If you’re looking for a fast and excellent way to cook chicken, look no further than your microwave. Yes — really! Many people think microwaved chicken is dry and rubbery. In reality, microwaving it in an Anyday dish with a vented lid yields juicy, tender chicken that’s certain to change your mind. With the right techniques and delicious recipes, you can enjoy juicy, tender chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings in minutes, cooked — from scratch — in the microwave.
It might seem hard to cook chicken breast in the microwave, but it’s a quick and easy way to make juicy, tasty chicken any night of the week. You can make tender, flavorful chicken breasts in the microwave in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them any other way with just a few simple tricks.
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for quick ways to make dinner that don’t skimp on taste or quality. Over the years, I’ve perfected a way to cook chicken breasts in the microwave that never fails. It only takes minutes and doesn’t require much preparation or cleanup. You can become a microwave chicken pro too if you let me tell you my tricks!
Why Choose the Microwave?
Microwaving has gotten a bad rap when it comes to cooking meat, with many believing it makes food dry and rubbery. But when done right, the microwave produces exceptionally moist, tender chicken in record time. Here’s why it works so well:
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Speed A microwave cooks food from the inside out, drastically reducing cooking time Boneless chicken breasts take only 10-15 minutes compared to at least 30 minutes in the oven
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Convenience: With a microwave, there’s no preheating and just one dish to clean. You can cook chicken from frozen and skip any messy prep.
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Juiciness: The microwave’s rapid cooking locks in moisture. Steaming the chicken in a covered dish further ensures it turns out incredibly tender and juicy.
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Versatility: Microwaved chicken breasts shine in salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more. Shred or dice them for easy weeknight meals.
With a little know-how, you can leverage your microwave’s efficiency to cook chicken perfectly. Follow my lead for foolproof results every time!
Microwave Chicken Success Tips
Microwaving chicken breasts boils down to just a few simple steps, but proper technique is key. Follow these tips for guaranteed juicy, delicious results:
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Use boneless, skinless breasts: Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook. Skin can make the chicken rubbery. Go boneless and skinless for quick, even cooking.
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Do not stack the chicken; it will cook unevenly if you do. For the best results, put the breasts in a dish that can go in the microwave in a single layer.
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Cover with a lid or vented plastic wrap: This traps steam and ensures the chicken cooks up incredibly moist. Leave a small vent opening if using plastic wrap.
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Cook at 50-60% power: Lower power settings prevent overcooking and yield tender meat. Cook for 5-7 minutes per breast.
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Allow to rest before slicing: Let chicken sit covered for 5 minutes post-cooking so juices can redistribute. Slice just before serving.
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Use a meat thermometer: Check temperature before eating. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.
Follow those tips and you’ll be shocked at how moist and delicious chicken breast can be straight out of the microwave. Now let’s get cooking!
Microwave Chicken Breast Step-by-Step
Thanks to the microwave’s speed, you can go from raw chicken to hot dinner entrée in about 15 minutes flat. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts – save yourself time and frustration! Two 6-8 oz breasts will serve 2-3.
- Pound them to an even 1⁄2-inch thickness so they cook evenly. Place between sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper and gently pound with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or pan.
- Season liberally with salt and pepper. Spice it up with garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning if desired. Seasonings amp up flavor.
Step 2: Arrange in the Microwave
- Place chicken in a microwave-safe baking dish. Glass or ceramic work best. Make sure it’s big enough to lay breasts in a single layer.
- Arrange breasts in a single layer in the center of the dish. They shouldn’t overlap or stack.
- Cover tightly with a lid or vented plastic wrap. The cover traps steam which keeps the chicken incredibly moist.
Step 3: Cook!
- Cook chicken at 50-60% power. Lower power prevents overcooking.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per breast. A 6-8 oz breast takes about 6 minutes.
- Flip breasts halfway through to ensure even cooking. Rearrange if needed.
- Cook until chicken registers 165°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part. The juices should run clear.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
- Once cooked, let chicken rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows juices to reabsorb so chicken stays juicy.
- Slice just before serving. Chicken will be piping hot, tender, and perfectly juicy inside!
And that’s all it takes to make perfect microwave chicken breasts. The simple steps deliver juicy, flavorful chicken without dirtying every pot and pan in the kitchen or wasting time tending the stove or oven.
Quick and Easy Microwave Chicken Recipes
The possibilities are endless when it comes to putting juicy microwaved chicken breasts to use in meals. They’re amazing on salads, in wraps and sandwiches, diced up in pasta dishes or rice bowls, and much more.
Here are a few of my favorite quick and easy microwave chicken dinner ideas:
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BBQ Chicken Salad – Top mixed greens with diced chicken, corn, bell pepper, tomato, red onion, avocado, shredded cheese and ranch dressing. Drizzle with BBQ sauce.
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Buffalo Chicken Wrap – Warm tortillas and fill with shredded chicken, hot sauce, lettuce, tomato and blue cheese dressing.
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Fajita Burrito Bowl – Mix diced chicken with sautéed peppers and onions. Serve over cilantro lime rice and black beans. Top with guacamole, salsa and sour cream.
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta – Toss cooked pasta with diced chicken, marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella.
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Thai Peanut Chicken Rice Bowl – Shred chicken and mix with Jasmine rice, carrots, edamame, cilantro, peanuts, lime and Thai peanut sauce.
With microwave-cooked chicken at the ready, whipping up a healthy, homemade dinner is a total breeze. No more bland baked chicken breasts or chewy, overcooked stovetop disasters. The microwave is your new go-to for quick yet tasty chicken!
Microwave Chicken FAQs
If you’re new to microwave cooking, chances are you have a few questions. Here I’ll tackle some common concerns about making chicken in the microwave:
Is it really possible to cook chicken from frozen in the microwave?
Yes, absolutely! Just add 1-2 minutes per breast to the cook time. And make sure to use microwave-safe cookware so the frozen chicken doesn’t make the dish crack.
Does covering the chicken trap dangerous bacteria?
Nope! Covering helps the chicken retain moisture but poses no increased safety risk. That steam also kills surface bacteria. Just be sure to use a clean lid or vented plastic wrap.
Can I use a microwave oven bag or plastic container?
Sure, but a dish allows steam to circulate better and prevents the chicken cooking in its own juices. I recommend a shallow ceramic or glass baking dish.
What about microwaving larger cuts like whole breasts or tenderloins?
No problem! Cook them at 50% power for 10-12 minutes per pound. Flipping halfway helps them cook evenly. Just ensure the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Is it really necessary to let the chicken rest afterwards?
Yes! Resting for 5 minutes allows juices that have been forced out during cooking to reabsorb so your chicken stays incredibly moist.
The Final Takeaway
Cooking juicy, delicious chicken breasts in the microwave is much simpler than you may think. With the right tools, techniques, and recipes, you can unlock the potential of your microwave and enjoy tender, flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time. Ditch your old methods and make the microwave your new go-to for easy weekday dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining! Once you master my tips, you’ll become a microwave chicken pro.
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- Jul 26, 2024
- by Rachel Johnson
- Jul 26, 2024
- by Rachel Johnson
If you’re looking for a fast and excellent way to cook chicken, look no further than your microwave. Yes — really! Many people think microwaved chicken is dry and rubbery. You will change your mind after microwaving it in an Anyday dish with a vented lid. The chicken will be juicy and tender. You can cook chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings from scratch in the microwave in minutes if you know how to do it right and follow some tasty recipes.
Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time:
Tips for Microwaving Chicken
- Cover the chicken while it’s cooking. Chicken is a pretty lean protein, so it’s important to keep all of the fat and juices that come from the chicken inside. This is easy to do with Anyday’s silicone-lined, vented lid, which keeps all the chicken’s moisture (and flavor) inside the dish. You can drizzle the finished recipe with any juices that are left at the bottom of the dish. You can keep shredded chicken breast moist and tasty by adding these juices to it.
- Cook chicken in a tasty sauce. If you microwave chicken with extra water, it will never be dry. To keep the meat moist, cook it in broth or a ready-made sauce like marinara or simmer sauces in a jar. This will make a delicious sauce that you can put on pasta or rice. You can make your favorite sauce with things you already have in your pantry, or you can buy curries, salsas, or even beer to make your dish taste better.
- In some recipes, we may tell you to lower the power level. This is especially important when cooking chicken with grains like rice or pasta in the microwave. Lowering the power level lets the whole dish cook more slowly and evenly, which keeps it from getting too done.
- Lay the chicken out in a single layer. Just like when you cook chicken on the stove or in the oven, you need to give the meat room to cook evenly. As best you can, arrange the pieces in the dish in a single layer. A large shallow dish works best for this. This will let steam surround the chicken and cook it all the way through.
- Check and stir every half hour. To make sure the chicken is cooking right, take it out of the microwave every half hour to flip the meat over. You should also make sure that the temperature inside each chicken breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Get the right tools. An Anyday dish is the key to the best microwaved chicken, of course! The silicone-lined lid makes a tight seal while cooking in the microwave, which keeps all the flavors inside the dish while the chicken cooks all the way through.
Whether you’re looking to cook chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings, we have plenty of recipe ideas for this fan-favorite protein:
Coq au Vin in 20 minutes? Julia Child could never! Using the Anyday dish, the chicken drumsticks braise beautifully in the microwave with a rich red wine sauce and root vegetables. For a more intense color and flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Enjoy this quick and tasty Coq au Vin, which is great for busy nights! You can make this dish ahead of time and eat it later, because the flavors keep getting better the longer it sits in the fragrant sauce, up to three days.
Chicken thighs are cooked in a spicy, aromatic tomato sauce in this classic dish. The curry gets its deep flavor from garam masala, a traditional Indian spice that’s sweet, spicy, and fragrant all at once. Finish with cream and butter for a rich, hearty meal.
This straightforward take on the classic Hainanese dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Chef Daves quick rice technique is a great way to cook both rice and chicken at the same time. The ginger and scallion sauce makes for the perfect bright and savory addition to this simple and delicious dish.
Raise your wine glass! This Tuscan-inspired recipe comes together in one dish, serving up a decadent weeknight dinner in minutes, straight out of the microwave. Chicken cooks to perfection in the creamy, garlicky sauce — great for dipping crusty bread or tossing with hot pasta.
This one-dish meal is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are simmered in stock thats soaked up by a light (but filling) orzo pasta. Our favorite part: when heated, the crumbled feta softens into pockets of salty, creamy goodness. Serve it with a garnish of mint for a fresh summer meal.
Quickstart this comforting one-dish meal by making the creamy filling, loaded with chicken and veggies, in the microwave. Top it with a sheet of puff pastry and finish it off in the oven for highly delicious results.
Ideal for those lazy days when you crave a warm, nourishing meal but have little time or energy to cook, this microwave chicken noodle soup is a lifesaver. Using pre-cooked chicken, store-bought broth, and your microwave, you can whip up a cozy bowl of this comforting classic in no time. All of the ingredients (including the noodles!) simmer together for 15 minutes or less. Sure, you can probably open a can in less time, but we guarantee this soup will nourish you back to health better than any can ever could.
This classic Taiwanese dish uses mostly Asian pantry staples and is a cinch to put together. The name comes from the traditional recipe, which is made using equal parts soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. (The proportions in our version are a little different.) Be sure to make extra rice to soak up that good sauce!
Things every adult needs: a savings account, a matching sheet set, and this staple chicken dish for everything from school nights to date nights to dinner parties. (We promise it’s way more exciting than savings and sheets!)
Cook up hot honey chicken wings in the microwave in under 10 minutes with this simple, flavor-packed recipe. Using Momofukus Chili Crunch Hot Honey, these wings achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Ideal for a quick snack or party appetizer, this microwave-friendly recipe offers craveable results without the fuss.
Tender chicken is coated in simple — and simply delicious — teriyaki sauce, made from soy sauce, sake, and mirin (a Japanese rice wine that adds subtle sweetness). Garlic and ginger add zing, while toasted sesame oil rounds out the dish with a bit of nuttiness.
Filipino chicken adobo in the microwave is an unexpectedly quick meal that packs a flavorful punch. Made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and whole peppercorns, this dish is savory, tangy, and slightly sweet all at once.
This dinner is a winner! A generous helping of bow-tie pasta and chicken steams all in the same dish. While you have a few extra minutes of downtime, mix up a quick bruschetta with cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil. Finish the dish with fresh arugula for color and plenty of parmesan cheese!
Looking for a quick and easy meal prep recipe that you can enjoy all week long? Look no further than these Chicken Tinga Taco Bowls! Made with fragrant sauce thats whipped up quickly in the microwave, then tossed with shredded chicken, these bowls are perfect for a fun and flavorful meal. Plus, theyre super versatile — enjoy leftovers in quesadillas, on top of nachos, and more for a delicious lunch or dinner thats sure to satisfy.
While this traditional Chinese dish is simple to make, the taste is complex. Savory shaoxing wine (a cooking wine made from fermented rice) draws out the chicken’s natural flavors and juices. They’re lightly enhanced by aromatic scallions, ginger, and soy sauce, perfect for soaking up with steamed rice or a side of vegetables.
Rachel Johnson (she/her) is the Recipe Manager for Anyday. Her first cookbook, Unicorn Food, was published in 2018 and you can find more of her work in Cooking Light Magazine, Bon Appetit, and other outlets. She enjoys pizza, feminism, and creating joy through food.