There are countless ways to enjoy the ever-versatile chicken. You could roast a whole chicken or fry up some chicken wings and be guaranteed a delicious meal either way. But by far, the most popular way to enjoy chicken (and a method that is always a hit with the kids) is as chicken nuggets.
For a quick, affordable, and filling meal, using frozen chicken nuggets is a great option. Usually, frozen chicken nuggets are cooked in the oven, but can your microwave be just as quick and effective when you need a speedy snack?
How to Microwave Chicken Nuggets
Depending on the brand of frozen chicken nuggets you buy, there may already be instructions on properly cooking them in the microwave on the packet itself. However, these instructions don’t always account for the variations in microwaves’ power and effectiveness.
Here is a more universally applicable method for microwaving your chicken nuggets:
- Plate Up: Grab a microwave-safe plate and place as many chicken nuggets as you want to cook on it.
- Organize: Space the nuggets out as evenly as possible on the plate, or at the very least, make sure they are not touching each other.
- Set Microwave: Place the nuggets into your microwave and set it to its highest heat setting.
- Microwave: Set a timer for 30 seconds and microwave the nuggets.
- Flip: After 30 seconds, carefully flip all of the nuggets over.
- Microwave Again: Set the microwave for a further 2 minutes and leave the nuggets to cook completely.
- Check: Use a knife to cut into one of the nuggets to check the core temperature. If it is hot to the touch, move on to the next step. But if it is still cold, cook the chicken nuggets in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Rest: Allow up to 1 minute for the chicken nuggets to rest before serving to prevent burning your mouth.
- Enjoy: Then serve up and enjoy!
How to Microwave Chicken Nuggets Successfully
You may think microwaving chicken nuggets is easy, and it really is! But there are still some tips you can use to ensure that your microwaved chicken nuggets are as delicious as possible:
- Defrost Them First: The less moisture your chicken nuggets have when you microwave them, the crispier they will become. Defrost your desired amount of chicken nuggets in the fridge for a few hours before microwaving to prevent the frozen moisture from soaking into the nuggets.
- Even Spacing: To allow enough hot air to evenly cook all of the chicken nuggets, try to space them out as much as possible on the plate before microwaving. This will ensure better airflow between the nuggets, resulting in better cooking.
- Avoid Deep Dishes: Use a flat plate or dish to microwave your chicken nuggets to ensure that the microwave’s heat can properly reach all the chicken nuggets simultaneously. Cooking the nuggets in a bowl or deep dish will take longer and make them soggier than they should be.
Why You Should Microwave Chicken Nuggets
Still not sold on microwaving those frozen nuggets you’ve had stuffed in the back of your freezer for months? Here are a few reasons why you absolutely should!
Speedy Cooking
Usually, chicken nuggets require 10-15 minutes in the oven or air fryer to cook through. But in your microwave, you will not need to wait longer than 5 minutes to have perfectly hot, delicious chicken nuggets.
Speedy Even When Frozen
If you forget to defrost your chicken nuggets before microwaving them, you will not have to wait much longer to enjoy your snack. Microwaving frozen chicken nuggets takes far less time than cooking them in the oven.
Minimal Mess
The best thing about a chicken nugget dinner is that it is a hassle-free way to fill up after a busy day. Microwaving your chicken nuggets only adds to that effortless dinner as you can cook and serve the chicken nuggets on the same plate or dish, reducing the mess you have to deal with.
Why You Shouldn’t Microwave Chicken Nuggets
Like all products that are typically cooked in an oven, there are some drawbacks to microwaving chicken nuggets:
Lack Of Crisp
The biggest downfall to cooking chicken nuggets in a microwave is that they will be less crispy than if you cook them in the oven or air fryer. The heat of a microwave works differently from other kitchen appliances, making it hard for dampness to escape the microwave as it heats up your food. The result will be a chicken nugget that is more soggy than crispy.
Limited Space
Chicken nuggets can be a lifesaver when you have a handful of hungry kids waiting to be fed. However, your microwave will only have limited space. Depending on its size, you may only be able to cook 1-3 servings of chicken nuggets at a time.
Not A Whole Meal
Typically, when cooking chicken nuggets in an oven, you will cook some chips or side dishes to make the meal more filling. However, due to the small size of a microwave, you won’t be able to cook a whole meal at once, which defeats the purpose of using the microwave as an effortless way to cook chicken nuggets.
Microwaving Chicken Nuggets FAQs
If you have more questions about microwaving nuggets, take a look at these common queries:
- Can I add seasoning to the nuggets before microwaving them?
- Yes! Feel free to season the nuggets before microwaving for added flavor.
- Can I microwave chicken nuggets with sauce?
- It’s best to add the sauce after microwaving to maintain the nuggets’ texture.
- Can I reheat leftover chicken nuggets in the microwave?
- Absolutely! Microwaving is a convenient way to reheat leftover nuggets.
For more tips and tricks on cooking and enjoying microwaved chicken nuggets, visit Ekilove. Happy microwaving!
