneness
– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
– Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (75°C).
– Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Chicken
– Pound chicken thin: Microwaves penetrate about an inch deep, so thinner pieces cook more evenly.
– Avoid frozen chicken: Always thaw first to prevent uneven cooking and food safety issues.
– Cover the dish: Trapping steam helps cook the chicken gently and keeps it moist.
– Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.
– Let it rest: Resting keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Quick Microwave Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water
– Optional: olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice
Instructions:
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and add water to cover about 1/3 of the chicken.
- Cover with microwave-safe wrap or lid.
- Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes per breast.
- Check temperature; if not yet 165°F, cook in 1-minute increments.
- Let rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Cooking a Whole Chicken in the Microwave
While less common, you can cook a whole chicken in the microwave:
– Rub with olive oil and seasoning.
– Place breast side up in a microwave-safe dish.
– Microwave uncovered on high for 25-30 minutes.
– Check temperature in the thickest part; it should reach 165°F.
– Let rest covered for 10 minutes to finish cooking and retain juices.
This method is surprisingly effective and yields moist, flavorful chicken quickly.
Storing and Making Ahead
– Cooked microwave chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
– For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
– Reheat gently in the microwave to avoid drying out.
Microwaving chicken is a quick, convenient, and surprisingly effective way to prepare a delicious meal without the fuss. With the right preparation and attention to cooking times, you can enjoy juicy, tender chicken in just minutes.
Enjoy your speedy, tasty chicken dinner tonight!