How to Make Chicken Breasts in the Microwave

Cooking chicken breasts in the microwave is a quick and convenient method that ensures a delicious and healthy meal without the need for extensive preparation or cooking time. Whether you’re a busy professional or a novice cook, this guide will help you make perfectly cooked chicken breasts using your microwave. Follow these simple steps and enjoy a tasty meal in no time!

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
Lemon slices (optional)

Read More: How To Make Chicken In A Microwave

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Breasts Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step helps remove any surface bacteria and ensures the chicken will cook evenly.
Season the Chicken Place the chicken breasts in a microwave-safe dish. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the chicken to keep it moist during cooking. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. You can also add lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Add Liquid Pour the chicken broth or water into the dish. This liquid will create steam, helping to cook the chicken evenly and keep it juicy.
Cover the Dish Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, make sure to leave a small corner uncovered to allow steam to escape. This step is crucial for preventing the chicken from drying out.
Microwave the Chicken Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high for 5-7 minutes per chicken breast. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the power of your microwave. For best results, cook in intervals, checking the chicken’s internal temperature periodically.
Check for Doneness After the initial cooking time, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked. If the chicken has not reached this temperature, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until it does.
Rest the Chicken Once cooked, let the chicken breasts rest in the microwave for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Serve Remove the chicken breasts from the microwave-safe dish and slice them as desired. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Microwave Chicken Breasts

Uniform Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as microwaves can vary in power. Checking the temperature frequently helps prevent this.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to suit your taste preferences. You can use barbecue sauce, teriyaki glaze, or even a simple lemon and herb marinade.

Cooking chicken breasts in the microwave is a quick and easy method that yields delicious results. By following these steps and tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts ready to enjoy in minutes. Happy cooking!