I love cooking, but sometimes I find myself short on time. That’s when I turn to my trusty microwave. Yes, you heard me right – the microwave! It’s not just for reheating leftovers and making popcorn. You can actually cook a variety of dishes in it, including chicken drumsticks. In this article, I will share with you my easy and time-saving method for cooking chicken drumsticks in the microwave.
Preparing the Chicken Drumsticks
Before we get into the actual cooking process, let’s talk about how to prepare the chicken drumsticks. First, you’ll want to make sure they are thawed if you’re using frozen drumsticks. I usually take them out of the freezer the night before and let them defrost in the refrigerator.
Once the drumsticks are thawed, it’s time to season them. You can use whatever seasonings you prefer, but my go-to combination is salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I find that these flavors really enhance the taste of the chicken.
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken Drumsticks
To season the drumsticks, simply sprinkle the spices over the chicken and rub them in with your hands. Make sure to coat the drumsticks evenly on all sides. This will ensure that every bite is flavorful.
Step 2: Arranging the Drumsticks
Next, you’ll want to arrange the drumsticks in a microwave-safe dish. Make sure to leave some space between each drumstick so that they cook evenly. You don’t want them to be overcrowded in the dish.
Cooking the Chicken Drumsticks
Now that the chicken drumsticks are seasoned and arranged in the dish, it’s time to cook them in the microwave. The cooking time will vary depending on the power of your microwave and the size of the drumsticks. However, a general guideline is about 5 minutes per drumstick.
Step 1: Covering the Dish
Before putting the drumsticks in the microwave, cover the dish loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help to trap the steam inside and cook the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Microwaving the Drumsticks
Place the dish in the microwave and cook the drumsticks on high power. Start with 5 minutes for each drumstick, then check for doneness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked through. If needed, you can continue cooking in additional 1-minute increments until the desired temperature is reached.
Serving and Enjoying the Chicken Drumsticks
Once the chicken drumsticks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the microwave and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
Serve the drumsticks with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. You can also brush them with barbecue sauce or buffalo sauce for an extra flavor boost.
In conclusion, cooking chicken drumsticks in the microwave can be a quick and convenient way to enjoy a delicious meal. By following these simple steps, you can have tender and juicy drumsticks in no time. So, the next time you’re pressed for time, give this easy and time-saving method a try. Your taste buds will thank you!