I have always loved fried chicken. There’s just something about the crispy skin and juicy meat that never fails to satisfy my cravings. However, reheating fried chicken can be a bit tricky. If you use the wrong method, you might end up with soggy skin and dry meat. But fear not! I have discovered a quick and easy way to microwave fried chicken crispy, and I’m here to share it with you.
My secret to microwaving fried chicken crispy
1. Preparing the chicken
Before you begin, make sure your fried chicken is at room temperature. If it’s straight out of the refrigerator, let it sit for a few minutes to take off the chill. This step is important because cold chicken tends to reheat unevenly in the microwave.
2. Choosing the right container
To microwave your fried chicken, you’ll need a microwave-safe plate or a microwave-safe glass dish. The key here is to use a shallow container that allows the heat to circulate around the chicken evenly. Avoid using plastic or Styrofoam containers as they can melt or warp in the microwave.
3. Adding moisture
One of the main reasons fried chicken gets soggy when microwaved is because it lacks moisture. To counteract this, you should add a bit of moisture to the dish. You can do this by placing a microwave-safe cup of water alongside the chicken or by lightly dampening a paper towel and covering the chicken with it.
4. Covering the chicken
Covering your fried chicken while microwaving it helps to lock in the moisture and prevent it from drying out. You can use a microwave-safe lid, a microwave-safe plate, or even microwave-safe plastic wrap. Just make sure the covering is vented to allow steam to escape.
5. Microwaving on low power
Now that your chicken is prepped and ready, it’s time to put it in the microwave. Set the microwave to low power, around 30-40% power, for even and gentle heat. Microwaving on low power helps prevent the chicken from becoming tough and overcooked.
6. Heating in intervals
Microwaving fried chicken crispy takes a bit of patience. Instead of reheating it all at once, it’s best to heat it in short intervals. Start with 2-3 minutes on low power, then check the chicken’s temperature. If it needs more time, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until it reaches your desired doneness.
7. Finishing in the oven
Once your fried chicken is heated through in the microwave, it’s time to give it that extra crispy finish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place it in the oven for 5-10 minutes. This step helps to revive the crispness of the skin that microwaving tends to soften.
Conclusion
Microwaving fried chicken crispy doesn’t have to be a challenge. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the deliciousness of crispy fried chicken even when reheating it in the microwave. Remember to prepare the chicken properly, choose the right container, add moisture, cover it, microwave on low power, heat in intervals, and finish in the oven. With a little bit of effort and patience, you’ll have crispy and succulent fried chicken ready to be enjoyed once again.