I remember the first time I tried to cook chicken in the microwave. I was skeptical about whether it would turn out tender and juicy, or if it would end up dry and tasteless. But I was pleasantly surprised by the results. Steaming chicken in the microwave is a quick and easy method that requires minimal effort and gives you delicious results every time. In this article, I will share with you my simple and effective method for steaming chicken in the microwave.
Gather the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Chicken pieces:
Choose boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this method. You can cut them into smaller pieces if you prefer.
– Seasonings:
Feel free to use your favorite seasonings to flavor the chicken. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
– Liquid:
To create steam in the microwave, you’ll need a small amount of liquid. You can use water, chicken broth, or any other flavorful liquid of your choice.
Prepare the Chicken
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken for steaming. Follow these simple steps:
1. Rinse the chicken:
Start by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold water to remove any excess blood or debris. Pat them dry using paper towels.
2. Season the chicken:
Sprinkle your chosen seasonings evenly on both sides of the chicken. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasonings, as some of the flavors will be lost during the steaming process.
3. Let the chicken rest:
Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for about 15-20 minutes. This will give the flavors a chance to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Steam the Chicken
Now comes the exciting part – steaming the chicken in the microwave. Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly steamed chicken in no time:
1. Arrange the chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a microwave-safe dish. Make sure to space them evenly and avoid overcrowding, as this will result in uneven cooking.
2. Add the liquid:
Pour the liquid of your choice into the dish, enough to create a thin layer at the bottom. This will help generate steam and prevent the chicken from drying out.
3. Cover the dish:
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, pierce a few small holes to allow steam to escape.
4. Microwave on high:
Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high power for 5 minutes. This will kick-start the steaming process.
5. Check for doneness:
After 5 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should register at least 165°F (74°C), indicating that the chicken is cooked through.
6. Continue cooking if needed:
If the chicken is not fully cooked, return it to the microwave and continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
Let the Chicken Rest
Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s essential to let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender final product. Cover the dish with foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
Your perfectly steamed chicken is now ready to be enjoyed. You can serve it as is with some steamed vegetables on the side, or use it in your favorite recipes such as salads, wraps, or stir-fries. The possibilities are endless!
Closing Thoughts
Steaming chicken in the microwave is a convenient and time-saving method that allows you to enjoy delicious and healthy meals without much hassle. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can achieve tender and juicy chicken in just a matter of minutes. So the next time you’re in a rush for a quick and easy meal, give this method a try and impress yourself with the tasty results.