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How to cook chicken in the microwave is just what you need to know how to do when you need shredded chicken in a hurry.
One of the most frequent questions I am asked is how do I cook chicken? Whenever I mentioned shredded chicken in a recipe I will get several messages asking me how I do it.
I have a fool proof method, in fact I have several fool proof methods, it just depends on which appliance you want to use and how much time you have. Today we are going to talk about how to cook chicken in the microwave, the quickest way to do it. If you want to know how to cook chicken in the crockpot check out this post and to make shredded chicken in the Instant Pot, go here. I use the crock pot or the Instant Pot when I have to cook up a lot shredded chicken and I have a bit of time but when I need it NOW, I use the microwave.
Also, when I only need to cook up a couple of chicken breasts I almost always do it in my microwave. It is quick and easy and this method will give you a nice juicy chicken breast every time.
How to Cook Chicken in Microwave
- I like to pound my chicken breasts so they are an even thickness. This helps them to cook quicker and more evenly. Place the chicken breasts on a hard surface and cover with wax paper. Use a meat tenderizer to pound the breasts so they are more even in size.
- Use a dish that will fit the number of chicken breasts you are using. If I am doing two, they will usually fit in an 9 x 9″ pan.
- Salt and pepper the chicken breasts and add enough water so that it comes about 1/3 the way up the chicken breast.
- Cover the top of the dish with wax paper or plastic wrap. This will help create a steam bath for the chicken. Cook in the microwave on high for about about 4-5 minutes per chicken breast, it will depend on size and thickness of chicken.
- I always use my Thermoworks Thermapen to check the temperature of the chicken. You want the chicken to be 165 degrees F. I pull it out about 5 degrees before that as it will continue to cook after taking it out of the microwave. Don’t cut into the chicken to see if it is cooked through as this will release all the juices from the chicken and you will end up with dry chicken.
Easy Shredded Chicken
After you remove it from the microwave allow it to sit for a few more minutes and it will continue to cook. 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 chicken every time!!
How do I use shredded chicken?
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Microwave Shredded Chicken
How to Cook Chicken in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts skinless, boneless
- salt and pepper
- water
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper to make them thinner and more even in thickness.
- Place chicken in a dish and fill dish with water so the water level comes up about 1/3 of the way on the chicken.
- Cover with wax paper or plastic wrap and cook in microwave on high for 4-5 minutes per breast. Use a thermometer to check temperature. Meat should be 165 degrees F.
- Allow to cool and then shred or slice.
Nutrition Facts:
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Revathy says
Just tried it turned out awesome. The chicken was soft and juicy.
Rachel says
I followed this recipe using 3 chicken breasts in an oval Pyrex dish. I added some dried herbes de Provence, cooked them for 12 minutes, and let them sit for about 5. 165° on the dot. I have never made more tender and juicy chicken breasts. Thank you so much for the recipe! I plan on using it frequently.
Leigh Anne says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Rg2007 says
I’m trying this chicken in micro right now….???? hope it turns out great and I can just shred it into my salad ????
Claire says
An awesome way to shred when still warm…..use your KitchenAid (or other brand) mixer with paddle. Less than a minute = perfect shredded chicken!!!! Enjoy!
Keryn says
Just wondering if you need to pierce the cling wrap and if not will the wrap ‘pop’? I have heard cling wrap is toxic too so perhaps could use a glass dish and lid and would be the same?
Leigh Anne says
Keryn, I now use wax paper over the top of it and you don’t have to vent it.
Carol says
Totally off the subject but where is the link to print this recipe? Thanks
Leigh Anne says
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.
Stacy says
Have you ever tried this with chicken tenders? I assume it could work but that the cooking time would be much shorter?
Leigh Anne says
Think it would totally work with chicken tenders, you would just need to reduce the cooking time.
Taunya Richards says
Does this work for oven…and what would you recommend?
Leigh Anne says
Have only done it in the microwave