There is no denying how useful microwaves are; our kitchens wouldn’t be the same without them for reheating leftovers and making popcorn. Although it is technically possible, and in some circumstances, it is even recommended, cooking main proteins like chicken in a microwave presents a number of unique challenges that are important to take into account before attempting.
Always keep food safety in mind when working with raw poultry. The USDA states that microwave cooking of chicken is safe. Yet doing so may cause uneven cooking and cold spots due to the nature of microwave cooking. Make sure the entire dish has reached a safe internal temperature before consuming it because bacteria can grow in these cold spots.
Medical News Today reiterates this point, highlighting how cooking something in a microwave differs greatly from merely reheating it and how crucial it is to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature in various places.
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If you are set on making chicken in your microwave, there are a few things you can do to ensure a yummy final dish. According to Epicurious, you shouldnt attempt to cook a whole chicken in the microwave — you may get an overcooked exterior while the interior remains practically raw. Moreover, its impossible to get the crispy, golden skin associated with roast chicken in a microwave: instead, youll get something pale and rubbery in texture.
Instead of attempting to duplicate the results of a seared, braised, or roast chicken, you should accept the limitations of the microwave. According to Epicurious, chicken breast that has been pounded extremely thin—about 14 inch—is best for microwaving. This will guarantee even and thorough cooking, along with resting and rotating the cutlets in between microwave segments.
The English Kitchen, meanwhile, recommends making shredded chicken in the microwave by first poaching chicken breasts in a shallow container of liquid. When covered and microwaved, the enclosed environment essentially steams the chicken, keeping it moist. Once youre finished with the recipe, the chicken can be shredded or cubed for use in other dishes.
Medical News Today reiterates that point, emphasizing that actually cooking something in a microwave is very different than simply reheating it — which is why testing the internal temperature in multiple spots using a food thermometer is key.
When dealing with raw poultry, its always important to consider food safety. According to the USDA, it is safe to cook chicken in the microwave. However, because of the nature of microwave cooking, doing so can result in uneven cooking and cold spots. Bacteria can thrive in these cold spots, so its essential to make sure all parts of the dish have reached a safe internal temperature before consuming it.
FAQ
How long does a chicken breast take to cook in a microwave?
Placing the chicken breasts in the baking dish, then covering with the glass lid (or wax paper, plastic wrap, or both) is a good idea. Cook each chicken breast in the microwave on HIGH for about 4–5 minutes. In my experience, cooking two chicken breasts takes between 8 and 10 minutes for the thin cut and between 10 and 12 minutes for the regular cut.
How long should I microwave chicken for?
When the thickest pieces of chicken are cut in the center, the juice is no longer pink, and the temperature reaches 170°, microwave on Medium (50%) for 14 to 16 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Cool slightly; cut into desired size of pieces.
