Defrosting chicken in the microwave can be a quick and easy way to get dinner ready, but there are some important safety rules you need to follow when thawing meat. Here are 5 steps you can follow to defrost chicken in the microwave and tips on what to do with chicken once it’s done.
Defrosting chicken breast in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to thaw frozen meat before cooking. With the right technique you can safely defrost chicken breast in just a few minutes.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of microwaving chicken breast step-by-step. You’ll learn about:
- The benefits of microwave defrosting
- Food safety tips
- A step-by-step method with photos
- How long it takes
- What to do after defrosting
- Common mistakes to avoid
Why Defrost Chicken in the Microwave?
One quick and safe way to defrost chicken breast is to put it in the microwave. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Speed – It takes only 5-10 minutes per pound versus several hours in the fridge.
- Convenience – You can defrost chicken breast in minutes right before cooking.
- Food safety – When done correctly, microwave thawing is safe.
- Texture retention – Microwaved chicken retains moisture better than other defrost methods.
If you forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer or need to quickly make a meal, the microwave is a great way to thaw it.
Is Microwaving Chicken Safe?
Yes, microwave defrosting is safe when proper precautions are taken:
- Use the defrost setting at low power to prevent cooking.
- Check chicken often to ensure even thawing.
- Cook thawed chicken immediately to prevent bacterial growth.
- Never refreeze raw chicken thawed in the microwave.
Microwaving can cause uneven heating, so it’s important to keep an eye on things and flip them over often to keep them safe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Microwaving Chicken Breast
Follow this simple step-by-step guide for foolproof microwave chicken defrosting:
Step 1: Take Chicken Out of Packaging
Remove chicken breast from any packaging. This prevents chemicals from leaching into the meat during microwaving.
Frozen chicken breast in packaging
Step 2: Place on Microwave-Safe Dish
Put the chicken on a microwave-safe plate or in a shallow bowl. This lets juices drip away from the meat during thawing.
Microwavable plate for thawing
Step 3: Microwave on Defrost Setting
If your microwave has a defrost setting, select it and input the weight. Otherwise, use 30% power.
Step 4: Microwave for 5-10 Minutes Per Pound
For a 1 lb chicken breast, start with 5 minutes. Larger breasts need up to 10 minutes per pound.
Step 5: Check and Flip Every Few Minutes
Check chicken often and flip to promote even thawing. Look for icy sections.
Flipping chicken while microwaving
Step 6: Cook Immediately After Defrosting
Cook thawed chicken right away to destroy bacteria. You can bake, sauté, grill or cook it in any of your favorite ways.
And you’re done! Follow these simple steps to safely thaw frozen chicken breast in the microwave.
How Long Does It Take to Defrost Chicken Breast?
Defrost time depends on the size of the chicken breast:
- 1 pound breast – 5 to 7 minutes
- 2 pound breast – 9 to 12 minutes
Check thickness and flip periodically for even defrosting. Large, thick breasts may take a few extra minutes.
Portioning chicken into smaller 1 lb packs before freezing speeds microwave defrosting compared to a giant 2 lb breast.
What to Do After Microwaving Chicken
After defrosting chicken in the microwave, follow these steps:
- Cook immediately – Cook thawed chicken right away to prevent bacterial growth.
- Refrigerate if not using – If you won’t cook chicken immediately, refrigerate for 1-2 days max.
- Do not refreeze – Don’t refreeze raw chicken thawed in the microwave.
- Reheat thoroughly – Reheat cooked, thawed chicken to 165°F before eating.
Proper handling after defrosting is key for safety. Follow these guidelines when microwaving chicken.
Common Defrosting Mistakes to Avoid
While quick and easy, there are some microwave defrosting mistakes to steer clear of:
- Forgetting to flip chicken
- Using high power instead of defrost setting
- Not checking chicken frequently
- Defrosting too long, starting to cook chicken
- Refreezing raw chicken thawed in microwave
- Leaving chicken at room temperature too long before cooking
With vigilance and the right technique, you can avoid these pitfalls for safe microwave chicken defrosting every time.
The Takeaway
Defrosting chicken breast in the microwave is fast, convenient and safe when done properly. Follow the steps to thaw 1-2 lb chicken breasts in 5-12 minutes. Remember to use low defrost power, flip breasts periodically and cook immediately after thawing.
Master this easy microwave chicken defrosting method to slash meal prep time without compromising on flavor, texture or safety!
Step 1: Remove chicken from packaging
Chicken shouldn’t be defrosted in its original packaging, but be sure to note the chicken’s weight or use a food scale prior to discarding the packaging so you can accurately set the defrost settings.
Step 5: Cook chicken immediately
Meat that defrosts in the microwave may not always do so evenly and can begin to warm enough to trigger bacterial growth. Always remove meat from the microwave and begin cooking it immediately to avoid bacterial development.
How to Thaw Chicken in the Microwave | Defrost Chicken Fast with MOMables
FAQ
Is it okay to defrost chicken breast in the microwave?
Defrosting chicken in the microwave is the least ideal method because the meat gets heated unevenly. Sometimes, the waves of heat will hit different parts of the chicken at different times during the process, leaving some parts raw.
How to quickly defrost chicken breast?
A cold water bath or the defrost setting on the microwave are the fastest and safest ways to thaw chicken breast. For the cold water method, submerge the chicken (in a leak-proof package) in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold.
What does the defrost button look like on a microwave?
Usually the defrosting symbol on the microwave oven’s control panel is a snowflake or a snowflake with a drop.
Is microwaving a safe thawing method?
When thawing frozen food, it’s best to plan ahead and thaw in the refrigerator where it will remain at a safe, constant temperature — at 40 °F or below. There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave.