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.
Do you ever look at a package of raw chicken tenders and wonder how to quickly cook them without turning on the oven? I know the feeling! You can cook chicken tenders in the microwave, which can be very helpful on busy weeknights when you need a quick and tasty meal.
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.
There is no way around the most important safety rule: chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill bacteria.
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
Too much cooking time will cause your chicken tenders to have a rubbery texture. Chicken becomes rubbery when cooked beyond the safe internal temperature. When the thermometer reads 165°F, you should stop cooking.
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?
To be honest, microwaving chicken tenders isn’t the best way to cook them if you want the best texture and flavor. It will turn out better if you use traditional methods like baking, grilling, or frying.
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 it’s cooking. Chicken is a pretty lean protein, so it’s important to keep all of the fat and juices that come from the chicken inside. This is easy to do with Anyday’s silicone-lined, vented lid, which keeps all the chicken’s moisture (and flavor) inside the dish. You can drizzle the finished recipe with any juices that are left at the bottom of the dish. You can keep shredded chicken breast moist and tasty by adding these juices to it.
- Cook chicken in a tasty sauce. If you microwave chicken with extra water, it will never be dry. To keep the meat moist, cook it in broth or a ready-made sauce like marinara or simmer sauces in a jar. This will make a delicious sauce that you can put on pasta or rice. You can make your favorite sauce with things you already have in your pantry, or you can buy curries, salsas, or even beer to make your dish taste better.
- In some recipes, we may tell you to lower the power level. This is especially important when cooking chicken with grains like rice or pasta in the microwave. Lowering the power level lets the whole dish cook more slowly and evenly, which keeps it from getting too done.
- Lay the chicken out in a single layer. Just like when you cook chicken on the stove or in the oven, you need to give the meat room to cook evenly. As best you can, arrange the pieces in the dish in a single layer. A large shallow dish works best for this. This will let steam surround the chicken and cook it all the way through.
- Check and stir every half hour. To make sure the chicken is cooking right, take it out of the microwave every half hour to flip the meat over. You should also make sure that the temperature inside each chicken breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Get the right tools. An Anyday dish is the key to the best microwaved chicken, of course! The silicone-lined lid makes a tight seal while cooking in the microwave, which keeps all the flavors inside the dish while the chicken cooks all the way through.
Whether you’re looking to cook chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings, we have plenty of recipe ideas for this fan-favorite protein:
Coq au Vin in 20 minutes? Julia Child would never be able to do that! The chicken drumsticks cook beautifully in the microwave with root vegetables and a rich red wine sauce. For a more intense color and flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Enjoy this quick and tasty Coq au Vin, which is great for busy nights! You can make this dish ahead of time and eat it later, because the flavors keep getting better the longer it sits in the fragrant sauce, up to three days.
Chicken thighs are cooked in a spicy, aromatic tomato sauce in this classic dish. Its strong flavor comes from garam masala, an old Indian spice that is sweet, spicy, and fragrant all at the same time. Finish with cream and butter for a rich, hearty meal.
This straightforward take on the classic Hainanese dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Chef Daves quick rice technique is a great way to cook both rice and chicken at the same time. The ginger and scallion sauce makes for the perfect bright and savory addition to this simple and delicious dish.
Raise your wine glass! This Tuscan-inspired recipe comes together in one dish, serving up a decadent weeknight dinner in minutes, straight out of the microwave. Chicken cooks to perfection in the creamy, garlicky sauce — great for dipping crusty bread or tossing with hot pasta.
This one-dish meal is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are simmered in stock thats soaked up by a light (but filling) orzo pasta. Our favorite part: when heated, the crumbled feta softens into pockets of salty, creamy goodness. Serve it with a garnish of mint for a fresh summer meal.
Quickstart this comforting one-dish meal by making the creamy filling, loaded with chicken and veggies, in the microwave. Top it with a sheet of puff pastry and finish it off in the oven for highly delicious results.
Ideal for those lazy days when you crave a warm, nourishing meal but have little time or energy to cook, this microwave chicken noodle soup is a lifesaver. Using pre-cooked chicken, store-bought broth, and your microwave, you can whip up a cozy bowl of this comforting classic in no time. All of the ingredients (including the noodles!) simmer together for 15 minutes or less. Sure, you can probably open a can in less time, but we guarantee this soup will nourish you back to health better than any can ever could.
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!
Things every adult needs: a savings account, a matching sheet set, and this staple chicken dish for everything from school nights to date nights to dinner parties. (We promise it’s way more exciting than savings and sheets!)
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.
Tender chicken is coated in simple — and simply delicious — teriyaki sauce, made from soy sauce, sake, and mirin (a Japanese rice wine that adds subtle sweetness). Garlic and ginger add zing, while toasted sesame oil rounds out the dish with a bit of nuttiness.
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.
Your cart is currently empty.
Not sure where to start? Try these collections:
This site uses cookies for better user experience and analytics.
- 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: