Cooking chicken can be a bit challenging, and that’s a skill most people aspire to have. So, can you microwave chicken?
Sure thing! You can cook chicken breasts in a microwave. It’s actually the most convenient option you can think of. Very simple and as fast as it sounds in comparison to other methods like using a stovetop.
Cooking using microwaves will give you plenty of time to prepare salads and the main dish to accompany the chicken.
When using microwaves though, the meat flavor may not be as good as it would with other cooking options.
Facts about microwaving a chicken breast
Wondering whether you can throw chicken breast in your microwave? We know that most chicken breast recipes recommend cooking chicken on the grill or in an oven.
You’ve probably made the mistake of overcooking it, or it’s too dry. Luckily, there are several helpful recipes you can look into to make yummy chicken.
Back in the day, chicken was among the few expensive dishes. It’s perceived that chicken is a luxurious dish for a few people but today most of us can afford it without breaking the bank.
You can comfortably make chicken in the comfort of your home anytime and as many times as you want.
What should you consider before buying chicken?
- The most important thing is the quality of the meat you choose to buy. It should have a bright pink color everywhere. If it features other colors like gray, most likely it’s going bad.
- The meat shouldn’t have any blood on it and should not be stiff too.
So, how do you microwave chicken?
Things You’ll Need
- A microwave oven
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs
- Medium casserole dish
- Salt, garlic, and pepper to add flavor and taste
- Meat thermometer
- ½ cup chicken broth
The most important thing is to understand that temperatures, time, and wattages of microwaves vary when cooking different dishes.
In this case, the boneless chicken should take a shorter time than the one with bones.
In terms of wattage, if it’s high, your chicken will be uniformly cooked and vice versa. It should vary between 600-1200 wattages, and the recommended temperatures for the chicken are 170 degrees.
It’s essential to use the manual provided by the manufacturer to avoid using the wrong settings.
Before you start off cooking, ensure the raw chicken thaws thoroughly in a refrigerator, if possible, overnight so that any bacteria don’t hold on to it. If you do so in the kitchen, the bacteria increase pretty fast.
Another precaution you should take is washing your hands after touching the raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.
And lastly, to prevent getting an overcooked meal, keep your ingredients thin since microwaves penetrate a tiny pinch.
Here are the steps you should follow;
- Put the chicken in a casserole dish, then add salt, pepper, and any seasoning you want to use over it. Pour a small amount of chicken broth into the seasoned meat.
Ensure you use boneless chicken- the casserole dish used should be big enough to ensure the chicken pieces don’t lay on one another.
- Cover the casserole dish loosely with a lid to allow ventilation, then set the microwave on high for 4 minutes.
- Once the four minutes are over, remove the dish and uncover it. Do not hold the container using bare hands because it can be scorching, which is unsafe for your hands. Also, be careful when opening it because of the hot steam.
- Using a spatula, stir the chicken pieces before setting them back in the microwave again.
- Let it cook for another five minutes before removing it from the microwave.
- Using a meat thermometer, measure the internal temperature of the chicken. If it reads 160 degrees, and the pink color isn’t visible, then your chicken is ready. If not, place it in the microwave again and let it cook for another minute, then recheck the temperatures.
- If the chicken is ready, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving it with your favorite dish.
- If there are any leftovers of the chicken, make sure you refrigerate them immediately after you’re done eating.
How you can keep your chicken moist when cooking it in the microwave
- You should sprinkle some water over the chicken and then add a few drops of olive oil to it. This will give your meat some flavor and also keep it moist.
- Next, cover the casserole dish with a damp paper towel, and then put it back in the microwave.
- Let it cook for about two minutes.
- Remove it in the microwave and uncover it. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Few things you should take into consideration when cooking chicken
- Raw chicken shouldn’t be washed to avoid splashing any bacteria on utensils or any other prepared food.
- Never defrost chicken on a bench because it affects its quality; it should be defrosted in the fridge overnight.
- Raw chicken shouldn’t come in contact with other food to avoid cross-contamination.
- Chicken should be cooked thoroughly to ensure all the salmonella bacteria are killed.
- You can use a meat thermometer to check if it’s cooked, but if you don’t have one, you can check the juice of the chicken-it should be clear and not pink in color. For the chicken with bones, you should measure temperatures for different parts, especially the thickest parts.
The most frequently asked question
Can you reheat microwaved chicken?
The answer is yes! It doesn’t really matter how you had previously cooked it, you can reheat it more than once, but it might decrease in quality if reheated several times.
Can you refreeze microwaved chicken?
It’s very much okay to refreeze the already-cooked chicken as long as it defrosts in the refrigerator.
Can chicken bones be microwaved?
Bones heat up quickly, and they’re likely to burn the meat. You can wrap the pieces using paper towels and then reheat them at 50%.
Can you microwave frozen chicken?
The fastest way to defrost frozen meat is by using a microwave as long as you follow the provided instructions.
Final Thoughts
Cooking raw chicken in a microwave is simple and fast. The best kitchen to get the job done is the NuWave oven.
As long as you follow the manufacturer’s directions, your recipe will be crispy and tender, ready for serving.
Microwaving chicken breasts saves you not only time but also energy. Just set the time and temperatures properly.
If you’re in a hurry, just shred the chicken and throw it in your microwave. It’s as simple as that.