Quick Microwave Chicken Breasts
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you forget to thaw your chicken! Using individually quick frozen (IQF) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can have a succulent and juicy meal ready in no time. The microwave method retains moisture and allows you to cook the chicken from frozen without compromising flavor. The leftover water transforms into a flavorful broth that can be used as a base in soups, sauces, or gravies. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the wattage of your microwave. Enjoy this convenient cooking method and savor perfectly tender chicken with minimal fuss!
N/A
Servings
440
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
IQF boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (frozen)
Water
1/2-2 cups (added to cover chicken)
Instructions
1
Layer the frozen chicken breasts in a round pie or casserole dish, trying to fit as many on the bottom as possible.
2
Pour in enough water to cover the top layer of chicken breasts at least halfway.
3
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or with saran wrap to trap steam.
4
Microwave on high for 10 minutes. After the timer goes off, allow the chicken to sit for about 3 minutes to let the steam settle (be cautious of the hot steam!).
5
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the dish and transfer them to a separate plate.
6
Cover the remaining frozen breasts again and microwave for an additional 3-4 minutes, checking the doneness and thickness as necessary.
7
Once fully cooked, shred or slice the chicken to your liking and use it in your favorite recipes. The residual water will have turned into a flavorful broth that can be saved for later use.
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
0
Carbs
82
Protein
0
Fiber
120
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook the chicken directly from frozen?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to use individually quick frozen (IQF) chicken breasts without thawing first.
How much water is needed?
You should use between 1/2 to 2 cups of water, enough to cover the top layer of chicken breasts at least halfway.
What is the initial microwave cooking time?
The chicken should be microwaved on high for an initial 10 minutes.
Why must the chicken sit for 3 minutes after microwaving?
Allowing the chicken to sit lets the steam settle and helps ensure the chicken is cooked through evenly.
What type of dish is recommended?
A round pie or casserole dish is recommended to properly layer the chicken breasts.
Can I use the leftover cooking liquid?
Yes, the leftover water transforms into a flavorful broth that is perfect for soups, sauces, or gravies.
Is it safe to use saran wrap in the microwave for this?
Yes, you can use saran wrap or a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam necessary for cooking.
How many calories are in this recipe?
This recipe contains 440 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
There are 82 grams of protein in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain any carbohydrates?
No, this recipe contains 0 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in these chicken breasts?
The recipe contains 9 grams of fat.
Is there any fiber in this meal?
No, the fiber content is 0 grams.
What is the sodium content?
The recipe contains 120 milligrams of sodium.
What should I do if the chicken is still frozen after 10 minutes?
You should microwave the remaining frozen breasts for an additional 3-4 minutes, checking for doneness.
Can I shred the chicken after it is cooked?
Yes, once fully cooked, the chicken can be shredded or sliced to your preference.
Why does the cooking time vary?
Cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the specific wattage of your microwave.
What kind of chicken does the recipe require?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy meal prep option and is great for quick weeknight dinners.
Does the chicken stay juicy in the microwave?
Yes, the microwave method combined with trapped steam helps the chicken retain moisture.
How should I layer the chicken in the dish?
You should try to fit as many breasts as possible on the bottom of the dish in a single layer.
What happens to the water during cooking?
The water boils and steams the chicken, absorbing juices to become a broth.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No sugar is listed in the nutritional profile for this recipe.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
This specific recipe is designed for boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Is this recipe low-carb friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-carb recipe.
What safety precautions should I take?
Be very cautious of hot steam when removing the lid or saran wrap after cooking.
How much chicken does this recipe use?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of chicken breasts.
Can I use the broth for gravy?
Yes, the broth created during cooking is an excellent base for gravies.
Is this considered a healthy cooking method?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy cooking as it uses water for steaming rather than heavy oils.
How many ingredients are needed?
Only two ingredients are needed: frozen chicken breasts and water.
What is IQF?
IQF stands for Individually Quick Frozen, which prevents the chicken breasts from sticking together in one large block.