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Home / Latest Posts / Recipes / Ingredients / Poultry / How to Cook Chicken in the Microwave

How to Cook Chicken in the Microwave

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By: Leigh Anne WilkesPosted: 5/27/19Updated: 3/24/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure policy here.

chicken cooked in the microwave

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.

chicken cooked in the microwave

Why You’ll Love This Recipe.

This is a fool proof method for making shredded chicken! In fact, I have several fool proof methods, it just depends on which appliance you want to use and how much time you have. 

The quickest way to do it is in the microwave. If you don’t have a microwave or 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. 

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.

I use the crock pot or the Instant Pot when I have to cook up a lot shredded chicken. Two chicken breasts in a dish

How to Cook Chicken in Microwave

  • Pound 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.
chicken breasts on cutting board
  • 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.
Chicken breasts in baking dish
  • Salt and pepper the chicken breasts and add enough water so that it comes about 1/3 the way up the chicken breast.
chicken breasts with salt and pepper
  • 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.
  • Check the temperature. 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.
chicken breast with thermapen

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!!

shredded chicken on a cutting board

Tips from Leigh Anne

  1. You can use this method for chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins. Tenderloins will cook much quicker, about 5 minutes.
  2. I generally use this method if I am only cooking 1-3 chicken breasts, for more I will use the slow cooker or Instant Pot..

Check out these other recipes too!

  • Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
  • Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
  • Mexican Shredded Chicken {only five ingredients}
  • Instant Pot Mexican Chicken
  • White Chicken Chili

How Do I Use Shredded Chicken?

  • BBQ Chicken Salad
  • Honey Lime Enchiladas
  • Rosemary Chicken Pizza
  • Chicken Enchiladas
  • For more chicken recipes go here

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze shredded chicken?

Shredded chicken freezes really well. Store in an airtight container or zippered plastic bag, remove as much air as you can and it will store for 2-3 months in the freezer.

How long will shredded chicken last?

In the refrigerator, it will last 3-4 day.

What temperature should cooked chicken be?

The FDA recommends cooking chicken to 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. 

Be sure and follow me over on You Tube for weekly cooking demos.

4.77 from 21 votes
chicken cooked in the microwave

How to Cook Chicken in the Microwave

Recipe From: Leigh Anne Wilkes
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.
serves: 2 cups
Prep:2 minutes
Cook:10 minutes
0 minutes
Total:12 minutes
Rate Recipe

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.

Tips & Notes:

  • You can use this method for chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins. Tenderloins will cook much quicker, about 5 minutes.
  • I generally use this method if I am only cooking 1-3 chicken breasts, for more I will use the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
  • Shredded chicken freezes well. Store in an airtight container or zippered plastic bag, remove as much air as you can and it will store for 2-3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 257kcal (13%) Protein: 47g (94%) Fat: 5g (8%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Cholesterol: 144mg (48%) Sodium: 262mg (11%) Potassium: 836mg (24%) Vitamin A: 70IU (1%) Vitamin C: 2.7mg (3%) Calcium: 11mg (1%) Iron: 0.8mg (4%)
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
Course:Chicken
Cuisine:American
chicken cooked in the microwave
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  1. rosalyn goldberg says

    Posted on 8/8 at 5:24 am

    this recipe was perfect–the best ever for chicken breasts.

    Reply
  2. Mark Wooge says

    Posted on 7/22 at 8:01 am

    I just need to cook the chicken parts. I won’t pound it, cover it with broth, season it, or anything else. I will put the parts in the microwave, and nuke for so-many minutes per pound.

    Reply
  3. Revathy says

    Posted on 8/3 at 7:00 am

    Just tried it turned out awesome. The chicken was soft and juicy.

    Reply
  4. Rachel says

    Posted on 11/11 at 5:36 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Leigh Anne says

      Posted on 11/19 at 7:38 pm

      So glad you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply
  5. Rg2007 says

    Posted on 9/7 at 11:49 am

    I’m trying this chicken in micro right now….???? hope it turns out great and I can just shred it into my salad ????

    Reply
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