Olivia Carter
If you want to cook a delicious roast chicken but don’t have access to a conventional oven, a combination microwave oven can be a great alternative. While it may seem challenging to achieve that crispy skin and moist meat in a microwave, it is actually possible with the right technique.
Here are some tips to help you cook a chicken to perfection in a combination microwave oven:
1. Choose the right chicken: Start with a fresh, high-quality chicken. Look for a chicken that is about 3-4 pounds in weight. A smaller chicken will cook more evenly and quickly in a microwave oven.
2. Prep the chicken: Wash the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. You can also rub the chicken with olive oil to help crisp up the skin.
3. Use the combination setting: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe roasting rack or dish and select the combination setting on your microwave oven. This setting combines the power of both microwave and grill or convection functions to cook the chicken more evenly.
4. Cook in stages: Microwave the chicken on high for a few minutes to help it cook faster. Then, switch to the grill or convection setting and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (you can use a meat thermometer to check). Cooking in stages allows the chicken to cook more evenly and ensures that the skin gets crispy.
5. Let it rest: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a succulent roast chicken cooked to perfection in a combination microwave oven. Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to add your own personal touch. Happy cooking!
Preparing the chicken
Before cooking the chicken in a combination microwave oven, it is important to properly prepare it. Follow these steps to ensure your chicken is clean and ready for cooking:
- Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water. This will help remove any dirt or impurities that might be present on the surface of the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture and ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken. This will not only make the chicken healthier, but it will also prevent the fat from splattering in the microwave oven.
- Season the chicken with your choice of herbs and spices. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- If desired, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with additional flavors.
Once you have prepared the chicken to your liking, it is ready to be cooked in the combination microwave oven.
Choose a whole chicken
When it comes to cooking a chicken in a combination microwave oven, it is important to start with a whole chicken. This allows for even cooking and ensures that the chicken retains its moisture and flavor. Look for a chicken that is fresh and of high quality. You can choose a chicken that is around 1.5 to 2 kilograms in weight, as this size is ideal for cooking in a combination microwave oven.
Before cooking the chicken, make sure to remove any giblets or other internal organs that may be inside the chicken cavity. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
| Tip: | If you prefer to use skinless chicken, you can remove the skin before cooking. However, keep in mind that the skin helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. |
| Note: | It is important to handle raw chicken properly to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw chicken, and clean any surfaces or utensils that come into contact with it. |
Seasoning the chicken
Before cooking the chicken, it is important to season it properly to enhance its flavors. Here are some simple steps to follow:
- Wash the chicken thoroughly under running water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken in a bowl or a ziplock bag to marinate it. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and make it more tender.
- Add your choice of seasonings to the chicken. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other herbs and spices of your preference.
- Rub the seasonings onto the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for added moisture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the ziplock bag and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to several hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Brine the chicken
Brining the chicken is a crucial step in ensuring a moist and flavorful final dish. The process involves soaking the chicken in a mixture of salt and water, which helps to break down the proteins and infuse it with flavor.
Follow these steps to brine your chicken:
- Fill a large container with water, making sure there is enough to fully submerge the chicken.
- Add the desired amount of salt to the water, using approximately 1/4 cup of salt for every 4 cups of water.
- Stir the water until the salt is completely dissolved.
- Place the chicken in the brine, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Refrigerate the container with the chicken and brine for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Once the chicken has finished brining, remove it from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
Brining the chicken not only helps to retain moisture, but it also adds flavor to the meat. This step is especially important when cooking chicken in a combination microwave oven, as the microwave can sometimes dry out the meat. By brining the chicken beforehand, you can ensure a juicy and delicious result.
Preheating the microwave
Before cooking a chicken in a combination microwave oven, it is important to preheat the oven to the recommended temperature. Preheating the microwave helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Here are the steps to preheat the microwave:
1. Clean the microwave
Make sure the microwave is clean and free from any grease or food debris. This ensures that the chicken cooks in a hygienic environment and prevents any unwanted odors or flavors from transferring to the meat.
2. Choose the appropriate power level
Different combination microwave ovens have different power settings. For cooking chicken, it is recommended to use the high power setting, which is usually denoted as 100% power or full power.
3. Set the cooking time
Based on the weight and size of the chicken, set the appropriate cooking time. Consult the microwave oven’s user manual or follow a recipe for guidance on setting the cooking time.
Note: It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for preheating the microwave. These instructions may vary depending on the specific model of the microwave oven.
Once the microwave is preheated, it is ready for cooking the chicken following the desired recipe or cooking method. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly, resulting in a delicious and properly cooked dish.
Set the power level and temperature
Before you start cooking the chicken, it’s important to set the power level and temperature on your combination microwave oven.
Most combination microwave ovens have multiple power levels, typically ranging from 1 to 10. The higher the power level, the faster the chicken will cook. However, cooking at a higher power level may result in drier chicken, so it’s best to start at a lower power level.
As for the temperature, it’s recommended to cook chicken at a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. Set the temperature on your microwave oven accordingly.
Here’s how to set the power level and temperature on most combination microwave ovens:
- Press the “Power” button on your microwave oven.
- Use the number keys to set the desired power level. Start with a lower power level, such as 5 or 6.
- Press the “Temperature” button on your microwave oven.
- Use the number keys to set the desired temperature. Set it to 165°F (74°C) for chicken.
- Press the “Start” or “Cook” button to begin preheating the microwave oven.
Remember to consult your microwave oven’s user manual for specific instructions, as the steps may vary depending on the model.
Cooking the chicken
To cook a chicken in a combination microwave oven, follow these steps:
- Remove the chicken from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Preheat the combination microwave oven to the appropriate cooking temperature.
- Season the chicken with your desired herbs, spices, and marinades.
- Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to retain moisture.
- Place the chicken in the combination microwave oven and set the cooking time according to the weight and type of the chicken.
- During cooking, it is important to turn the chicken over periodically to ensure even cooking.
- Check the chicken periodically to ensure that it is reaching the desired level of doneness. If necessary, continue to cook for a few more minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the combination microwave oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the chicken hot with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific combination microwave oven as cooking times and temperatures may vary. Enjoy your deliciously cooked chicken from the convenience of your combination microwave oven!
Place the chicken in a dish
Before cooking the chicken in a combination microwave oven, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by placing the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Make sure the dish is large enough to fit the chicken comfortably without crowding. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
When placing the chicken in the dish, arrange it in a single layer. This will allow the microwave’s heat to penetrate all sides of the chicken, resulting in a more evenly cooked final product.
If you’re marinating the chicken, pour the marinade over the chicken in the dish. This will infuse the chicken with flavor and help keep it moist during the cooking process.
Choosing the right dish
When selecting a dish for cooking chicken in a combination microwave oven, it’s essential to choose a microwave-safe dish. Glass or ceramic dishes are generally safe to use in the microwave. Avoid using metal dishes, as they can cause sparks and potentially damage the oven.
The dish should also be large enough to allow for proper airflow around the chicken. This will help the chicken to cook more evenly and prevent any areas from becoming overcooked or undercooked.
Covering the dish
After placing the chicken in the dish, you may choose to cover it before cooking. Covering the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap will help trap steam and moisture, resulting in a juicier chicken. It will also prevent any splattering of juices and keep the microwave clean.
However, if you prefer crispy skin on your chicken, leave the dish uncovered during cooking. This will allow the skin to brown and become crispy. Keep in mind that cooking the chicken uncovered may result in slightly drier meat.
Now that the chicken is properly placed in a dish, it’s ready to be cooked in a combination microwave oven. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adjust the cooking time and power level accordingly to ensure a deliciously cooked chicken.
FAQ
Is it possible to cook a whole chicken in a combination microwave oven?
Yes, it is possible to cook a whole chicken in a combination microwave oven. It requires a cooking time of about 20-25 minutes per pound at a temperature of 350°F. Make sure to check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked before serving.
Can I use the grill function to cook a chicken in a combination microwave oven?
Yes, you can use the grill function to cook a chicken in a combination microwave oven. Preheat the oven to the desired temperature, place the chicken on a grill rack, and cook for the required time. Make sure to monitor the chicken and rotate it occasionally to ensure even cooking.
What is the best way to season a chicken before cooking it in a combination microwave oven?
The best way to season a chicken before cooking it in a combination microwave oven is to use a combination of herbs, spices, and condiments. You can create a marinade using ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking it in the microwave oven.
