Grilling chicken is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this popular meat. While most people associate grilling with outdoor barbecues, you can also grill chicken using your Panasonic microwave oven. This versatile appliance can achieve the same tasty results as a traditional grill, with the added convenience of being able to cook indoors.
Grilling chicken in a microwave oven requires a slightly different technique compared to a conventional grill, but the end result is still flavorful and juicy chicken. By following a few simple steps, you can easily grill chicken in your Panasonic microwave oven and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Step 1: Start by selecting the right cut of chicken. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for grilling in a microwave oven. They cook more quickly and evenly compared to chicken with the bone-in and skin. This will help prevent the chicken from drying out during the grilling process.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken to enhance its flavor and tenderness. You can use your favorite marinade or make a simple one using olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and herbs. Place the chicken in a bowl or resealable plastic bag and coat it evenly with the marinade. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your Panasonic microwave oven to the grill function or a high power setting. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and develops a nice char on the outside. If your microwave oven has a preheat function, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to preheat it properly.
Step 4: Place the marinated chicken on a microwave-safe grill pan or rack. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly around the chicken, resulting in a more even cooking process. Make sure to leave some space between the chicken pieces to allow for proper airflow.
Step 5: Grill the chicken in the microwave oven for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken. Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
By following these simple steps, you can easily grill chicken in your Panasonic microwave oven and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create a variety of flavors. Whether it’s summer or winter, you can satisfy your craving for grilled chicken anytime with your microwave oven.
Preparing The Chicken
To grill chicken in a Panasonic Microwave Oven, it is important to properly prepare the chicken beforehand. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and has a delicious flavor. Here are the steps to prepare the chicken:
1. Clean the chicken:
Before you start, make sure to thoroughly clean the chicken under cold running water. This will help remove any dirt or impurities on the surface of the chicken.
2. Trim excess fat:
Next, trim any excess fat from the chicken using a sharp knife. This will help reduce the amount of grease and make the chicken leaner.
3. Season the chicken:
After the chicken is cleaned and trimmed, season it with your preferred spices and seasonings. You can use a marinade or a dry rub to add flavor to the chicken. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Pro tip: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to enhance the flavor.
4. Let the chicken sit at room temperature:
Before cooking the chicken, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from becoming dry.
Note: It is important to always follow proper food safety practices when handling raw chicken. Wash your hands, utensils, and cutting board after handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
Selection And Cleaning
When choosing chicken pieces for grilling in your Panasonic Microwave Oven, it is important to select fresh and high-quality cuts. Look for chicken that is firm, pink in color, and has a mild odor. Avoid chicken with any signs of discoloration, excessive blood or liquid, or a strong unpleasant smell.
Before grilling the chicken, it is essential to properly clean and prepare it. Start by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry using paper towels.
Marination
Marinating the chicken before grilling can add flavor and tenderness to your dish. You can create your marinade using a combination of herbs, spices, oil, and acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
Tip: For better absorption of flavors, use a zip-lock bag or airtight container to marinate the chicken.
Cleaning
After grilling, it is important to clean the grill plate and any utensils used. Allow the grill to cool down, and then remove any leftover debris using a soft brush or sponge. Wash the grill plate with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry it before storing.
For the cleaning of other utensils, use hot water and dish soap, scrubbing away any grease or residue. Rinse and dry them properly.
By following these guidelines for selection and cleaning, you can ensure that your grilled chicken is not only delicious but also safe to consume.
Marinade Preparation
The key to delicious grilled chicken is a flavorful marinade. Before cooking your chicken in the Panasonic microwave oven, it is important to properly prepare the marinade to infuse the meat with taste and tenderness.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
- When you are ready to cook the chicken, preheat the Panasonic microwave oven to the desired grilling temperature.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
Now, your chicken is ready to be grilled in the Panasonic microwave oven using your desired cooking method. Enjoy the succulent and flavorful results of your perfectly marinated chicken!
Marinating The Chicken
Marinating the chicken is an important step to achieve juicy and flavorful grilled chicken in a Panasonic microwave oven. It helps in tenderizing the meat and infusing it with delicious spices and flavors. Follow these steps to marinate the chicken:
1. Choose your marinade:
Select a marinade that complements the chicken. You can opt for store-bought marinades or make your own using ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, herbs, spices, olive oil, yogurt, or buttermilk.
2. Clean and pat dry the chicken:
Before marinating, ensure that the chicken pieces are cleaned and dried with paper towels. This step helps in better absorption of the marinade.
3. Score the chicken:
Score the chicken pieces by making shallow cuts on them. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat and enhances the flavor.
4. Place the chicken and marinade in a bowl:
Transfer the chicken pieces to a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Make sure that every piece is coated evenly with the marinade.
5. Cover and refrigerate:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or put the chicken and marinade in a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to overnight. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavors will be.
6. Remove from the refrigerator:
Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling. This allows the chicken to cook more evenly.
Remember to follow these steps for marinating the chicken before grilling it in a Panasonic microwave oven. This will result in delicious and succulent grilled chicken that is bursting with flavors.
Setting Up The Panasonic Microwave Oven
Before you begin grilling chicken in your Panasonic microwave oven, it’s important to properly set up the appliance to ensure optimum cooking results. Follow these steps to get your microwave oven ready:
1. Plugging In: Locate a suitable power outlet near your kitchen counter and plug in the microwave oven’s power cord. Make sure the outlet is grounded and can handle the wattage of the microwave oven.
2. Ventilation: Place the microwave oven in an open and well-ventilated area. Avoid placing it against a wall or near other appliances as it may restrict airflow and affect the microwave’s performance.
3. Time Setting: Set the correct time on the microwave oven’s clock by following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure accurate cooking time and convenience when using other features of the microwave oven.
4. Power Level: Familiarize yourself with the different power levels available on your Panasonic microwave oven. Adjusting the power level can help you achieve desired cooking results and prevent overcooking or undercooking.
5. Preheat Function: Check if your Panasonic microwave oven has a preheat function. Preheating the oven before grilling chicken can help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
6. Safety Features: Take note of the safety features on the microwave oven, such as child lock and automatic shut-off. Understanding and utilizing these features can help prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
Once your Panasonic microwave oven is properly set up, you are ready to start grilling chicken and enjoying delicious meals right from your own kitchen!
Choosing The Cooking Mode
When grilling chicken in a Panasonic microwave oven, it is important to choose the correct cooking mode to ensure delicious and perfectly cooked chicken. The microwave oven offers different cooking modes to accommodate different types of food and cooking techniques. Below are the recommended cooking modes for grilling chicken:
Cooking Mode | Description |
---|---|
Grill Mode | This mode activates the upper heating element of the microwave oven, allowing the chicken to be grilled and browned on the surface while maintaining moisture inside. |
Combination Mode | This mode combines the microwave and grill functions. It is ideal for cooking chicken that requires both quick cooking and browning. |
Before selecting the cooking mode, it is important to consider the thickness and size of the chicken pieces. Thicker pieces may need a longer cooking time, while smaller pieces may cook faster. Additionally, it is recommended to adjust the power level according to the recipe instructions or personal preference.
Using the correct cooking mode in the Panasonic microwave oven will ensure that your grilled chicken is cooked evenly and has a delicious, crispy exterior. Experiment with different cooking modes and power levels to find the perfect combination for your favorite grilled chicken recipes.
Adjusting The Power Level
When grilling chicken in a Panasonic microwave oven, it is important to adjust the power level to achieve the desired results. The power level determines how much energy the microwave oven will use to cook the chicken. By adjusting the power level, you can control the intensity of the heat and ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly.
Here are the steps to adjust the power level:
- Press the “Power Level” button on the microwave.
- Use the number pad to enter the desired power level percentage (e.g., 50% for half power).
- Press the “Start” or “Cook” button to begin cooking at the adjusted power level.
It is important to note that cooking chicken at a lower power level will result in a longer cooking time, while cooking at a higher power level will cook the chicken faster. It is recommended to start with a lower power level and increase it if needed.
Remember to use microwave-safe cookware and cover the chicken with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. Always check the chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
By adjusting the power level, you can confidently grill chicken in your Panasonic microwave oven and enjoy delicious and evenly cooked meals.
FAQ
What is the best way to grill chicken in a Panasonic microwave oven?
The best way to grill chicken in a Panasonic microwave oven is to use the grill function. Preheat the grill mode, place the chicken on a grill rack or pan, and cook it for the recommended time. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
Can I grill chicken in a Panasonic microwave oven without using the grill function?
Yes, you can grill chicken in a Panasonic microwave oven without using the grill function. You can achieve a similar grilling effect by using the combination cooking mode. First, preheat the oven on the highest microwave power level, then switch to the grill mode for the last few minutes of cooking to get a grilled texture on the chicken.