How Long to Microwave Chicken Thighs: The Complete Guide That Won’t Leave You With Food Poisoning

If you’re hungry after a long day and think, “Could I just throw those chicken thighs in the microwave?” I know the feeling! Microwaving chicken thighs is a quick way to get them ready when you’re in a hurry, but you have to do it right to avoid the horrible “rubber chicken syndrome” or, even worse, food poisoning.

I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about how to safely microwave chicken thighs in this article.

The Short Answer: Microwave Time for Chicken Thighs

For those who just want the quick facts here’s what you need to know

• Boneless chicken thighs: About 6-8 minutes for 3 thighs
• Bone-in chicken thighs: Approximately 8-10 minutes for 3 thighs
• Always check internal temperature: Must reach 165°F (74°C)

But wait! Don’t just set your timer and walk away. There’s more to it than that.

Is Microwaving Chicken Thighs Even a Good Idea?

To be honest, microwaving chicken thighs isn’t the best way to cook them. Food heats up unevenly in the microwave, and chicken thighs aren’t all the same size or shape. But sometimes we’re in a pinch, right?.

Microwaving has some pros:

• Super fast compared to conventional methods
• Doesn’t require preheating
• Minimal cleanup

And some definite cons:

• Can dry out the meat easily
• Often results in rubbery texture
• Doesn’t create that yummy crispy skin
• Uneven cooking can be a food safety risk

Step-by-Step Guide to Microwaving Chicken Thighs

If you’re committed to the microwave method, here’s how to get the best results:

What You’ll Need:

• 3 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• Microwave-safe dish with lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap
• Meat thermometer
• Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings
• Optional: 2-3 tablespoons of broth or water

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the chicken thighs
   Remove the chicken from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. This helps reduce steam which can make the chicken rubbery.

2. Season generously
   Season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. The microwave can diminish flavors, so don’t be shy!

3. Arrange properly
   Place the thighs in a microwave-safe dish in a single layer, with the thickest parts facing outward. If using bone-in thighs, position the bones toward the center.

4. Add moisture
   Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth, water, or even a little lemon juice in the dish to help prevent drying.

5. Cover the dish
   Use a microwave-safe lid or cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.

Cooking Process:

1. Start with a medium power setting
   Using 70-80% power instead of full power helps cook the chicken more evenly.

2. Initial cooking time

   • For 3 boneless thighs: Start with 4 minutes
   • For 3 bone-in thighs: Start with 5 minutes

3. Flip and rotate
   Stop the microwave, carefully flip each thigh, and rotate the dish. This helps with even cooking.

4. Continue cooking

   • For boneless: Cook for another 2-4 minutes
   • For bone-in: Cook for another 3-5 minutes

5. Check temperature
   Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. This is SUPER important! Don’t skip this step unless you enjoy trips to the emergency room.

6. Rest the meat
   Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

What if my chicken is still raw in some areas?

If you find some parts are still under 165°F, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments, checking after each interval. Focus the thermometer on the thickest parts.

My chicken turned out dry and rubbery!

Next time:

• Don’t overcook (use a thermometer!)
• Add more liquid to the dish
• Use a lower power setting
• Consider using the microwave just to partially cook, then finish in a pan

The outside is cooked but the inside is still raw

This is a common microwave issue. Try:

• Cutting the thighs into smaller, more uniform pieces
• Using a lower power setting for longer time
• Letting the chicken come to room temperature before microwaving (but don’t leave it out for more than 20 minutes for safety)

Alternative Quick-Cooking Methods for Chicken Thighs

If you’ve got a few extra minutes, consider these alternatives that produce way better results:

• Pan-searing: Takes about 12-15 minutes total and gives you crispy skin
• Air fryer: 18-20 minutes at 380°F for bone-in (less for boneless)
• Instant Pot: About 10 minutes on high pressure plus release time
• Broiler: 6-8 minutes per side for a quick char

Food Safety Reminders

When your dealing with chicken, food safety ain’t optional:

• Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F
• Don’t leave raw chicken at room temperature for more than 20 minutes
• Clean all surfaces that touched raw chicken with hot, soapy water
• Don’t reuse plates or utensils that touched raw chicken without washing

My Personal Experience

I’ve tried microwaving chicken thighs a few times when I was in a major hurry. Honestly? It works in a pinch, but I wouldn’t recommend it as your go-to method. The texture just ain’t the same as properly cooked chicken.

One time I was running super late for a potluck and tried to microwave some thighs. They came out… edible. But my friends definitely noticed the difference between those and the ones I usually bring that are oven-roasted. Let’s just say I haven’t lived that down yet!

Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

Microwaving chicken thighs can save you time in a pinch, but at a cost to flavor and texture. If you absolutely must use the microwave:

• Keep the pieces similar in size
• Use medium power
• Add moisture
• Check temperature in multiple spots
• Be prepared for less-than-ideal results

In my humble opinion, if you can spare just 10-15 minutes more, alternative methods like pan-searing will give you dramatically better results. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!

But hey, we all have those days where time is just not on our side. On those days, at least now you know how to microwave chicken thighs without poisoning yourself or chewing on rubber!

Have you tried microwaving chicken thighs before? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your microwave cooking adventures in the comments below!