Are you in a rush but still craving a delicious chicken dinner? I totally get it! As someone who’s always looking for quick meal solutions I’ve spent way too much time figuring out the perfect way to microwave chicken leg quarters. After countless experiments (and a few disappointing rubbery disasters), I’ve nailed down the timing and techniques to get juicy, safe chicken every single time.
In this guide I’ll share everything you need to know about microwaving chicken leg quarters – from cooking times to preparation tips that’ll make your microwave meals taste almost as good as traditionally cooked ones!
What Are Chicken Leg Quarters Anyway?
Before we dive into cooking times, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what we’re cooking:
Chicken leg quarters are cuts that include both the thigh and drumstick portions of the chicken. They’re typically sold bone-in and skin-on, which is actually great for microwaving because it helps keep the meat moist. A typical leg quarter weighs between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, depending on the chicken’s size.
These pieces are fantastic because they offer dark meat, which is juicier and more flavorful than white meat. Plus, they’re usually cheaper than other chicken cuts – a win-win for your taste buds and wallet!
How Long Should You Microwave Chicken Leg Quarters?
The big question, right? Well, the answer isn’t as simple as giving you one magic number. The cooking time depends on several factors:
Factors Affecting Cooking Time:
- Microwave Wattage: Higher wattage microwaves cook faster. Most home microwaves range from 700-1200 watts.
- Size of the Chicken Pieces: Larger quarters take longer to cook.
- Starting Temperature: Thawed chicken cooks faster than frozen.
- Number of Pieces: Cooking multiple pieces at once will increase the time needed.
Recommended Cooking Times for Thawed Chicken Leg Quarters:
| Weight (lbs) | Cooking Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | 20-25 |
| 2.0 | 25-30 |
| 2.5 | 30-35 |
If you’re cooking from frozen, you’ll need to increase these times by approximately 50%. So a 2-pound frozen leg quarter might need 35-45 minutes.
But wait! I know what you’re thinking – “That’s WAY longer than I expected for a microwave!” You’re right, and that’s the thing many people get wrong. Properly cooking chicken leg quarters in a microwave takes longer than you might think, but it’s still faster than conventional methods.
My Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Microwaved Chicken Leg Quarters
After lots of trial and error, here’s the process I follow for juicy results every time:
1. Prepare the Chicken Properly
- Thaw if possible: While you can cook from frozen, thawed chicken cooks more evenly. If you have time, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Pat dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the surface.
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! I like to use olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Choose the Right Container
This is super important! Use a microwave-safe dish that’s large enough for the chicken pieces to sit without touching each other. Glass or ceramic dishes work best because they distribute heat more evenly than plastic.
3. Cover the Chicken
Always cover your chicken while microwaving! This traps steam and keeps the meat from drying out. You can use:
- A microwave-safe lid
- Microwave-safe plastic wrap (not touching the food)
- A microwave-safe paper towel
4. Initial Cooking Phase
- Place the prepared chicken in your covered dish
- Start by microwaving on medium-high power (70-80%) for about 10 minutes
- This gentle start helps the chicken cook more evenly
5. Flip and Continue Cooking
- After the initial cooking, flip the chicken pieces over
- Continue microwaving at 70-80% power for another 10 minutes
- This ensures even cooking on both sides
6. Check Temperature and Finish Cooking
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer
- The chicken MUST reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part to be safe
- If it hasn’t reached the safe temp, continue microwaving in 2-minute intervals, checking after each interval
7. Let It Rest
This step is non-negotiable! Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it much more tender and flavorful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trust me, I’ve made ALL of these mistakes before figuring out the right way:
1. Undercooking the Chicken
This is dangerous! Chicken must reach 165°F to kill harmful bacteria. Always use a meat thermometer – don’t guess based on appearance.
2. Overcooking (Almost as Bad!)
Overcooked chicken is dry and rubbery. Watch your cooking times carefully and check temperature frequently toward the end of cooking.
3. Not Using a Microwave-Safe Dish
Some containers can release harmful chemicals when heated or might even melt or warp. Always use dishes specifically labeled as microwave-safe.
4. Skipping the Rest Period
I used to dive right in after cooking and always wondered why my chicken was less juicy. The 5-minute rest makes a HUGE difference!
5. Cooking at Full Power the Entire Time
This leads to hot spots and uneven cooking. Using a lower power setting for at least part of the cooking time gives much better results.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Leg Quarters
One thing I love about chicken leg quarters is how nutritious they are! A standard serving contains around:
- 230 calories
- 24 grams of protein
- 14 grams of fat
- Essential vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium
The dark meat in leg quarters also contains more iron than white meat, which is great for energy levels.
Tips for Enhancing Microwaved Chicken Leg Quarters
Want to take your microwave chicken game to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tricks:
- Add aromatics: Place sliced onions, lemon, or herbs underneath the chicken while cooking for extra flavor
- Make a sauce: After cooking, use the flavorful juices in the dish to make a quick sauce
- Broil after microwaving: If you want crispy skin, finish the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes
- Let marinate beforehand: Even just 30 minutes in a simple marinade makes a big difference
- Use a microwave rack: Elevating the chicken allows heat to circulate more evenly
When NOT to Microwave Chicken Leg Quarters
While I’m a big fan of microwaving chicken when I’m in a hurry, there are times when it’s not the best method:
- When you want crispy skin (unless you finish under a broiler)
- When you’re cooking for a large group (conventional methods may be more efficient)
- When you have the time for traditional cooking methods like roasting
Final Thoughts
Microwaving chicken leg quarters is definitely possible and can give you delicious results when done correctly. The key takeaways to remember:
- For thawed leg quarters, expect to microwave for 20-35 minutes depending on size
- Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Use a covered microwave-safe dish
- Cook on medium-high power rather than full power
- Let the chicken rest before serving
Do you have any special tricks for microwaving chicken? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
Note: While microwaving is convenient, please remember that food safety is paramount. Always ensure chicken reaches the proper internal temperature before consuming.
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Step-by-step guide to thawing chicken in the microwave
Defrosting chicken in the microwave is a simple process that requires some oversight. See the five-step process below to learn what to use when defrosting chicken, when to check on it and how to arrange it for more even thawing.
Step 2: Place in a microwave-safe container
Microwave-safe containers like glass or ceramic dishes, or plastic storage containers, are good choices for defrosting meat. You may be able to defrost chicken in some types of zipper-top bags, just be sure to check the manufacturer’s information first to determine the safety of microwave use.
MICROWAVECHEF EPISODE 5 CHICKEN LEG
FAQ
How long to microwave a chicken leg quarter?
PLACE CHICKEN IN MICROWAVE-SAFE DISH, UNCOVERED. 3. HEAT ON HIGH 7-10 MINUTES.
How long does chicken take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Power Level | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breast | 6 | 9-11 mins |
| 2 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts | 6 | 14-16 mins |
| 3 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts | 6 | 17-18 mins |
| 4 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts | 6 | 20-21 mins |
Can you cook chicken with bones in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook bone-in chicken in the microwave, but it’s generally recommended to debone it for more even cooking and better texture.
How to microwave chicken thighs without drying them out?
Microwave for one minute on full power, then remove the plate from the microwave and check to see if the chicken is ready. If not, turn the meat before covering the plate and continuing to microwave in 30-second intervals. When the chicken is heated through to 165°F, it’s chow time.
How long do you cook chicken legs in a microwave?
Add chicken pieces and turn to coat, let stand for 5 minutes. Arrange chicken legs in a fan, with the thin part of the legs in the center of the dish. Cover and cook in the microwave on high for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
How long do you cook chicken in a microwave?
Cover and cook in the microwave on high for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Got a question? Share it with the community!
How do you cook chicken thighs in the microwave?
Arrange chicken thighs in a fan, with the thin part of the thighs in the center of the dish. Cover and cook in the microwave on high for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. A potent curry flavor defines this easy, catsup-based sauce for microwaved drumsticks.
How should you arrange the chicken legs in the dish?
Arrange chicken legs in a fan, with the thin part of the legs in the center of the dish. Cover and cook in the microwave on high for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.