Many people are confused about whether or not to microwave raw chicken as they are not sure. Yes, you can microwave raw chicken as it is safe just like any other method.
There may be variation in the cooking time especially if it is still on the bone. Time taken to cook boneless chicken is less and so if you want prepare a super quick meal, always take the boneless chicken.
Sometimes it is seen that raw chicken when cooked in a microwave does not get evenly cooked. There may be some spots where it is cooked while at other spots, it may be uncooked. These uncooked spots may have dangerous bacteria and are referred to as ‘cold spots.
However, to microwave raw chicken safely and evenly, certain precautions need to be followed. These are –
1. Thaw the uncooked frozen chicken properly
Frozen chicken should be defrosted completely as if not done, you may get uncooked or cold spots. These cold spots harbor bacteria which is very harmful to whosoever consumes it.
The chicken can be thawed or defrosted in the refrigerator or in the microwave with defrost mode. You should not thaw the chicken on the kitchen counter as bacteria can multiply quickly in this method.
Also, after touching the raw meat, always wash your hands with an antibacterial cleaning agent.
2. Do not cook whole or large pieces of chicken on high heat
In case large pieces of chicken are cooked in the microwave on high heat, it may end up cooking badly. Instead of this, always cook raw chicken in the microwave on medium heat for a long time.
With this, the outer areas will not be overcooked and the heat will penetrate in the center.
3. Use boneless chicken, if possible
When chicken with bones is cooked in the microwave, it takes a longer time but it can be cooked safely. If you have less time and want to have a perfectly cooked chicken in a microwave, always go for boneless chicken.
Chicken breasts are great for grilling or roasting in the microwave.
4. Stir the chicken during cooking
While cooking chicken in the microwave, stir it in between at least once so that it cooks evenly. It also ensures that there are no bacteria in the uncooked areas.
5. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken
Even if all the above-mentioned precautions are taken, the raw chicken cooked in a microwave must reach a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To check this, it is always safe to use a food thermometer.
Cooking raw chicken in microwave?
The guide to cook raw chicken in the microwave is mentioned below. Here a guide is provided to cook raw chicken breast:
1. Prepare the raw chicken
First and foremost, an important step to cook raw chicken is to thaw it properly. Once done, marinate it with the desired ingredients.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the microwave
Take a microwave-safe dish and place the chicken breasts on it. Ensure that the larger pieces are on the outer edges of the dish so that it is not cooked unevenly.
3. Add water
Now, add a cup of water or broth to the chicken kept in the dish which will retain the moisture in the chicken. Cover the dish with a lid loosely so that ventilation is provided and there is no possible blow-up if excessive pressure is built up during cooking.
4. Set the time
Run the microwave on medium heat for 5-8 minutes per pound. For different microwaves, the time taken to cook raw chicken is different.
So, you need to monitor the chicken while cooking to ensure that it is not undercooked or overcooked. After 5-8 minutes, stop the microwave and turn the chicken breast pieces to cook them evenly on both sides.
Avoid touching the hot dish with bare hands, you may get burn. Use a kitchen towel to take the hot dish out of the microwave for turning the chicken breast pieces. Once done, place the dish back in the microwave and run for another 5-8 minutes on medium heat.
5. Use a food thermometer
Always ensure to check the internal temperature of the chicken and for this, a food thermometer should be used. It should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit and stick the thermometer into the middle of the thickest pieces to measure the temperature accurately.
6. Refrigerate the left-over chicken
If the cooked chicken is left even after eating, you must cool it and keep it in the refrigerator to avoid getting it infected with bacteria.
Can you defrost raw chicken in the microwave?
Yes, you can defrost raw chicken in the microwave. This is a quick and easy method:
- Take a microwavable plate and place 1-2 pieces of raw chicken on it.
- Keep the plate in the microwave and run the microwave for 1 minute on defrost setting.
- Ensure to keep checking the chicken to assess whether the chicken has defrosted.
- If not done, heat the chicken for some more time.
Generally, it takes 2 minutes per pound to defrost frozen raw chicken in the microwave.
The heat should be low while defrosting the chicken in the microwave. If you leave the chicken for a long time in the microwave, it will start cooking the chicken slowly instead of only defrosting it.
Once defrosted, the chicken should be cooked immediately to avoid the growth of any harmful bacteria.
How long to cook raw chicken tenders in microwave?
To cook raw chicken tenders in the microwave, it will take about 60 seconds to cook 5 tenders, and for cooking 15 tenders, a minimum of 2 ½ minutes would be required.
It is fast and easy to cook chicken tenders in the microwave. For this, take the packet of chicken tenders from the refrigerator or freezer and put the number of tenders you want to cook on the microwave-safe dish. Lay them in a single layer on the plate and do not stack them as it can cause uneven cooking.
Run the microwave on medium for about 1 minute for 5 chicken tenders. Time has to be increased if there are more chicken tenders. Once fully cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and serve while hot.
How long do you cook raw chicken nuggets in the microwave?
It will take 1 to 1 ½ minute to cook raw chicken nuggets in the microwave. This time is for cooking 5 nuggets in the microwave.
The Time taken to cook different numbers of nuggets in the microwave is given below:
| No. of Nuggets | Time Taken |
| 5 nuggets | 1-1 ½ minutes |
| 10 nuggets | 2-2 ½ minutes |
| 15 nuggets | 2 ½ – 3 minutes |
It is advised not to overheat chicken nuggets as it will make them overcooked or burnt. Always let them stand for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Cooking raw chicken in the microwave is an easy method especially chicken breasts and you will get a nice juicy chicken breast every time.
Many people prefer cooking raw chicken in the microwave only instead of other methods as this is a quick process also. So, whenever you want to have juicy chicken but it is raw and you have less time, always microwave it.