Can You Cook Chicken Thighs in the Microwave? A Quick Guide

Who doesn’t love a delicious and juicy chicken thigh? Whether you grill it, bake it, or fry it, chicken thighs always make for a satisfying meal. But what if you’re short on time and don’t have access to a conventional oven or stovetop? Can you still cook chicken thighs? The answer might surprise you – you can actually cook chicken thighs in the microwave! In this article, I will guide you through the process of cooking chicken thighs in the microwave, ensuring they turn out tasty and tender.

Table of Contents

Preparing the Chicken Thighs

Before we jump into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare the chicken thighs properly. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do:

Gather your ingredients:

4 chicken thighs

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon of your favorite seasoning (such as paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning)

Salt and pepper to taste

Season the chicken thighs:

1. Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the seasoned oil mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Let the chicken thighs marinate:

1. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a microwave-safe dish with a lid.
2. Allow the chicken thighs to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can even marinate them overnight to enhance the flavor.

Cooking the Chicken Thighs

Now that your chicken thighs are properly prepared, it’s time to move on to the cooking process. Here’s how you can cook your chicken thighs in the microwave:

Choose a microwave-safe dish:

1. Select a microwave-safe dish large enough to accommodate all the chicken thighs without overcrowding.
2. Make sure the dish has a lid or can be covered with microwave-safe plastic wrap to trap steam and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Cooking time and power:

1. Place the chicken thighs in the microwave-safe dish, arranging them in a single layer.
2. Cover the dish with its lid or tightly wrap it with microwave-safe plastic wrap.
3. Set your microwave to 70% power to ensure the chicken thighs cook evenly and don’t become tough.
4. The cooking time will depend on the power of your microwave and the size of the chicken thighs. As a general guideline, microwave the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side.
5. After each cooking interval, carefully flip the chicken thighs to ensure even heating.

Checking for doneness:

1. Once the cooking time is up, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. They should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat.
2. If the chicken thighs haven’t reached the desired temperature, return them to the microwave and continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until they are fully cooked.

Serving and Enjoying the Chicken Thighs

Congratulations, your chicken thighs are now cooked to perfection in the microwave! But before you dig in, here are some final tips to ensure you get the most out of your meal:

Allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the microwave. This will help retain their juices and make them even more flavorful.

You can serve the chicken thighs as they are or incorporate them into various recipes. Add them to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or even serve them alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to elevate the flavor of the chicken thighs.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should remain safe to eat for up to 3-4 days.

In conclusion, cooking chicken thighs in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this delicious protein. By properly preparing and marinating the chicken thighs, selecting suitable cookware, and cooking them at the right temperature and time, you can achieve tender and flavorful chicken thighs without using a conventional oven. So, the next time you’re in a hurry or don’t have access to your usual cooking appliances, give the microwave method a try – you won’t be disappointed!