Steaming Chicken In The Microwave: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Steaming chicken in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook chicken. It is also a healthy option, as the chicken will be juicy and tender without the need for oil or butter. The cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave and the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, but on average, it will take around 4-5 minutes per breast. This method is perfect for meal prep, as the cooked chicken can be used in various dishes such as salads, pasta, sandwiches, and more.

Characteristics of Steam Cooking Chicken in a Microwave

Seasoning and preparation

Firstly, you need to decide on the cut of chicken you want to use. Chicken breasts are the most popular choice for microwave steaming, but you can also use chicken tenderloins or chicken thighs. If you are using chicken breasts, it is a good idea to pound the meat so that it is an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and quickly. Place the chicken on a hard surface, cover with wax paper, and use a meat tenderizer to pound the meat to size.

Next, you will want to season the chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings, depending on your taste preferences. Salt and pepper are a simple and classic option. You can also try other seasonings such as garlic, onion powder, oregano, or even a BBQ sauce. If you want to get creative, you can try a brine by putting the chicken in salt water for about half an hour before cooking. This will add moisture and flavour to the meat.

Once your chicken is seasoned, you can place it in a dish. If you are cooking more than one chicken breast, make sure they fit snugly in the dish. You can also cut the chicken into cubes or slices before cooking, which will reduce the cooking time. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, leaving one corner slightly open to vent the steam.

Now you are ready to start cooking! The cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave and the size and thickness of the chicken. For two chicken breasts in a 9x9 inch pan, cook on high for about 4-5 minutes per breast. Adjust the time as needed, and always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the microwave. This will allow the meat to continue cooking and give you perfectly juicy, steamed chicken.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for steaming chicken in the microwave depend on the wattage of your microwave, the weight and thickness of the chicken, and the number of chicken breasts being cooked.

For example, a single chicken breast weighing 8 ounces (225g) will take about 7-11 minutes to cook in the microwave at full power. If you are cooking two chicken breasts, this will take about 9-11 minutes. Three chicken breasts will take about 11-14 minutes, and four will take about 14-17 minutes.

If your chicken is frozen, you will need to add 5-6 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it is thawed and cooked through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your microwave, even if the wattages are the same. Therefore, you may need to adjust the cooking time as needed.

The recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). To check the temperature, use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F and has no pink spots when cut into.

If your chicken is not fully cooked after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking in 1-minute increments until it reaches the desired temperature and doneness.

When cooking chicken in the microwave, it is best to reduce the power level to achieve juicier and more tender results. For example, cooking at Power Level 6 (which is approximately 50% power) for 9-11 minutes will yield better results than cooking at full power for a shorter time.

Additionally, covering the dish with plastic wrap or wax paper during cooking can help create a steam bath for the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and juicy.

Venting steam

When cooking chicken in the microwave, it is important to be cautious when removing the plastic wrap or lid from the dish, as hot steam will escape. To avoid burning yourself, be careful not to stand too close to the dish when removing the covering.

To allow steam to escape gradually, it is recommended to fold back one corner or edge of the plastic wrap by about 1/4 inch. This will create a small vent for the steam to escape during cooking, reducing the risk of steam building up and forcefully removing the covering.

Additionally, the lid on some dishes, such as the Anyday Shallow Dish, may lift up gently on one side during cooking due to steam pressure. This is normal and helps to release the steam gradually.

When removing the chicken from the microwave, exercise caution as the steam will continue to escape from the dish. It is advisable to let the dish cool down slightly before handling it to avoid burns from the escaping steam.

By following these venting techniques, you can safely cook chicken in the microwave while allowing steam to escape in a controlled manner.

Shredding the chicken

After removing the plastic wrap or wax paper from the dish, be cautious of the escaping steam to avoid burning yourself. Place the chicken on a cutting board and allow it to cool.

If you want to freeze the shredded chicken for later use, ensure it is cooled completely before storing it in an airtight container or a zippered plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag, and it will stay fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Serving suggestions

Microwaved chicken breasts can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• For a nutritious meal, serve the chicken with mushrooms or vegetables.
• Use the chicken in a salad or sandwiches.
• For an Asian-inspired dish, serve the chicken with chicken rice, a popular combination in Southeast Asian countries.
• Create a dipping sauce to accompany the chicken. For example, a sauce made with olive oil, yuzu pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and salt, or a ginger and green onion sauce.
• For a heartier meal, pair the chicken with sides such as roasted vegetables or potatoes.
• Use the chicken as a protein source in a bowl or wrap with grains, vegetables, and a dressing or sauce.
• Add the chicken to a soup or stew for extra flavour and substance.
• For a more indulgent option, serve the chicken with a creamy sauce, such as a mushroom or cheese sauce, and a side of mashed potatoes.
• For a lighter option, serve the chicken cold on top of a bed of leafy greens with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Create a chicken sandwich or wrap with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
• Use the chicken as a topping for a pizza, along with other ingredients of your choice.
• For a more exotic option, try a Chinese steamed chicken recipe, which involves marinating the chicken with ingredients like ginger, green onion, and soy sauce, and then steaming it. This can be served with a dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions