As a lover of chicken strips, I often find myself with leftovers that need to be reheated. Sometimes, I don’t feel like firing up the oven, so I ask myself the question, “Can you microwave chicken strips?” The answer is yes, you can microwave chicken strips, but there is a right way to do it to ensure they come out crispy and delicious.
How to Microwave Chicken Strips Properly
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Strips
Before you even think about microwaving your chicken strips, you need to prepare them correctly. Start by removing them from the refrigerator and allowing them to come to room temperature. This will help them heat more evenly in the microwave.
If you prefer your chicken strips to be crispy, you can lightly coat them in breadcrumbs or panko before microwaving. This will give them a nice crunch that mimics the texture of oven-fried chicken strips.
Step 2: Choose the Right Microwave-Safe Dish
Not all dishes are suitable for microwaving chicken strips. It’s important to select a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to hold all of your chicken strips without overcrowding. A microwave-safe plate or shallow dish is usually the best option for this.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken Strips
To ensure the chicken strips heat evenly, it’s important to arrange them in a single layer on the microwave-safe dish. If you have a large number of chicken strips, you may need to reheat them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 4: Cover the Chicken Strips
Covering your chicken strips with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap will help to trap steam and prevent them from drying out. However, be sure to leave a small vent for steam to escape, as this will help to maintain the crispy texture.
Step 5: Microwave in Intervals
Now it’s time to microwave your chicken strips. Start by microwaving them on high power for 1 minute. After the minute is up, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and flip the chicken strips over using tongs.
Repeat this process, microwaving for 1 minute at a time and flipping the chicken strips, until they are heated all the way through. The total cooking time will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, but it generally takes around 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Check for Doneness and Enjoy!
Once you have microwaved your chicken strips for the appropriate amount of time, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The chicken strips should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Once your chicken strips are cooked to the proper temperature, remove them from the microwave and let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This will allow them to cool slightly and become even more crispy.
Now, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your reheated chicken strips! Whether you’re snacking alone or entertaining friends, this quick and easy microwave method will have your chicken strips tasting just as good as when they were fresh out of the oven or fryer.
In conclusion, yes, you can microwave chicken strips, but it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure they come out crispy and delicious. By prepping the chicken strips, choosing the right microwave-safe dish, arranging them properly, covering them, microwaving in intervals, and checking for doneness, you can enjoy your favorite snack in a fraction of the time. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!