Steaming Chicken In The Microwave: A Quick, Easy Treat

Chicken is a versatile meat with a mild flavour that lends itself to a variety of dishes. It's also a great source of lean protein and can be cooked in a microwave steamer.

To cook chicken in a microwave steamer, start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish with a lid, adding water or another liquid to about a third of the way up the chicken. Cover the dish with wax paper or plastic wrap to create a steam bath.

Microwave on high for about 4-5 minutes per chicken breast, depending on size and thickness. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding or slicing.

Chicken breast preparation

To cook chicken breasts in the microwave, you will need:

• A microwave-safe dish with a lid (preferably glass)
• Chicken breasts
• Salt
• Water
• Meat thermometer

Step 1: Prepare the chicken breasts

Place the chicken breasts on a hard, flat surface and cover with wax paper. Use a meat tenderizer to pound the breasts to an even thickness. This helps the meat cook more quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Season the chicken breasts

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, or any other seasoning of your choice. You can season the chicken according to the dish you plan to make, such as Tex Mex seasoning for a Mexican-style dish.

Step 3: Arrange the chicken breasts in the dish

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the microwave-safe dish with the widest side facing outward. The outer edges of the chicken will begin to cook first, so it's important to arrange them this way to prevent the narrower ends from drying out.

Step 4: Add liquid to the dish

Add water, stock, or another liquid to the dish until it reaches about 1/3 of the way up the chicken breasts. This liquid will create a steam bath, helping to cook and poach the chicken.

Step 5: Cover the dish

Cover the dish with a single sheet of waxed paper, parchment paper, or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, be sure to leave one corner unfolded to vent the steam.

Step 6: Microwave

Cook the chicken in the microwave on high power for about 4-5 minutes per chicken breast. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the meat, as well as the number of breasts in the dish. For two chicken breasts, the total cooking time is typically 8-12 minutes.

Step 7: Check the temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The safe temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F. Remove the chicken from the microwave when it reaches this temperature, as it will continue to cook even after being taken out.

Step 8: Let it rest

After removing the chicken from the microwave, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the meat to finish cooking and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier dish.

Step 9: Shred or slice the chicken

Once the chicken has rested and cooled down, you can shred or slice it as needed for your recipe.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken in a microwave steamer will depend on the wattage of your microwave, the weight and cut of the chicken, and the number of chicken breasts you are cooking.

For example, if you are cooking two chicken breasts in a 1500-watt microwave, it will take around 8-10 minutes for thin-cut chicken breasts and 10-12 minutes for regular-cut chicken breasts. If you have a lower wattage microwave, you will need to allow for additional time.

It is recommended that you cook chicken breasts for around 4-5 minutes per breast on high in the microwave. For example, one source recommends cooking chicken breasts on high for 6-8 minutes, turning after 4 minutes. Another source recommends cooking chicken on medium for 14-16 minutes.

The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. It is recommended that you use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached this temperature. One source notes that you should pull the chicken out of the microwave when it reaches 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise by about 5°F as the chicken rests.

Steaming liquid

When cooking chicken in a microwave steamer, adding a steaming liquid is essential to ensure the chicken remains moist and succulent. The liquid creates steam, which in turn helps to cook the chicken to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy finish.

There are several options for the steaming liquid, each imparting a slightly different flavour to the chicken. The most basic option is to simply use water. However, for added flavour, you could opt for chicken broth or stock. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try using wine or vermouth as your steaming liquid.

The amount of liquid added is also important. You'll want to add enough liquid so that it comes to a level of approximately 1/3 of the way up the chicken breast. This ensures that the chicken is sufficiently steamed and cooked through without becoming dry.

Additionally, the choice of cooking vessel can impact the steaming process. A microwave-safe dish with a glass lid is ideal, but if you don't have one, you can simply cover a microwave-safe dish with plastic wrap or wax paper. Just be sure to leave a corner of the dish open to vent the steam if using plastic wrap.

Seasoning

Salt and Pepper:

The dynamic duo of salt and pepper is a classic for a reason. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken breasts to enhance their natural flavour. This simple seasoning lays the foundation for a well-rounded, tasty dish.

Herbs and Spices:

Depending on your preference and the desired flavour profile, you can incorporate various herbs and spices. For a classic and aromatic taste, consider using garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. These herbs and spices complement the chicken without overwhelming its natural flavour.

If you're making a Mexican-style dish, like tacos or enchiladas, you can use taco seasoning or Tex Mex seasoning. This adds a punch of flavour that is characteristic of Mexican cuisine.

Alternatively, you can opt for Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, or garlic and onion powders. These options provide a more subtle flavour boost that lets the chicken's natural taste shine through.

Liquid Components:

Adding a small amount of liquid to the steamer is essential to create steam and keep the chicken moist. While water is the simplest option, you can also use chicken broth or even wine to add a subtle depth of flavour to your chicken.

Placement and Timing:

When placing the chicken breasts in the microwave steamer, ensure the widest side is facing outward. Microwaves cook from the outer edges inward, so this placement ensures even cooking and prevents the narrower ends from drying out.

For an average-sized chicken breast, cook on high power for about 4-5 minutes per breast. Adjust the timing based on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F to ensure safe consumption.

Post-Cooking Seasoning:

After cooking, you can further season the chicken to enhance its flavour. For example, you can shred the chicken and mix it with taco seasoning, topping the tacos with fresh ingredients like tomato, avocado, and cilantro.

Another option is to mix the cooked chicken with a sauce of ketchup, rice vinegar, and soy sauce for a simple tonkatsu dish.

In conclusion, seasoning is a versatile and creative step in preparing chicken in a microwave steamer. By following these guidelines and experimenting with different flavours, you can elevate your dish and unlock a world of tasty meals.

Serving suggestions

Microwave-steamed chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salads: Shred or chop the chicken to add protein to your favourite salad. Try a classic chicken salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing.
• Sandwiches: Slice the chicken and serve it on a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. For a heartier option, use a crusty roll and add some bacon and avocado.
• Burritos and Tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for burritos or tacos, along with your choice of beans, rice, salsa, cheese, and other toppings.
• Stir-fries: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to a stir-fry with your choice of vegetables and sauce.
• Casseroles: Chicken casseroles are a great way to feed a crowd. Try a chicken and dumpling casserole, a chicken enchilada bake, or a crunchy chicken casserole.
• Curries: Add the steamed chicken to a curry sauce and serve it with rice for a flavourful and hearty meal.
• Rice bowls: Create a rice bowl by serving the chicken on a bed of rice with your choice of vegetables, sauces, and toppings.
• Soups: Shredded chicken can be added to soups, such as a chicken noodle soup or a chicken and vegetable soup.
• Simple sides: Keep it simple and serve the steamed chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

When it comes to serving microwave-steamed chicken, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and cuisines. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions