How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Microwave for Perfectly Cooked Meals

Cooking frozen chicken breasts in the microwave is a quick and easy way to get delicious and nutritious meals on the table fast. With the right techniques, you can microwave frozen chicken breasts for perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe chicken every time.

Benefits of Microwaving Frozen Chicken Breasts

Microwaving frozen chicken breasts has several advantages over other cooking methods

• It’s incredibly fast and convenient – you can cook frozen chicken breasts in just 10-15 minutes in the microwave No need to wait for the oven or stovetop

• Microwaved chicken retains moisture and nutrients better than other cooking methods like frying or baking. The microwave steams the chicken gently from the inside out.

• Minimal cleanup! The microwave contains splatters and you only need to wash the microwave-safe dish afterwards

• Versatile for all cuts of chicken – you can microwave bone-in breasts, boneless breasts, tenders, etc.

• Frozen chicken breasts are easy to keep on hand in the freezer for last-minute meals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Microwaving Frozen Chicken Breasts

Follow these simple steps for foolproof microwaved frozen chicken every time:

1. Choose Your Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, between 4-8 oz each.

• Leave them frozen until ready to cook.

2. Prep the Chicken

• Place frozen chicken breasts in a microwave-safe dish in a single layer.

• Do not let them overlap or touch each other.

• Arrange thicker parts of chicken toward the outer edges of the dish.

3. Add Seasonings (Optional)

• Season chicken with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or marinades before cooking.

• Flavorings will permeate the chicken better if added before microwaving.

4. Cover the Dish

• Cover dish tightly with microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap.

• This traps steam and ensures even cooking.

5. Microwave on Defrost Setting

• Microwave chicken on defrost setting for 3-5 minutes.

• If your microwave lacks a defrost setting, use 30% power.

• This gently thaws chicken without cooking the outside.

6. Flip and Rearrange Chicken

• Rearrange pieces so thick parts are rotated toward the center.

• Microwave 2-3 more minutes on defrost.

7. Check Doneness

• Chicken should be pliable with some icy spots remaining when pressed.

• If edges start to look cooked, stop defrosting.

8. Let Stand

• Let chicken stand 1-2 minutes to allow heat to evenly distribute.

9. Cook Thoroughly on High

• Cook chicken on high power for 2-3 minutes per breast until 165°F internally.

• Check temperature with a meat thermometer in thickest part.

10. Let Rest and Serve

• Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

• Serve chicken warm right away for best texture and flavor.

Microwaving Multiple Frozen Chicken Breasts

For cooking 2 or more frozen chicken breasts:

• Arrange in a single layer without overlapping in microwave-safe dish.

• Increase defrosting time to 5-7 minutes initially, flipping halfway.

• Add 2-3 minutes of cooking time per additional breast, checking internal temp.

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Microwaving Frozen Bone-In Chicken Breasts

For bone-in frozen chicken breasts:

• Defrost using defrost setting for 5-7 minutes per breast half.

• Cook 4-5 minutes per breast half on high power until 165°F.

• Bones may partially shield meat from thorough cooking, so check temp carefully.

• Let rest 5+ minutes before serving for safety.

Helpful Tips for Microwaving Frozen Chicken Breasts

Follow these tips for the best results:

• Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety.

• Use a lower power level if chicken seems to be cooking unevenly.

• Add a bit of broth or water to the dish to help steam and prevent dryness.

• Do not microwave frozen chicken without thawing first.

• Avoid overcrowding the dish which can lead to uneven cooking.

• Let rested chicken sit 3-5 minutes before cutting for juicier meat.

Food Safety Tips

It’s important to follow food safety guidelines when microwaving chicken:

• Defrost halfway before switching to cook mode.

• Use a food-safe meat thermometer to check 165°F temperature.

• Wash hands, utensils, dishes thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken.

• Refrigerate any leftover cooked chicken within 2 hours.

• Store cooked chicken 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

• Reheat cooked chicken to 165°F before serving leftovers.

Microwaving makes cooking frozen chicken breasts fast, easy, and convenient for everything from weeknight dinners to quick lunches. With some simple guidelines, you can achieve perfectly cooked, moist chicken safely in minutes right from the freezer. Master this handy microwave method for getting delicious home-cooked meals to the table in a hurry.