How Long to Microwave Chicken Leg Quarters: The Ultimate Guide for Juicy Results Every Time

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.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about cooking chicken leg quarters in the microwave, from how long to cook them to how to prepare them so that they taste almost as good as home-cooked meals.

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:

Leg quarters of chicken are cuts that include both the thigh and drumstick parts of the chicken. They are usually sold with the skin and bones still on. This is great for microwaving because it keeps 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:

1. Microwave Wattage: Higher wattage microwaves cook faster. Most home microwaves range from 700-1200 watts.
2. Size of the Chicken Pieces: Larger quarters take longer to cook.
3. Starting Temperature: Thawed chicken cooks faster than frozen.
4. Number of Pieces: Cooking multiple pieces at once will increase the time needed.

Recommended Cooking Times for Thawed Chicken Leg Quarters:

If you’re cooking from frozen, you’ll need to make these times about 200% longer. 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

Very important: Put the chicken pieces in a dish that can go in the microwave and is big enough so they don’t touch. Dishes made of glass or ceramic work best because they spread heat out more evenly than plastic ones.

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

1. Place the prepared chicken in your covered dish
2. Start by microwaving on medium-high power (70-80%) for about 10 minutes
3. This gentle start helps the chicken cook more evenly

5. Flip and Continue Cooking

1. After the initial cooking, flip the chicken pieces over
2. Continue microwaving at 70-80% power for another 10 minutes
3. This ensures even cooking on both sides

6. Check Temperature and Finish Cooking

1. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer
2. The chicken MUST reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part to be safe
3. 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!

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Note: While microwaving is convenient, please remember that food safety is paramount. Always ensure chicken reaches the proper internal temperature before consuming.