I love cooking, and one of my favorite dishes to make is chicken. It’s versatile, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. However, sometimes I find myself with leftover chicken that needs to be reheated. In those moments, my go-to kitchen appliance is the microwave. It’s quick, easy, and gets the job done perfectly. Today, I want to share with you my step-by-step guide on how to heat up chicken in the microwave.
Gather Your Leftover Chicken and Supplies
What You Will Need:
- A microwave-safe dish with a cover or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
- Tongs or a fork for handling the chicken.
- Paper towels for preventing splatters.
Before you start, make sure your leftover chicken is already cooked and cooled. The microwave is not a cooking tool, but rather a heating tool, so it’s crucial to have the chicken cooked beforehand.
Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Remove the Chicken from the Fridge
Take your leftover chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This step helps the chicken heat more evenly in the microwave.
Step 2: Cut the Chicken into Smaller Pieces (Optional)
If your chicken is in large pieces, consider cutting it into smaller, more manageable pieces. This step is especially helpful if you have different parts of the chicken, like drumsticks and breast meat. Smaller pieces will heat more evenly and quickly.
Heating the Chicken
Step 1: Place the Chicken in a Microwave-safe Dish
Transfer your chicken to a microwave-safe dish. Make sure the dish is large enough to accommodate the chicken pieces without crowding them. It’s essential to have space between the pieces for even heating.
Step 2: Cover the Dish
Cover the dish with either a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, make sure it’s tightly sealed to create a steamy environment for the chicken. If your dish doesn’t have a cover, you can also use a microwave-safe microwave plate cover or even a microwave-safe microwaveable paper towel.
Step 3: Microwave the Chicken
Now it’s time to microwave the chicken. Set your microwave to a medium power level, around 50-70% power, depending on your microwave’s settings.
If you have a microwave with a power setting, choose medium power (50-70%). If you don’t have a power setting, set the microwave to 50% cooking time.
Step 4: Heat in Intervals
Microwave the chicken in intervals of 1-2 minutes, depending on the quantity and size of the chicken pieces. Heating in intervals helps prevent overcooking and ensures the chicken heats evenly.
After each interval, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and check the chicken’s internal temperature. Ideally, it should reach 75°C (165°F) to ensure it’s thoroughly heated. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken.
If the chicken has reached the desired temperature, it’s ready to be served. If not, continue microwaving in 1-2 minute intervals until it reaches the recommended temperature.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the microwave and let it rest for a minute or two. Allowing the chicken to rest helps it retain its juiciness and allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout the meat.
Serving and Enjoying the Reheated Chicken
Now that your chicken is hot and ready to be served, you can enjoy it in various ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve it over a bed of steaming rice with your favorite sauce.
- Shred the reheated chicken and use it to make a delicious sandwich or wrap.
- Chop it up and add it to a green salad for a protein-packed meal.
- Create a bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and the reheated chicken. Top it with a flavorful dressing.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying reheated chicken. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and cuisines. Use herbs, spices, and sauces to elevate the taste and make it your own.
In conclusion, reheating chicken in the microwave is quick, easy, and convenient. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a warm and delicious meal even with leftover chicken. Remember to always prioritize food safety by ensuring the chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature. Now, go ahead and give this method a try. Your taste buds will thank you!