Have you ever found yourself staring at a pack of raw chicken tenders, wondering how to cook them quickly without firing up the oven? I’ve been there too! Microwaving chicken tenders is actually possible and can be a real lifesaver on busy weeknights when you just want a tasty meal in minutes.
While microwaving might not give you that crispy exterior you’d get from baking or frying it’s definitely the fastest way to get juicy chicken tenders on your plate. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to cook raw chicken tenders safely in the microwave.
Is it Really Safe to Microwave Raw Chicken?
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s address the elephant in the room – safety. Yes, you can safely cook raw chicken in the microwave, but you need to follow proper guidelines.
The main concerns with raw chicken are bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. Microwaves can have uneven heating patterns, which makes proper cooking technique especially important.
The most critical safety rule chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria, This isn’t negotiable!
What You’ll Need
- Raw chicken tenders (thawed, not frozen)
- Microwave-safe dish
- Microwave-safe cover or plastic wrap
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings
- A small amount of water or chicken broth
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Guide to Microwaving Chicken Tenders
1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders
- Rinse the raw chicken tenders under cold water.
- Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your preferred seasonings.
2. Arrange in a Microwave-Safe Dish
- Place the tenders in a single layer in your dish – this is super important!
- Don’t stack or overlap them, as this leads to uneven cooking.
- Add about a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the dish to help keep the tenders moist.
3. Cover the Dish
- Use a microwave-safe lid or cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap.
- Leave a small vent for steam to escape.
- This step helps trap moisture and promotes even cooking.
4. Microwave the Chicken
- Start with 2-3 minutes on high power.
- The exact time depends on your microwave’s wattage and the number/thickness of tenders.
- Use this general guide for cooking times:
| Quantity of Tenders | Approximate Cooking Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 tenders | 4 to 5 |
| 3 to 4 tenders | 5 to 6 |
| 5 to 6 tenders | 6 to 7 |
| 7 or more tenders | 7 to 8 |
5. Check and Continue Cooking
- After the initial cooking time, flip the tenders over.
- Rotate the dish 180 degrees to counter your microwave’s hot spots.
- Continue cooking in 30-second intervals, checking after each interval.
6. Verify Temperature
- Use your instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Insert it into the thickest part of each tender.
- The temperature must reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- If not hot enough, continue microwaving in 30-second bursts.
7. Let the Chicken Rest
- Once properly cooked, allow the chicken tenders to rest for 2-3 minutes.
- This resting period allows juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and tender chicken.
Tips for Better Microwaved Chicken Tenders
-
Marinate beforehand: Even a quick 30-minute marinade can significantly improve flavor and juiciness.
-
Add some moisture: A tablespoon of water, broth, or even a drizzle of olive oil helps prevent drying out.
-
Don’t overcook: This is probably the biggest mistake people make. Overcooking results in tough, rubbery chicken.
-
Know your microwave: Higher wattage microwaves cook faster, so adjust your times accordingly.
-
Use a thermometer: I can’t stress this enough – visual cues aren’t reliable for checking doneness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the plate: Always arrange in a single layer.
- Using too high power: While tempting to speed things up, high power can dry out the chicken and cause uneven cooking.
- Skipping temperature checks: Never assume chicken is cooked based on appearance or cooking time alone.
- Forgetting to rotate: Microwaves have hot spots, so rotation is essential.
- Poor cleaning habits: Always thoroughly clean surfaces and utensils that touched raw chicken.
Why My Microwaved Chicken Sometimes Turns Out Rubbery
If your chicken tenders come out with a rubbery texture, you’ve likely overcooked them. Chicken becomes rubbery when cooked beyond the safe internal temperature. Use your thermometer and stop cooking as soon as it reaches 165°F.
Enhancing Flavor After Cooking
Since microwaved chicken won’t have that crispy exterior, consider these serving suggestions:
- Toss in a flavorful sauce after cooking (BBQ, buffalo, etc.)
- Serve with dips like ranch, honey mustard, or sweet chili sauce
- Add to salads, wraps, or grain bowls
- Top with a fresh salsa or relish for brightness
Is Microwaving Better Than Other Methods?
Let me be honest – microwaving isn’t the ideal method for cooking chicken tenders if you’re looking for optimal texture and flavor. Traditional methods like baking, grilling, or frying will give you better results.
However, microwaving has clear advantages:
- It’s extremely quick (under 10 minutes)
- Requires minimal equipment
- Produces less heat in your kitchen
- Uses less energy than heating an oven
- Great for small portions
What About Frozen Chicken Tenders?
While it’s possible to cook frozen chicken tenders in the microwave, it’s not recommended for raw frozen tenders. The uneven thawing and cooking increases food safety risks.
If you have frozen raw tenders, thaw them first:
- Ideally in the refrigerator overnight
- Using the defrost setting on your microwave (stopping when they’re cold but pliable)
- In cold water (sealed in a bag with water changed every 30 minutes)
For pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders (the kind you buy in bags in the freezer section), check the package for microwave instructions. Generally, they’ll need about 2-3 minutes per serving, but always verify with a thermometer.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are actually quite nutritious! A typical 3-ounce serving contains:
- Approximately 120 calories
- 24 grams of protein
- 2 grams of total fat
- 0.5 grams of saturated fat
- Low in carbohydrates
They’re especially beneficial when you’re looking for a quick protein source without a lot of prep work.
Final Thoughts
Microwaving raw chicken tenders isn’t going to win you any culinary awards, but it’s absolutely a practical cooking method when you’re short on time or equipment. Just remember that safety comes first – always check that internal temperature!
I’ve used this method countless times when I’m in a hurry or when my oven is occupied with other dishes. The results are surprisingly good, especially if you’re adding the chicken to another dish like a wrap or salad.
Give it a try next time you need a quick protein source – you might be pleasantly surprised by how well it works!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to cook raw chicken tenders in the microwave?
A: Typically 5-7 minutes for a few tenders, depending on quantity and your microwave’s wattage. Always verify doneness with a thermometer.
Q: Is it safe to cook raw chicken in the microwave?
A: Yes, as long as the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and you follow proper food safety practices.
Q: Can I cook frozen chicken tenders in the microwave?
A: It’s best to thaw raw chicken tenders first. Pre-cooked frozen tenders can often be microwaved directly from frozen.
Q: Why is my microwaved chicken rubbery?
A: Overcooking is the most common cause. Cook only until the chicken reaches the safe temperature of 165°F.
Q: Do I need to add water when microwaving chicken?
A: Adding a small amount of water or broth helps create steam, which keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
Q: How can I make my microwaved chicken taste better?
A: Season well before cooking, avoid overcooking, and consider marinating beforehand or adding sauces after cooking.
Q: Can I get crispy chicken tenders in the microwave?
A: Not really. Microwaves cook with moisture, so you won’t get the crispy exterior that comes from baking or frying.
Tips for Microwaving Chicken
- Cover the chicken while cooking Chicken is a fairly lean protein, so its important to keep all of the naturally occurring fat and juices inside the food. Anyday’s silicone-lined, vented lid makes this easy, trapping all of the chicken’s moisture (and flavor) inside the dish. Any leftover juices at the bottom of the dish can be drizzled over the finished recipe. You can add these juices to leftover shredded chicken breast to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Cook chicken in a flavorful sauce Microwaving chicken in added moisture will certainly prevent dry chicken. Try cooking it in a pre-made sauce (like jarred marinara or simmer sauces) or broth to keep the meat moist. This will create a luscious sauce to serve with rice or pasta. Feel free to whip up your favorite sauce with pantry ingredients, or opt for store-bought curries, salsas, and even beer to enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Lower the power level In some recipes, we might instruct you to lower the power level, especially when it comes to microwaving chicken with grains like rice or pasta. Lowering the power level allows the entire dish to cook more evenly and gently, preventing it from overcooking.
- Arrange the chicken in an even layer Just like cooking chicken on the stove or in the oven, it’s important to space out the meat to make sure it cooks evenly. Arrange individual pieces in a single layer as best as you can in the dish; a Large Shallow dish works best for this. This will allow steam to surround the chicken, cooking it evenly and thoroughly.
- Check and stir halfway through To make sure your chicken is cooking the way its supposed to, pause the microwave halfway through to flip the pieces of meat. You’ll also want to make sure that each piece of chicken chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Get the right tools The secret to the best microwaved chicken? An Anyday dish, of course! The silicone-lined lid creates a tight seal while cooking in the microwave, keeping all of the flavors inside of the dish as it cooks the chicken thoroughly.
Whether you’re looking to cook chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings, we have plenty of recipe ideas for this fan-favorite protein:
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This classic Taiwanese dish uses mostly Asian pantry staples and is a cinch to put together. The name comes from the traditional recipe, which is made using equal parts soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. (The proportions in our version are a little different.) Be sure to make extra rice to soak up that good sauce!
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Cook up hot honey chicken wings in the microwave in under 10 minutes with this simple, flavor-packed recipe. Using Momofukus Chili Crunch Hot Honey, these wings achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Ideal for a quick snack or party appetizer, this microwave-friendly recipe offers craveable results without the fuss.
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Filipino chicken adobo in the microwave is an unexpectedly quick meal that packs a flavorful punch. Made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and whole peppercorns, this dish is savory, tangy, and slightly sweet all at once.
This dinner is a winner! A generous helping of bow-tie pasta and chicken steams all in the same dish. While you have a few extra minutes of downtime, mix up a quick bruschetta with cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil. Finish the dish with fresh arugula for color and plenty of parmesan cheese!
Looking for a quick and easy meal prep recipe that you can enjoy all week long? Look no further than these Chicken Tinga Taco Bowls! Made with fragrant sauce thats whipped up quickly in the microwave, then tossed with shredded chicken, these bowls are perfect for a fun and flavorful meal. Plus, theyre super versatile — enjoy leftovers in quesadillas, on top of nachos, and more for a delicious lunch or dinner thats sure to satisfy.
While this traditional Chinese dish is simple to make, the taste is complex. Savory shaoxing wine (a cooking wine made from fermented rice) draws out the chicken’s natural flavors and juices. They’re lightly enhanced by aromatic scallions, ginger, and soy sauce, perfect for soaking up with steamed rice or a side of vegetables.
Rachel Johnson (she/her) is the Recipe Manager for Anyday. Her first cookbook, Unicorn Food, was published in 2018 and you can find more of her work in Cooking Light Magazine, Bon Appetit, and other outlets. She enjoys pizza, feminism, and creating joy through food.
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- Jul 26, 2024
- by Rachel Johnson
- Jul 26, 2024
- by Rachel Johnson
If you’re looking for a fast and excellent way to cook chicken, look no further than your microwave. Yes — really! Many people think microwaved chicken is dry and rubbery. In reality, microwaving it in an Anyday dish with a vented lid yields juicy, tender chicken that’s certain to change your mind. With the right techniques and delicious recipes, you can enjoy juicy, tender chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings in minutes, cooked — from scratch — in the microwave.
Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time: