Can you cook raw chicken in the microwave?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “can you cook raw chicken in a microwave” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can cook raw chicken in the microwave. Moreover, we are going to highlight the measures one should take into consideration while using this method.
Can you cook raw chicken in the microwave?
Yes, you can have raw chicken in the microwave. If you do not have a stove or you want to avoid the mess made while preparing raw chicken on the stove, you may cook the raw chicken in a microwave.
How to cook raw chicken in the microwave?
- Before cooking chicken in the microwave, make sure that it is thawed completely.
- To avoid the grease splattering in the microwave, cut off all the fats on the surface. Place the chicken pieces (3 chicken breasts) in a microwave-safe container with the thickest parts on the edge of the dish and add ½ cup of chicken broth.
- Add seasonings of your choice.
- Cover the chicken with a microwave-safe container lid or oven cooking bag and place the bowl in the microwave.
- Turn on the microwave and set it on medium power. Cook the chicken for at least 6 minutes.
- After 6 minutes, turn the side of the chicken or stir the contents of the bowl to allow the even distribution of heat.
- Now, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken (check at the thickest parts) which should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is not enough, cook the raw chicken for one more minute or until desired internal temperature is obtained.
- Take out the dish from the microwave and serve.
How does the microwave heat food?
The microwave warms the food by using radiation. The radiation increases the kinetic energy of the food molecules and as a result of the movement of these molecules, the food warms.
Now when the energy level of the water molecules present in the food increases, they turn into steam. This condensed steam can resultantly make the food chewy or dry.
You can read how to make microwave oven-fried chicken here.
Measures to be considered
Safety:
Food items contain different microorganisms naturally that can cause diseases in humans when ingested. The best way to get rid of these small entities is to heat the food to a temperature that can kill the microorganisms and reduce their levels in food.
The internal temperature considered safe for chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, one should be careful in treating the chicken patties with heat and ensure that the internal temperature should reach a safe level.
Cold spots:
Due to the uneven distribution of heat within the microwave ovens, some parts of the food material placed inside, such as raw chicken, may not be able to get heated at an internal temperature that is considered safe and forms cold spots.
These cold spots may contain microorganisms due to insufficient heat for killing them as well as may impart spoiled flavor to the overall product. The only solution is to cover the food placed in the microwave with a microwave-safe lid so that heat may remain intact in the container for some time and cook all the parts of the food and stir or flip your food at regular time intervals for even heat distribution throughout the food.
Harmful radiations:
Some people might also think that microwaves emit harmful radiation that may cause diseases. This is completely wrong. Microwave ovens produce electromagnetic radiation that is considered harmful but the internal manufactured structure of the microscope does not allow these rays to damage the food.
Furthermore, these rays also cannot come out of the oven due to the metal sheets and metal screens over the window.
It is worth mentioning that microwaved raw chicken should not be consumed right after removing from the oven as radiation may take time to be reduced. Let it stand for about 2-3 minutes.
The nutritional content of microwaved foods:
Heating is involved in almost every cooking method that can affect the nutritional content of the food to different extents. Another factor contributing to this is the cooking time. In the case of microwave cooking, it cooks the food for only a short period.
Additionally, boiling is not involved in this method that may seep out the nutrients from the raw chicken. Therefore, microwaves are thought to be effective in maintaining the nutritional value of raw chicken.
Burning of raw chicken:
The temperature should also be controlled in terms of excessive heat treatment as overheating can burn the food contents inside the microwaves. Moreover, the temperature in the microwave rises quickly as compared to that of the stove, so one should be cautious while cooking the raw chicken in the microwave.
Cooking time variations with regard to power:
Microwave ovens may vary in terms of power and the food in the microwave with less power should be heated for a bit longer as compared to the food heated in the microwave with greater power. The only solution is to check the safe internal cooking temperature while cooking the raw chicken in the microwave oven.
Reheating of raw chicken:
Reheating multiple times in a microwave oven may affect the flavors and aromas of the raw chicken. Therefore, one should avoid reheating as it may reduce the overall appeal and acceptability of the product.
Other FAQs about Chicken that you may be interested in.
How long can you keep the frozen chicken in the fridge?
How long do chicken nuggets last in the fridge?
How long can you eat rotisserie chicken?
Conclusion:
In this brief guide, we answered the question “can you cook raw chicken in a microwave” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can cook raw chicken in the microwave. Moreover, we highlighted the measures one should take into consideration while using this method.
