Olivia Carter
Have you ever wanted to cook a delicious roasted chicken but didn’t have access to an oven? Don’t worry, because you can easily cook a mouthwatering roasted chicken in your microwave oven! While it may sound surprising, cooking a roasted chicken in the microwave oven can be a time-saving and convenient option for those who don’t have access to a traditional oven. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to cook a juicy and flavorful roasted chicken using just your microwave oven.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by selecting a whole chicken that will fit comfortably in your microwave oven. Remove any giblets or excess fat from the chicken cavity and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure to season the chicken with your choice of herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings onto the skin and inside the cavity of the chicken to enhance its flavor.
Step 2: Microwave Cooking
Next, cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring that the chicken is fully enclosed. Use a fork or knife to create a few small holes in the wrap to allow steam to escape during cooking. Place the plate with the chicken in the microwave oven, and set the cooking time according to the weight of the chicken and the power of your microwave. As a general guideline, microwave the chicken on high power for 6-7 minutes per pound.
Step 3: Check for Doneness
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the plate from the microwave oven, keeping in mind that it will be hot. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The thickest part should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached the desired temperature, return the chicken to the microwave oven for a few more minutes and check again.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven. It is always recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking poultry in the microwave.
Now that you know how to cook a delicious roasted chicken in your microwave oven, you can enjoy this flavorful dish even without a traditional oven. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with a succulent roasted chicken made in your microwave oven!
Preparing the Chicken
Before cooking the roasted chicken in the microwave oven, it’s important to properly prepare the chicken to ensure a delicious and perfectly cooked meal. Follow these steps to prepare the chicken:
1. Clean the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Chicken
Next, season the chicken with your choice of herbs and spices. You can use a pre-made chicken seasoning blend or create your own mixture using ingredients such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken, making sure to evenly coat both the skin and the cavity.
3. Let the Chicken Marinate
For even more flavor, you can let the seasoned chicken marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender and tasty.
4. Prepare the Roasting Dish
Place the chicken in a microwave-safe roasting dish or a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Make sure the dish is large enough to hold the chicken without it touching the sides or lid, allowing for proper airflow and even cooking.
Note: If you don’t have a microwave-safe roasting dish, you can use a microwave-safe plate covered with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe microwave steamer.
Follow these steps to properly prepare the chicken before cooking it in the microwave. This will ensure a flavorful and evenly cooked roasted chicken for your meal.
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to cooking a delicious roasted chicken in the microwave oven, choosing the right chicken is key. Here are a few things to consider:
Freshness
Opt for fresh chicken rather than frozen, as it will have a better texture and flavor. Fresh chicken will also cook more evenly and quickly in the microwave.
Size
Consider the size of the chicken you’re cooking. A smaller chicken, around 3-4 pounds, is ideal for cooking in the microwave oven. Larger chickens may take longer to cook and might not fit properly in your microwave.
Type
Choose the type of chicken that best suits your preference. Whole chickens, chicken pieces, or boneless chicken breasts are all good options. Keep in mind that different cuts of chicken may require different cooking times.
Pro Tip: If you prefer the skin to be crispy, opt for chicken with the skin on. Remove the skin if you prefer a healthier option.
By selecting the right chicken, you’ll ensure the best results when cooking roasted chicken in your microwave oven. Freshness, size, and type are all important factors to consider for a delicious meal.
Cleaning and Seasoning the Chicken
Before you start cooking the roasted chicken in the microwave oven, it’s important to properly clean and season the chicken. Follow these steps to ensure the chicken is flavorful and delicious:
1. Cleaning the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold running water. Make sure to remove any giblets, as they may be stored inside the cavity. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Seasoning the Chicken
Next, it’s time to season the chicken. You can use a pre-mixed seasoning blend or create your own using herbs and spices of your choice. Here’s a simple seasoning recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings listed above.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire chicken, making sure to cover all sides.
- Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Note: You can adjust the seasoning measurements to suit your taste preferences.
Once the chicken is cleaned and seasoned, it’s ready to be cooked in the microwave oven. Carry on with the next steps of the recipe to achieve a juicy and flavorful roasted chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
Once you have prepared the chicken and seasoned it with your desired spices, it’s time to cook it in the microwave oven. Follow these steps to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and is tender and juicy:
1. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish: Choose a dish large enough to hold the chicken, but small enough to fit comfortably in the microwave. Make sure the dish has a lid or cover to prevent splattering.
2. Cook on high power: Set the microwave to its highest power setting. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the chicken, so refer to your microwave’s instruction manual or use a microwave cooking chart to determine the appropriate cooking time.
3. Flip and baste: After half of the cooking time has elapsed, carefully flip the chicken over to ensure even cooking. Baste the chicken with its own juices or with additional marinade to keep it moist.
4. Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. If needed, continue cooking in short intervals until the desired temperature is reached.
5. Let it rest: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
Note: Microwaving chicken may result in less crispy skin compared to other cooking methods such as roasting or grilling. If crispy skin is desired, consider using a conventional oven or broiler for the final few minutes of cooking.
Placing the Chicken in the Microwave Oven
Once you have prepared your chicken by cleaning and seasoning it, it’s time to place it in the microwave oven for cooking. Follow these steps to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely:
Step 1: Choose the Right Microwave-safe Dish
Select a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to hold the chicken comfortably. It should have a lid or cover to help retain moisture while cooking. Make sure the dish is suitable for use in the microwave oven to prevent any accidents or damage.
Step 2: Position the Chicken in the Dish
Place the seasoned chicken in the selected dish, making sure it is well-centered and not touching the sides of the dish. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly. Avoid overcrowding the dish with multiple pieces of chicken, as this can affect the cooking time and the overall results.
Step 3: Cover the Dish
Cover the dish with its lid or use microwave-safe plastic wrap to seal it tightly. This will help trap the heat and steam, creating a moist environment for the chicken to cook. If using plastic wrap, make sure to create a vent by leaving a small gap to allow excess steam to escape while preventing splattering.
Now that you have properly placed the chicken in the microwave oven, you can proceed to cook it using the appropriate settings and cooking time. Ensure that you follow all safety precautions and guidelines provided by the microwave oven manufacturer.
Setting the Cooking Time and Power Level
When cooking roasted chicken in a microwave oven, it is important to set the correct cooking time and power level for optimal results. The cooking time and power level will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the wattage of your microwave.
To determine the appropriate cooking time, it is recommended to use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The ideal internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) for a fully cooked chicken.
1. Check the Weight of the Chicken
Start by weighing your chicken to determine its weight. This will help you calculate the cooking time more accurately.
2. Calculate the Cooking Time
As a general guideline, microwave ovens cook at a rate of 4 to 5 minutes per pound (454 grams) of meat. Use this formula to calculate the cooking time:
Cooking Time (in minutes) = Weight of Chicken (in pounds) x 5 (minutes)
For example, if your chicken weighs 3 pounds, the cooking time would be:
3 pounds x 5 minutes = 15 minutes
However, keep in mind that every microwave oven is different, so it’s always a good idea to check the chicken’s temperature with a thermometer.
3. Adjust the Power Level
Most microwave ovens have different power levels, ranging from 1 to 10. For cooking roasted chicken, it is recommended to use a power level of 7 or 8. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and thoroughly without drying out.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific microwave oven model, as power levels may vary.
By setting the correct cooking time and power level, you will be able to cook a delicious roasted chicken in your microwave oven. Enjoy!
Rotating the Chicken and Checking for Doneness
Once the chicken has been microwaved on full power for the recommended time, it’s important to rotate the chicken to ensure even cooking. This will help to avoid any cold spots or undercooked areas.
To rotate the chicken, carefully remove it from the microwave using oven mitts or a pair of tongs. Place the chicken on a clean plate or baking dish. If there is any liquid or drippings on the plate, carefully drain them off into a separate container.
Next, use a fork or tongs to turn the chicken over so that the breast side is facing down. This will help to keep the meat moist and juicy. If desired, you can also baste the chicken with any accumulated juices or marinade for added flavor.
Place the chicken back into the microwave and set the timer for half of the previous cooking time. For example, if the initial cook time was 10 minutes, set the timer for an additional 5 minutes.
After the additional cooking time, carefully remove the chicken from the microwave and check for doneness. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Additional Tips:
- If the chicken isn’t fully cooked, return it to the microwave in small increments of time until it reaches the desired internal temperature.
- If the chicken is fully cooked but still needs some browning, you can place it under the oven broiler for a few minutes to achieve a crispy and golden exterior.
Remember to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful roast chicken.
Serving the Chicken
Once the roasted chicken is cooked and has rested for a few minutes, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy the mouthwatering flavours. Here are some tips on how to serve your delicious roasted chicken:
1. Carving the Chicken
Using a sharp knife, carefully carve the roasted chicken into individual portions. Start by removing the legs and wings, followed by the breast meat. Take your time and make clean cuts to ensure beautiful slices.
2. Plating the Chicken
Arrange the carved chicken pieces on a serving platter or individual plates. You can garnish the chicken with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a pop of color and extra aroma. Feel free to get creative with your presentation!
Serve the roasted chicken with your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The tender and juicy chicken pairs well with a variety of flavours, so choose your accompaniments according to your preference.
Now that you know how to cook a delicious roasted chicken using your microwave oven, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade meal. Bon appétit!
Resting the Chicken
After the chicken is removed from the microwave oven, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the meat to retain its juices and allows the flavors to meld together. Here are some important steps to follow when resting the chicken:
- Place the cooked chicken on a cutting board or a clean plate.
- Tent the chicken with aluminum foil to retain the heat.
- Let the chicken rest for approximately 5-10 minutes.
- During this time, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with the chicken.
By allowing the chicken to rest, you ensure that it will be juicy and tender when you serve it. This step is crucial for the best results and should not be skipped. Enjoy your delicious roasted chicken!
FAQ
Can I cook roasted chicken in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can cook roasted chicken in a microwave oven.
What ingredients do I need to cook roasted chicken in a microwave oven?
You will need chicken, oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings or herbs you prefer.
How long does it take to cook roasted chicken in a microwave oven?
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken, but on average, it takes around 8-10 minutes per pound of chicken.
What temperature should I set my microwave oven to cook roasted chicken?
Set your microwave oven to high power or 100% power to cook roasted chicken.
Is it necessary to preheat the microwave oven before cooking roasted chicken?
No, you don’t need to preheat the microwave oven before cooking roasted chicken.
