Olivia Carter
Cooking chicken drumsticks may seem like a daunting task, especially if you don’t have access to a conventional oven. However, with a microwave oven and a few simple tricks, you can easily cook delicious and crispy chicken drumsticks right in your kitchen.
Step 1: Season the Drumsticks
Before cooking the chicken drumsticks, it’s important to season them well to enhance their flavor. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other spices or herbs you prefer. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the drumsticks, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 2: Arrange the Drumsticks
Place the seasoned drumsticks in a microwave-safe dish, making sure not to overcrowd them. It’s best to use a dish with a lid or cover it with microwave-safe plastic wrap to help retain moisture and prevent splattering.
Step 3: Cook in the Microwave
Cook the drumsticks on high power in the microwave for about 7-8 minutes per pound. For example, if you have 2 pounds of drumsticks, cook them for about 14-16 minutes. Remember to pause and rotate the drumsticks halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
To check if the drumsticks are cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of one drumstick. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for the chicken to be fully cooked. If needed, continue cooking for a few more minutes until the desired temperature is reached.
Step 5: Finish Under the Grill
To achieve that crispy and golden skin, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, and flip them over halfway through to ensure even browning.
These simple steps will help you cook chicken drumsticks to perfection using a microwave oven. Serve them hot and enjoy a flavorful and tender meal!
Preparation Before Cooking Chicken Drumsticks
Before you start cooking chicken drumsticks in the microwave oven, it is important to properly prepare them. Follow these steps to ensure that your chicken drumsticks are delicious and safe to eat:
1. Thaw the Chicken Drumsticks
If you are using frozen chicken drumsticks, you need to thaw them before cooking. The safest way to thaw chicken is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the drumsticks to thaw slowly and prevents the growth of bacteria.
However, if you are in a hurry, you can also use the defrost setting on your microwave to thaw the drumsticks. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for defrosting chicken in the microwave to avoid any issues.
2. Marinate the Drumsticks (Optional)
Marinating the chicken drumsticks can add flavor and tenderness to the meat. You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own using herbs, spices, and condiments of your choice. Place the drumsticks in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish with the marinade, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
3. Season the Drumsticks
Before cooking, season the drumsticks with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you prefer. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken. You can also brush them with a little bit of oil, which will help prevent them from drying out during cooking.
4. Preheat the Microwave Oven
Before placing the chicken drumsticks in the microwave oven, make sure to preheat it to the desired temperature. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating, as this may vary depending on the model of your microwave oven.
5. Arrange the Drumsticks in a Microwave-Safe Dish
Place the seasoned drumsticks in a microwave-safe dish or on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding, as this may result in uneven cooking. If you have a rotating plate in your microwave oven, use it to ensure even cooking.
6. Cover the Dish with Microwave-Safe Plastic Wrap
Loosely cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap to help trap the steam and moisture, which will keep the drumsticks juicy. Leave a small vent to allow steam to escape while cooking.
Now that your chicken drumsticks are properly prepared, you are ready to cook them in the microwave oven. Follow the cooking instructions in the next section to ensure the drumsticks are cooked thoroughly and safely.
Gather Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin cooking chicken drumsticks in the microwave oven, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here is what you will need:
Ingredients:
- Chicken drumsticks
- Salt
- Pepper
- Any additional seasonings or marinades you prefer
Tools:
- Microwave-safe dish or plate
- Microwave oven
- Baking rack (optional)
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Having all the ingredients and tools ready will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Once you have gathered everything, you can move on to the next steps of cooking delicious chicken drumsticks in the microwave oven.
Marinate the Chicken Drumsticks
To add extra flavor to your chicken drumsticks, marinating them before cooking is a great way to go. Here’s how you can marinate the drumsticks:
- Choose your marinade: options include barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, lemon herb marinade, or any other flavor you prefer.
- In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade and toss well to coat them evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight.
- During the marinating process, you can turn the chicken drumsticks occasionally to ensure that all sides are evenly coated. This helps to maximize the flavor.
After marinating, your chicken drumsticks are ready to be cooked in the microwave oven. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions and adjust the cooking time depending on the wattage of your microwave.
Cooking Chicken Drumsticks in Microwave Oven
When it comes to cooking chicken drumsticks, using a microwave oven can be a convenient and time-saving option. While it may not achieve the same level of crispiness as traditional methods like baking or frying, it can still result in juicy and flavorful chicken drumsticks.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks
Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture on the surface of the chicken, allowing it to cook more evenly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Drumsticks
Next, season the chicken drumsticks with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other seasonings you prefer. Rub the seasonings onto the drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken Drumsticks
Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks in a microwave-safe dish, ensuring they are spaced out and not touching each other. This allows the heat to circulate around each drumstick, promoting even cooking.
Step 4: Microwave the Chicken Drumsticks
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Cook the chicken drumsticks on high power for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked completely and safe to eat.
Step 5: Let the Chicken Drumsticks Rest
Once the drumsticks are cooked, carefully remove them from the microwave oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful chicken.
Step 6: Optional: Finish in the Oven
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can finish the chicken drumsticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes. This helps to brown and crisp up the skin. However, it’s important to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Chicken drumsticks | 1. Pat the drumsticks dry. |
| – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (or desired seasonings) | 2. Season the drumsticks. |
| – Microwave-safe dish with lid or plastic wrap | 3. Arrange drumsticks in a dish. |
| – Paper towels | 4. Microwave on high power for 12-15 minutes. |
| 5. Let the drumsticks rest before serving. | |
| 6. Optional: Finish in the oven for crispier skin. |
Place the Chicken Drumsticks in a Microwave-Safe Dish
Before you begin cooking the chicken drumsticks in the microwave, make sure you have a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to hold all the drumsticks without crowding them. You want to ensure that the drumsticks can cook evenly and have enough space for the hot air to circulate.
Step 1: Start by rinsing the chicken drumsticks under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and ensures that the seasonings stick onto the drumsticks.
Note: It’s important to handle raw chicken with caution and practice good hygiene to avoid cross-contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw chicken and clean any surfaces or utensils that come into contact with the raw chicken.
Step 2: Once the drumsticks are dry, place them in the microwave-safe dish in a single layer. Avoid stacking the drumsticks on top of each other, as this can result in uneven cooking.
Step 3: If desired, you can season the drumsticks with your favorite spices and herbs at this point. Popular seasonings for chicken drumsticks include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Rub the seasonings onto the drumsticks, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 4: Cover the microwave-safe dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This helps trap the steam and heat, allowing the drumsticks to cook more quickly and evenly.
Step 5: Place the dish with the chicken drumsticks in the microwave and set the time and power level according to the recipe or your microwave’s specific instructions. Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the drumsticks.
Note: It’s always best to follow a recipe or a trusted source for cooking times to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
Step 6: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Remove the lid or plastic wrap with caution, as hot steam may escape.
Step 7: Allow the chicken drumsticks to rest for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become more tender and flavorful.
With the simple steps outlined above, you can easily cook delicious chicken drumsticks in the microwave. This method is perfect for those times when you’re short on time but still want a tasty and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Cook the Chicken Drumsticks in the Microwave
When it comes to cooking chicken drumsticks in the microwave, it’s essential to follow the proper steps to ensure a delicious and fully-cooked result. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:
1. Start by placing the chicken drumsticks in a microwave-safe dish. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other.
2. Season the drumsticks with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other seasoning of your choice. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasonings, as this will add flavor to the chicken.
3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help trap steam and ensure even cooking.
4. Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high heat for about 5 minutes.
5. After 5 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or kitchen towels, as it will be hot.
6. Uncover the dish and flip the drumsticks over using tongs or a fork. This will help promote even cooking on both sides.
7. Cover the dish again and return it to the microwave. Cook on high heat for another 5 minutes.
8. Remove the dish from the microwave and check the internal temperature of the chicken drumsticks using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
9. If the drumsticks aren’t fully cooked, you can continue microwaving them in 1-minute increments until they reach the desired temperature.
10. Once cooked, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the chicken moist and tender.
11. Serve the deliciously cooked chicken drumsticks hot and enjoy!
Cooking chicken drumsticks in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to prepare this popular meat. Just be sure to monitor the cooking process closely to avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken. Bon appétit!
Check the Internal Temperature
Using a meat thermometer is essential when cooking chicken drumsticks in a microwave oven. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, killing any harmful bacteria and ensuring it is safe to eat. The recommended safe minimum temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C).
To check the internal temperature of the chicken drumsticks, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Be sure to avoid touching the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also visually check the chicken. When cooked thoroughly, the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.
If the chicken drumsticks have not reached the recommended internal temperature, continue microwaving them in short intervals, checking the temperature after each interval until they are fully cooked. Avoid overcooking the chicken as it can result in dry and tough meat.
| Internal Temperature | Result |
|---|---|
| 165°F (74°C) | Safe to eat |
| Below 165°F (74°C) | Continue cooking |
Once the chicken drumsticks have reached the recommended internal temperature, remove them from the microwave oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Enjoy your deliciously cooked chicken drumsticks!
FAQ
What is the best way to cook chicken drumsticks in a microwave oven?
The best way to cook chicken drumsticks in a microwave oven is to first marinate them in your preferred sauce or seasoning. Then, place the drumsticks in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Cook the drumsticks on high power for about 8-10 minutes per pound, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Is it safe to cook chicken drumsticks in a microwave oven?
Yes, it is safe to cook chicken drumsticks in a microwave oven as long as they are cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed. Make sure to follow proper food safety guidelines, such as using a microwave-safe dish, covering the drumsticks while cooking, and allowing them to rest before serving to prevent any risk of foodborne illnesses.
