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
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Frieda
May 7, 2012 at 7:03 amMy 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?
Leigh Anne
May 7, 2012 at 7:21 amGreat tip on using the Kitchen Aid – will definitely try that next time.
Regan
May 7, 2012 at 7:15 amI was wondering if you could use frozen chicken breasts! Thanks for the tips!
Leigh Anne
May 7, 2012 at 7:21 amRegan, 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.
girlsmama
May 7, 2012 at 8:59 amI 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.
Jessica J
May 7, 2012 at 9:01 amI’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!
Rachelle
May 7, 2012 at 9:02 amThanks 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”!!
Merri
May 7, 2012 at 3:17 pmI 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. 🙂
Jenny
May 7, 2012 at 3:46 pmI 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.
Barbara Sasse
May 7, 2012 at 9:22 pmI 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!
Stacey
May 12, 2012 at 9:46 amIt’s definitely toxic. But lots of people still do it. I’m not a fan of microwaved meat anyway.
Amy's Cooking Adventures
May 8, 2012 at 5:35 amWhat an excellent tip! I’m going to remember this next time I need chicken in a hurry! Thank you!
Janell
May 8, 2012 at 8:49 amTried 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!
Taunya Richards
May 8, 2012 at 12:31 pmDoes this work for oven…and what would you recommend?
Leigh Anne
May 8, 2012 at 12:32 pmHave only done it in the microwave
Stacy
June 13, 2012 at 10:16 amHave you ever tried this with chicken tenders? I assume it could work but that the cooking time would be much shorter?
Leigh Anne
June 13, 2012 at 11:10 amThink it would totally work with chicken tenders, you would just need to reduce the cooking time.
Carol
June 21, 2012 at 1:32 pmTotally off the subject but where is the link to print this recipe? Thanks
Leigh Anne
June 21, 2012 at 1:44 pmSince this isn’t really a recipe but rather a How To I didn’t do up a recipe for it but can add one.
Keryn
June 21, 2014 at 8:19 pmJust 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
June 22, 2014 at 5:10 pmKeryn, I now use wax paper over the top of it and you don’t have to vent it.
Claire
January 23, 2016 at 2:15 pmAn awesome way to shred when still warm…..use your KitchenAid (or other brand) mixer with paddle. Less than a minute = perfect shredded chicken!!!! Enjoy!
Rg2007
September 7, 2017 at 11:49 amI’m trying this chicken in micro right now….🙂 hope it turns out great and I can just shred it into my salad 🥗