I absolutely love chicken, and one of my favorite ways to cook it is by making it crispy in the microwave. Now, I know what you might be thinking – the microwave is not usually associated with creating crispy food. But trust me, with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can achieve that perfect crunch without the hassle of deep frying or turning on your oven. In this article, I am going to share with you some quick and easy tips on how to make chicken crispy in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the chicken:
– Chicken pieces (preferably boneless and skinless)
– Salt
– Pepper
– Garlic powder
– Paprika
– Olive oil or cooking spray
For the breading:
– All-purpose flour
– Bread crumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
– Salt
– Pepper
– Garlic powder
– Paprika
– Dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
Prepare Your Chicken
Start by rinsing your chicken pieces under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. This step not only removes any impurities but also helps the seasoning adhere better to the meat. It’s important to note that using boneless and skinless chicken will yield the crispiest results, as the skin tends to trap moisture and can hinder the crisping process.
Next, season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Be generous with the seasoning, as it will add flavor to the chicken, making each bite more enjoyable. You can also add other spices or herbs of your choice to customize the taste.
Create the Breading Station
To achieve that crispy exterior, we’ll be using a simple breading technique. Create a breading station by setting up two shallow bowls or plates. In the first bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other spices you’d like to add. In the second bowl, place the bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs.
Dredging Process:
1. Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Next, dip the floured chicken into the bread crumbs mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Make sure the chicken is fully coated with bread crumbs.
Cooking in the Microwave
Now that your chicken is perfectly breaded, it’s time to cook it in the microwave. Here are the steps to follow for optimal results:
Use a Microwave-Safe Plate:
Place your breaded chicken pieces onto a microwave-safe plate. Make sure they are not touching each other to ensure even cooking.
Lightly Grease:
To prevent sticking and aid in the crisping process, lightly grease the plate with olive oil or cooking spray.
Cooking Time and Temperature:
Microwave your chicken on high power for about 2-3 minutes per side. Cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking or undercooking. You can test the chicken’s doneness by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the meat – it should read 165°F (74°C).
Finishing Touches
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection and has achieved that crispy golden brown exterior, it’s time to enjoy it. You can serve it as is or pair it with your favorite dipping sauces for an added burst of flavor. Some popular options include barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even a homemade aioli.
Clean-Up
While the cooking process is effortless, the clean-up is just as easy. Simply remove any remaining breading crumbs from the microwave-safe plate and wash it with warm, soapy water.
Conclusion
Making crispy chicken in the microwave is a quick and easy alternative to traditional frying or baking methods. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve that satisfying crunch without the extra effort. So, the next time you’re craving some crispy chicken, give the microwave a chance – you won’t be disappointed!