Olivia Carter
Barbecue chicken is a delicious and popular dish that is typically cooked on a grill. However, if you don’t have access to a grill or simply prefer using a microwave oven, you can still enjoy juicy and flavorful barbecue chicken right at home. While it may seem unconventional, cooking chicken in the microwave oven can yield surprisingly tasty results.
Here’s a simple recipe for making barbecue chicken in a microwave oven:
- Marinating the chicken: Start by marinating the chicken pieces in your favorite barbecue sauce. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own marinade using ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cooking the chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in a microwave-safe dish, making sure they are evenly spaced and not touching each other. Cover the dish loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
- Microwaving the chicken: Cook the chicken in the microwave oven on high power for about 5 minutes. Check the chicken for doneness by cutting into the thickest piece to ensure that it is no longer pink in the center. If needed, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until the chicken is cooked through.
- Applying more sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the microwave and uncover it. Brush additional barbecue sauce onto the chicken pieces, ensuring that they are well-coated.
- Finishing touches: To achieve a grilled-like texture and flavor, transfer the chicken to a preheated grill pan or skillet. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side until it develops a nice char and caramelization.
- Serving: Serve the delicious barbecue chicken hot with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or potato salad. Enjoy!
Now you know how to make barbecue chicken in a microwave oven. It’s a simple and time-saving alternative that can still result in mouthwatering barbecue chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Barbecue Chicken in a Microwave Oven
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or skin, if desired.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, mix together your choice of barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
Step 3: Prepare the microwave-safe dish
Choose a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to fit all the chicken pieces in a single layer. You can use a glass dish or a microwave-safe plastic container with a lid. Make sure the dish is clean and dry.
Step 4: Arrange the chicken in the dish
Take the marinated chicken out of the bag and place it on the prepared dish, ensuring that the pieces are not touching each other. Discard any remaining marinade.
Step 5: Cover the dish
Use a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to cover the dish. This helps to trap the steam and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
Step 6: Cook the chicken
Place the covered dish in the microwave oven and cook on high power for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts as it will be hot and release steam when uncovered.
Step 7: Baste the chicken
Using a basting brush or spoon, brush the chicken with some of the barbecue sauce. This adds extra flavor and helps to keep the chicken moist. Return the dish to the microwave.
Step 8: Continue cooking and basting
Repeat the process of cooking the chicken on high power for 10 minutes, then basting it with more barbecue sauce. Continue cooking and basting until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This typically takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
Step 9: Let the chicken rest
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become more tender.
Step 10: Serve and enjoy
Transfer the barbecue chicken to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve it hot with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the delicious homemade barbecue flavor!
Selecting the Right Chicken
When making barbecue chicken in a microwave oven, it’s important to start with the right cut of chicken. Different cuts will have varying cooking times and results, so it’s important to choose the right one for your recipe.
Chicken Parts
There are several different parts of the chicken that can be used for barbecue, including:
- Chicken breasts: This lean cut of chicken is perfect for those who prefer a healthier option. It’s also quick to cook, making it a popular choice.
- Chicken legs: The dark meat from the legs has a rich, flavorful taste. It’s also more forgiving when it comes to cooking times, making it a good choice for beginners.
- Chicken thighs: Similar to the legs, chicken thighs are also dark meat and have a juicy, tender texture. They are often used in barbecue recipes that require longer cooking times.
- Whole chicken: Cooking a whole chicken in the microwave oven can be a delicious and convenient option. However, it will require a longer cooking time compared to individual chicken parts.
Fresh or Frozen?
When selecting chicken for barbecue, you can choose between fresh or frozen options. Fresh chicken will often have a better texture and flavor, but it can be more expensive and may not be available year-round. Frozen chicken is convenient and can be stored for longer periods, but it’s important to thaw it properly before cooking.
Consider the Size
The size of the chicken pieces or whole chicken will also impact the cooking time. Smaller pieces will cook faster, while larger pieces or a whole chicken will take longer. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked.
By selecting the right cut of chicken and considering factors like freshness, size, and whether it’s fresh or frozen, you can ensure that your barbecue chicken in the microwave oven turns out delicious and perfectly cooked every time.
Preparing the Chicken
Before you can start cooking your barbecue chicken in the microwave oven, you need to properly prepare the chicken. Follow these steps:
1. Wash the Chicken
Begin by washing the chicken under cold running water. Make sure to remove any excess fat or feathers that may be present.
2. Pat Dry
Once the chicken is washed, use paper towels to pat it dry. This will help the marinade stick better and create a crispier texture when cooked.
3. Season the Chicken
Next, season the chicken with your favorite barbecue seasoning or a mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning into the chicken to ensure even coverage.
4. Marinate the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken in a ziplock bag or a covered container. Pour your preferred barbecue sauce over the chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more flavor.
By properly preparing the chicken before cooking, you’ll ensure that it’s flavorful and delicious once cooked in the microwave oven.
Making the Barbecue Sauce
Once you have prepared the chicken and placed it in the microwave oven, it is time to make the barbecue sauce. The sauce is what gives the chicken its delicious flavor and keeps it moist during the cooking process.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of ketchup
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or any other ingredients as desired.
- Once the chicken has been in the microwave oven for about 5 minutes, remove it and brush the barbecue sauce generously over the chicken pieces.
- Place the chicken back in the microwave oven and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the barbecue sauce has caramelized.
Remember to check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Enjoy your delicious homemade barbecue chicken!
Cooking the Chicken in the Microwave Oven
When it comes to cooking barbecue chicken in a microwave oven, there are a few key steps to keep in mind to ensure the meat is cooked through and has a smoky flavor.
1. Prep the Chicken
Before cooking the chicken, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by rinsing the chicken under cold running water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, season the chicken with your favorite barbecue rub or marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
2. Choose the Right Cookware
Using microwave-safe cookware that has a lid is vital for cooking the chicken in the microwave oven. This will help to trap the steam and moisture, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. A microwave-safe baking dish or a microwave-safe glass container with a tight-fitting lid works well for this purpose.
3. Cook in Stages
Since microwave ovens have varying power levels, it’s best to cook the chicken in stages to ensure even cooking. Start by cooking the chicken on high power for a few minutes to quickly sear the outside and lock in the flavors. Then, reduce the power to medium or medium-high and continue cooking for the remaining time.
4. Baste and Rotate
During the cooking process, baste the chicken with barbecue sauce every few minutes to keep it moist and enhance the flavor. Additionally, rotate the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even heating and prevent any hot spots.
5. Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked through. If the chicken is not fully cooked, return it to the microwave and continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to make delicious barbecue chicken in the microwave oven that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
FAQ
Can I make barbecue chicken in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can make barbecue chicken in a microwave oven. It may not have the same charred and smoky flavor as it would on a grill, but it can still be delicious.
What ingredients do I need to make barbecue chicken in a microwave oven?
To make barbecue chicken in a microwave oven, you will need chicken pieces, barbecue sauce, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or spices you prefer.
How long does it take to cook barbecue chicken in a microwave oven?
The cooking time for barbecue chicken in a microwave oven can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the chicken pieces. Generally, it takes around 8-12 minutes to cook barbecue chicken in a microwave oven.
