When it comes to grilling chicken, timing is everything. We all want that perfectly cooked, juicy chicken that will have our taste buds dancing. But how do you ensure that the chicken is cooked through without drying it out? One solution is to microwave the chicken before grilling it. Yes, you read that right! Microwaving chicken before grilling can help to ensure that it is cooked evenly and thoroughly. In this quick guide, I will walk you through the process of how long to microwave chicken before grilling, so you can achieve that delicious, mouthwatering chicken every time.
The Importance of Microwaving Chicken Before Grilling
Before we dive into the specifics of how long to microwave chicken before grilling, let’s first understand why this step is so important. When grilling chicken, the outside can often cook faster than the inside, leading to chicken that is charred on the outside but still raw on the inside. This is not only unappetizing but also poses a health risk, as undercooked chicken can harbor harmful bacteria.
Microwaving chicken before grilling helps to solve this problem by partially cooking the chicken, ensuring that it is heated evenly from the inside out. This pre-cooking step can significantly reduce the grilling time and help to achieve that perfect balance of moistness and doneness.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of microwaving chicken, it is essential to choose the right cut of chicken for grilling. While you can grill any cut of chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are one of the most popular choices. They are lean, versatile, and cook relatively quickly.
Step 2: Preparing the Chicken for Microwaving
Once you have chosen your chicken breasts, it’s time to prepare them for microwaving. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
1. Trim any excess fat: Trim any visible fat from the chicken breasts using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. This will help to reduce flare-ups on the grill and ensure a healthier end result.
2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with your favorite spices or marinade. This will add flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
3. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish.
Step 3: Microwaving the Chicken
Now comes the crucial step – microwaving the chicken. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the power of your microwave. As a general rule of thumb, microwave the chicken on high for 2-4 minutes per side.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. Microwave the chicken on high for 2 minutes. This will help to start the cooking process.
2. Flip the chicken breasts over and microwave for an additional 2 minutes on high. This ensures even cooking on both sides.
3. Check for doneness: To ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C), indicating that the chicken is cooked and safe to eat.
Step 4: Grilling the Chicken
Once your chicken has been partially cooked in the microwave, it’s time to fire up the grill and give it that delicious charred finish. Follow these steps to grill your chicken to perfection:
1. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develops those beautiful grill marks.
2. Oil the grates: Prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill by oiling the grates. Brush a light layer of oil on the hot grates using a clean, heat-proof brush or a folded piece of aluminum foil.
3. Grill the chicken: Place the partially microwaved chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest and serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender chicken. Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!
In Conclusion
Microwaving chicken before grilling is a simple yet effective technique to ensure that your chicken is both cooked through and juicy. By following the steps outlined in this quick guide, you can achieve perfectly grilled chicken every time. So, fire up the grill, grab your marinade, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your grilling skills. Happy grilling!