I remember the first time I ventured into the kitchen to microwave chicken tenders. I had recently moved into my own apartment and was excited to try my hand at cooking. But I was always a bit hesitant to use the microwave for anything other than reheating leftovers. However, I soon discovered that microwaving chicken tenders was not only quick and easy, but it also resulted in a delicious and juicy meal. In this article, I will share with you a simple, step-by-step guide on how to microwave chicken tenders.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in this process is to gather all the necessary ingredients. For microwaving chicken tenders, you will need:
– Chicken tenders: These can be store-bought or homemade. If you prefer to make your own, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts that you can cut into strips.
– Seasonings: Choose your favorite seasonings to give your chicken tenders flavor. I like to use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
– Cooking oil or cooking spray: This will prevent the chicken tenders from sticking to the plate or microwave-safe dish.
Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Once you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the chicken tenders. Follow these steps:
1. Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel.
2. Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and drizzle them with cooking oil. Make sure all the tenders are coated evenly.
3. Season the chicken tenders with your chosen seasonings. Be generous with the seasonings to ensure flavorful tenders.
Choose the Right Microwave-Safe Dish
The next step is to choose the right microwave-safe dish to cook your chicken tenders. Here are a few options:
– Microwave-safe plate: This is the simplest option. Place the chicken tenders on the plate in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded.
– Microwave-safe dish with a lid: This option is great if you want to trap moisture and keep the chicken tenders juicy.
– Microwave-safe baking dish: If you prefer your chicken tenders to have a crispy exterior, a baking dish can help achieve that.
Microwave the Chicken Tenders
Now that your chicken tenders are prepared and you have chosen your microwave-safe dish, it’s time to cook them. Follow these steps:
1. Place the dish with the chicken tenders in the microwave.
2. Cook the chicken tenders on high power for about 3 minutes.
3. After 3 minutes, remove the dish from the microwave and flip the chicken tenders over.
4. Return the dish to the microwave and cook for another 3 minutes.
Check for Doneness
To ensure your chicken tenders are fully cooked, it’s important to check for doneness. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Cut into one of the chicken tenders to check if it is cooked through. The meat should be white and the juices should run clear.
2. If the chicken tenders are not fully cooked, return them to the microwave and cook for an additional minute or two.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your chicken tenders are fully cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious meal. You can serve them as they are or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces.
Microwaving chicken tenders is not only quick and easy but also results in tender and flavorful meat. It’s a great option for those busy nights when you don’t have much time or energy to cook a full meal. So next time you’re craving chicken tenders, don’t hesitate to grab a microwave-safe dish and give this method a try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results!