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Every time I post a recipe that uses precooked, shredded chicken I get a few emails asking me how I cook my chicken.
I have a fool proof method.
I have shared the method before but it is buried in a recipe post. The trick is so quick and easy that it deserves it’s own post.
A quick and easy way to cook perfect chicken every time
If you want moist chicken this is the way to get it.
Depending on how many chicken breasts you are cooking place them in a glass dish (one that will fit in your microwave.)
Fill the dish with water up until about one third of the chicken breast is covered in water.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure it is sealed all the way around. You are creating a nice little steam bath for your chicken.
Place in microwave and cook until chicken is cooked through. Cooking time will depend on how many chicken breasts you have and how thick they are. For the two in the picture it took about 7 minutes. Start at five minutes and increase as needed.
After you remove it from the microwave allow it to sit for a few more minutes and it will continue to cook. Cut into the chicken to make sure it is cooked through. You don’t want to over cook it though and make it dry and tough. Word of caution: as you remove the plastic wrap from the dish be careful of the steam that will escape. You don’t want to burn yourself.
Remove chicken from dish and place on cutting board. After it cools cut into pieces or shred with a fork.
Perfect cooked chicken every time!!
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My method is very similar to yours ~ Since my chicken is frozen (from Costco), it already has some water with it. I cover it with plastic and thaw it out on 30% power. When thawed, I cook it on high for about 3 min. per side, still covered in plastic. Every microwave is different, so you will have to note how long your chicken will take.
Wanna another tip? If you have a Kitchen Aid mixer, put the paddle attachment on and use it to shred your chicken. Cool, huh?
Great tip on using the Kitchen Aid – will definitely try that next time.
I was wondering if you could use frozen chicken breasts! Thanks for the tips!
Regan, Yes, you can. See Frieda’s comment below on how she does it. Just need to cook it on a lower heat first to thaw them and then once thawed cook on full heat. I don’t turn mine though.
I have to give a second to the Kitchen Aid! I still have my many kids at home with me and tend to cook a whole lot of chicken for shredded chicken at once. Then we freeze it in portions. I have a big Kitchen Aid and can dump in 6-8 breasts and have them shredded in about 30 seconds. Totally worth washing the bowl.
I’d have to say of all the ways I cook chicken, I never thought to try this. I’m going to have to give it a try. I usually grill, but I hate dealing with bees in the summer. Microwave here I come!
Jessica J recently posted..Chicken Stroganoff
Thanks Leigh Anne, I’m going to try this for sure! And love my cookie paddle for shredding, saves so much time!! I looked for you at Womens Conference but didn’t see you, hope you had a great time!! Love your “kitchen pics”!!
I LOVE my Pampered Chef chopper to cut up/shred chicken. It’s not the one that you use for onions/vegetables…but a hand one that you just squeeze together. Don’t remember what it’s called. It’s so easy! I just shred the chicken right up in the same pan I cooked it in. Usually the crockpot. I love putting frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot, sprinkling some taco seasoning in and leaving it for 6 hours. Then I come and shred it using my PC gadget and wah-la…perfect for burritos, tacos or enchiladas.
I tried this tonight. It works GREAT. I was able to do 4.5 pounds of chicken breasts while I was cooking dinner. I shredded it in my Kitchen Aid and got 8 cups of shredded chicken to put in the freezer for chicken salad and casseroles. Chicken was tender and juicy, in other words perfect.
Jenny recently posted..Meal Plan Monday – May 7th
I thought that we weren’t supposed to use plastic wrap in the microwave? Isn’t it toxic? Or is it ok because it is not actually touching the chicken? Thanks to anyone that has the answer!
It’s definitely toxic. But lots of people still do it. I’m not a fan of microwaved meat anyway.
Stacey recently posted..Alive
What an excellent tip! I’m going to remember this next time I need chicken in a hurry! Thank you!
Tried it last night and the chicken was delicious! I live in California and the weather is starting to heat up! I will definitely be doing this over the summer instead of heating up my kitchen by turning on the oven!!! Thanks for the great tip!
Does this work for oven…and what would you recommend?
Taunya Richards recently posted..A Walk in the Shade
Have only done it in the microwave
Have you ever tried this with chicken tenders? I assume it could work but that the cooking time would be much shorter?
Think it would totally work with chicken tenders, you would just need to reduce the cooking time.
Totally off the subject but where is the link to print this recipe? Thanks
Since this isn’t really a recipe but rather a How To I didn’t do up a recipe for it but can add one.