HOW TO DEFROST CHICKEN IN THE MICROWAVE IN MINUTES
The versatility of chicken makes it a staple ingredient in a range of dishes, from savory soups to mouthwatering salads. When time is of the essence, and you’re eager to prepare a chicken dish, using the microwave to defrost can be instrumental. Whether you’re planning a hearty chicken curry, a sizzling barbecue or a comforting chicken pot pie, knowing how to quickly and correctly defrost chicken in minutes can be a game-changer. Read on to learn how to defrost chicken in the microwave.
HOW DOES MICROWAVE DEFROST WORK?
The defrost function on a microwave cycles the magnetron—which emits high-frequency microwaves to heat food—on and off. This reduces the microwave’s power to 20-30%. Other microwave settings use higher power levels, running the appliance at 100% power.
Some models, like the KitchenAid® 30" 1000-Watt Microwave Hood Combination, offer the option to input the weight or type of food you intend to defrost, automatically calculating the optimal defrosting time based on this information.
HOW MANY MINUTES DOES IT TAKE TO THAW CHICKEN IN THE MICROWAVE?
Typically, chicken should be defrosted for 8-10 minutes per pound when the microwave’s power level is between 20-30%. This defrosting time might also depend on the cut of the chicken.
MICROWAVE THAWING TIMES FOR DIFFERENT WEIGHTS OF CHICKEN
When it comes to defrosting chicken in the microwave, the amount of time it takes depends on the weight of the chicken. Continue reading to learn the recommended microwave defrost times for different weights of chicken, and keep in mind that the cut of chicken may also affect defrosting.
WEIGHT |
APPROXIMATE DEFROST TIME |
|---|---|
| 1 lb | 8-10 minutes |
| 1.5 lbs | 12-15 minutes |
| 2 lbs | 16-20 minutes |
| 2.5 lbs | 20-25 minutes |
| 3 lbs | 25-30 minutes |
HOW TO DEFROST CHICKEN IN THE MICROWAVE
Thawing chicken in the microwave is a straightforward process that can save you time before you start making your favorite chicken-based recipes, from Chicken Lo Mein to Chicken Tacos. Follow the guide below to learn how to defrost chicken in the microwave.
STEP 1: PREP THE CHICKEN
Begin by taking the chicken out of its original packaging. Before discarding the packaging, note the chicken’s weight. You can also use a food scale for precise measurement, which will come in handy when using the Defrost setting.
STEP 2: CHOOSE A MICROWAVE-SAFE CONTAINER
Select a microwave-safe container for defrosting the chicken. Suitable options include glass or ceramic dishes, or plastic storage containers. Some zipper-top bags may also be microwave-safe, but it’s essential to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe usage.
STEP 3: SET THE DEFROST PARAMETERS
Many types of microwaves have a preset Defrost setting. This setting typically prompts you to specify the type of food (poultry or meat) and the weight, after which it automatically initiates the defrost cycle. If your microwave doesn’t have a Defrost setting, a general rule of thumb is to Defrost at a low power level (around 20-30%) for approximately 8-10 minutes per pound of chicken. Remember that specific defrosting times may vary based on your microwave’s wattage, so consult your owner’s manual for precise instructions.
STEP 4: ROTATE AND FLIP THE CHICKEN
To ensure even thawing, periodically pause the microwave and carefully flip the chicken. If your microwave doesn’t have a turntable, you can also use this opportunity to manually rotate the container to help promote even defrosting.
STEP 5: COOK IMMEDIATELY
It’s crucial to start cooking the chicken immediately after it has defrosted in the microwave. Microwave thawing may not always result in uniform defrosting, and the chicken can begin to warm up enough to facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria. To prevent bacterial development, promptly remove the chicken from the microwave and cook it.
WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO THAW CHICKEN QUICKLY?
When defrosting chicken, you have alternative options besides the microwave. You can also thaw chicken in the refrigerator or by immersing it in a cold water bath. If your chicken has been left at room temperature for over 20 minutes, use these alternative thawing methods instead of the microwave.
DO YOU HAVE TO USE CHICKEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEFROSTING?
If you’re thawing chicken in the fridge, you don’t necessarily have to use chicken immediately after defrosting, but you should use it within one or two days, according to the USDA, to ensure its safety and quality. Chicken that is defrosted in the microwave needs to be cooked immediately.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® MICROWAVES
With features on select models such as the EasyConvect™ Conversion System to take the guesswork out of cooking, and Crispwave™ Technology and Crisper Pan to grill, fry and cook with convection, KitchenAid® microwaves help you focus on creativity. Explore microwaves in various finishes and capacities that fit your space and culinary endeavors.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MICROWAVE COOKING WITH KITCHENAID BRAND
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