Quick food never tasted so good.
Open up just about any fridge in America and you’re sure to find chicken. Chicken and pork are the most eaten proteins worldwide, every year eight billion chickens are eaten in America alone. This microwave cooked chicken is a fast and easy way to get good food on the table fast. I know that time is precious so every second I can save in the kitchen is a blessing, and who would loves a little extra time with family or friends.
With this microwave chicken recipe cooking dinner is as simple as hitting a couple buttons and waiting. The beauty of the microwave is that it does all of the heavy lifting for you. I love this recipe and how simple and delicious it is, plus the chicken comes out tender and moist, steamed to utter perfection. The trouble with cooking chicken breast is that they can dry out very quickly, but with this dish, you will never have to worry about dry bland chicken ever again. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes in the microwave to come out perfect.
Microwave it
Microwaves have been around since 1945 and they work by using a magnetron to generate microwaves that super heat the water molecules in food, cooking it from the inside out. This ever versatile kitchen appliance is a modern cooking wonder with endless options and our microwave chicken recipe is an excellent example of that. Packed with protein, calcium, iron and potassium as well as vitamin A. Chicken is the prefect protein for lunch, dinner, or even just a delicious snack. Being low in fat and high in protein makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy meat option.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts skinless, boneless
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water for cooking
How to Make Chicken in the Microwave
Step 1: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe dish, arrange the chicken breasts and pour in enough water so it reaches about one-third of the way up the chicken.
Step 3: Cover the dish with wax paper or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes per breast, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to cool slightly, then shred or slice as desired for your recipe.
FAQs & Tips
To make this dish ahead of time, simply follow the above recipe then cool your chicken. Next place your cooked chicken in an air tight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days, or in the freezer for up to three months.
Yes, microwaves only penetrate the protein about one inch deep so the thinner the better, we recommend around a half an inch thick or less. Making sure the chicken is an even thickness will greatly help the evenness of your cooking as well.
No, you never want to cook frozen chicken! Cooking frozen chicken will cook the out side long before the inside is finished, leaving you susceptible to food-borne illnesses and well as not killing any bacteria that might be present in the chicken, like salmonella.
Other cuts of chicken are fine too, just be sure they are pounded to an even thickness. Bone in chicken should never be cooked in the microwave as you will have that same uneven cooking as if it were frozen, leaving you open to food-borne illnesses and bacteria.
Serving Suggestions
This Microwave cooked chicken is a veritable canvas of flavors waiting to be painted on. Our simple and easy recipe is an incredible base for any dish providing incredible flavor and a punch of protein. Some of my favorite applications are pasta, salads, tacos or fajitas, soups and just by itself as the perfect snack. If you are looking to switch up the flavors, you can easily substitute the water for your favorite broth or add taco or Italian seasonings to the chicken before you cook it. The options for flavor are truly unlimited, I love a simple steamed broccoli with this dish as the pair are a match made in food heaven.
If you are looking for other great chicken recipes, we’ve got you covered. Our Chicken Enchiladas are incredibly delicious and this Crockpot BBQ Chicken is a one pot wonder. Need a little dessert in your life give this Lemon Ginger Steamed Pudding a try or dive into these Rainbow Cupcakes.
How to Cook Chicken in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts skinless, boneless
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water for cooking
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a microwave-safe dish, arrange the chicken breasts and pour in enough water so it reaches about one-third of the way up the chicken.
- Cover the dish with wax paper or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes per breast, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to cool slightly, then shred or slice as desired for your recipe.
