Microwaving chicken is not just a matter of convenience, it’s an art that combines speed and versatility in the kitchen. One of my favorite things to prepare is a plain chicken breast in the microwave. It’s versatile and can be made ahead, frozen for later, or kept in the fridge for a few days.
Whether I need to shred it for burritos, tacos, or chicken salad, or chop up for a quick stir fry or salad, it’s especially handy when I’m in a hurry. Interestingly, I did not learn about microwave chicken recipes until I was older; they did not exist when I was very young, and I used the microwave mainly for leftovers.
Microwaving poultry involves the same techniques as conventional cooking, but it’s much easier to learn. It’s essential to thoroughly read your microwave’s instruction manual, as different microwaves vary in their capabilities, making understanding your manufacturer’s instructions crucial.
How Long Does Chicken Take to Cook in the Microwave?
- Cook Time: For a 1, 8-ounce (225g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, aim for 9-11 mins. Ensure it’s cooked through.
- Frozen Chicken: When cooking frozen chicken breasts, add 5-6 more minutes to the regular cook time.
- Power Level: Adjust your microwave’s power level for different sizes: 2, 450g for 14-16 mins; 3, 750g for 17-18 mins.
- Larger Sizes: For a 4, 900g chicken breast, 20-21 mins is typically sufficient. Always check the internal temperature for safety.
Why Do I Need to Lower the Power Level?
When you cook chicken in a microwave, achieving the best possible results often hinges on manipulating power levels. Contrary to popular belief, using full power doesn’t always mean better. In fact, my personal kitchen experiments have shown that lowering the power level can lead to juicier, more tender chicken.
It’s about maximizing the microwave’s potential while ensuring consistent, reliable results. This technique, although it might take a shorter time than traditional methods, preserves the integrity of the ingredient and enhances the dish’s overall quality. Thus, a reduced power level is not just a cooking step, but a strategic choice for culinary excellence.
How to Tell When Chicken is Cooked Through?
In the world of microwave cooking, especially when it comes to a chicken breast, knowing when it’s fully cooked is crucial. The best method I’ve found is using an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; once it has reached 165 degrees, your chicken is done.
If you don’t have a thermometer, another trick is to cut into the middle of the breast; there should be no pink spots, indicating it’s cooked. If unsure, it’s better to continue cooking in 1-minute increments to ensure safe consumption. This technique has been my go-to, ensuring my chicken is perfectly cooked every time, without the guesswork of solely relying on cooking time.
How to Reheat Frozen Cooked Chicken?
Cooking and reheating chicken in a microwave can be a convenient and quick method, especially for those busy days. Let me share a technique I often use for reheating frozen chicken breast. Firstly, I always store the cooked whole chicken breasts in a freezer-safe dish or tray with a lid, ensuring they’re frozen solid. If space is tight, I transfer them to a ziplock freezer bag, taking care to remove air from the bag.
When it’s time to reheat, I place the frozen chicken breast in a shallow Anyday dish, a personal favorite for its efficiency. I keep the lid on but ensure the knob is lifted to allow steam to escape. Setting the microwave to full power, I initially heat for 2-3 minutes. Halfway through, I stir or turn the chicken for even heating. If it’s not warmed through, an additional 3-4 minutes usually does the trick. It’s crucial to ensure it’s completely heated to avoid any cold spots.
Remember, thawing isn’t necessary; direct cooking from frozen works perfectly. Just adjust the time based on the portion size and your microwave’s wattage.
Chicken a La King Recipe with Baking Powder Biscuits
This recipe for chicken and biscuits is an excellent choice for utilizing leftover chicken from a microwave chicken dish.
- 1 Can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 Cup coarsely cut up cooked chicken
- 1 Can (2 ounces) pieces drained
- ¼ Cup dry white wine
- 1 Tablespoon chopped pimento
- 1 Teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1/8 Teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
- Dash black pepper
Mix all ingredients in a 1-quart casserole dish. Securely cover the dish and heat in the microwave at full power (100%) until the mixture becomes hot and bubbles, which should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes. After heating, stir the mixture well and then ladle it over biscuits to serve.
Baking Powder Biscuits
- 1/3 Cup shortening
- 1 ¾ Cups flour
- 2 ½ Teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ Teaspoon salt
- About ¾ cup milk
- Mix Together Topping:
- 1 Tablespoon melted butter
- 1/8 Teaspoon paprika
In the realm of microwave cooking, not only can you perfectly cook chicken, but you can also create delightful Baking Powder Biscuits. Start by combining flour, baking powder, and salt, then cut in shortening and stir in milk to form a dough. Once it leaves the sides of the bowl, knead the dough into a ball on a lightly floured surface.
Roll it to ½ inch thick, cut with a biscuit cutter, and arrange 6 biscuits on a 10 inch plate, lined with 2 paper towels, in a circle, almost touching. Brush the tops with a paprika topping, then microwave on high (100%) for 1 minute. After a ½ turn of the plate, cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until no longer doughy. Let them stand for 1 minute, then remove to a rack and repeat with the remaining biscuits.
Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- 1 Chicken (3 pounds) cut in pieces in equal size
- 2 Cups tomato sauce
- ¾ Cup tomato paste
- ½ Cup finely chopped onion
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- 2 Teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ Teaspoon pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon powdered thyme
- 2 Cups water
For a quick Chicken Cacciatore, combine all ingredients in a glass casserole dish and stir to coat the chicken pieces evenly on all sides. Cover and microwave on high for 40 to 45 minutes until the chicken is done, stirring once midway. Serve this savory delight over cooked pasta for a complete meal.
What Do You Need to Make Chicken Breast in the Microwave?
When preparing chicken breasts in a microwave, a few key items are essential. First, ensure you have a microwave-safe baking dish, preferably a Corning Ware Casserole Dish, known for its durability and even heating. For seasoning, a blend of Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, taco seasoning, garlic, and onion powders works wonders. Generously sprinkle these on both sides of the chicken.
If you’re aiming for simplicity, even just salt and water can suffice. Covering the chicken is crucial; use a glass lid, plastic wrap, or wax paper. This helps retain moisture, ensuring the meat stays juicy. Top studies suggest avoiding materials that could melt or drip into the food. Lastly, don’t forget a meat thermometer to check doneness, ensuring a perfectly cooked meal every time.
How Do You Cook Chicken Breast in the Microwave?
Cooking chicken breast in a microwave is not only fast but also quite convenient. For a thin cut chicken breast, the process is quicker, while a normal or thick piece might need extra time to cook thoroughly. It’s advisable to pound the chicken breast to make it flatter, ideally between two pieces of wax paper or plastic wrap using a meat tenderizer.
Once flattened, season on both sides with a pinch of salt. In your baking dish, add just enough water to cover the entire bottom without going overboard – too much water can affect the texture. Then place the chicken in the dish and cover it with a glass lid.
Cook the chicken on HIGH in the microwave. For a single chicken breast, 4-5 minutes should suffice, but if you’re cooking two, aim for 8-10 minutes if they’re thin cut, or 10-12 minutes for a regular cut. Adjust the time based on your microwave’s wattage; a 1500 watt microwave may require additional time for slow and even cooking.
It’s crucial to check every 3-5 minutes to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165 F degrees. Starting at 5 minutes, use a meat thermometer to check the center. If it’s not done, allow for additional cooking time. Once done, remove the chicken from the baking dish and prepare it as desired – chop, shred, cut into chunks, or eat as is.
Can You Store the Cooked Chicken Breasts in the Fridge?
Yes, you can absolutely store cooked chicken breasts in the fridge, but they don’t last as long as when freezing. For optimal freshness, keep them in the fridge for a maximum of 4-5 days. When preparing for storage, I recommend wrapping each chicken breast individually in unbleached parchment paper, then placing them in ziplock bags for freezer storage. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm.