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 breaststhighsdrumsticks, or wings in minutes, cooked — from scratch — in the microwave.

 

Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time:

 

Tips for Microwaving Chicken

  1. Cover the chicken while cooking

    Chicken is a fairly lean protein, so its important to keep all of the naturally occurring fat and juices inside the food. Anyday’s silicone-lined, vented lid makes this easy, trapping all of the chicken’s moisture (and flavor) inside the dish. Any leftover juices at the bottom of the dish can be drizzled over the finished recipe. You can add these juices to leftover shredded chicken breast to keep it moist and flavorful.

  2. Cook chicken in a flavorful sauce

    Microwaving chicken in added moisture will certainly prevent dry chicken. Try cooking it in a pre-made sauce (like jarred marinara or simmer sauces) or broth to keep the meat moist. This will create a luscious sauce to serve with rice or pasta. Feel free to whip up your favorite sauce with pantry ingredients, or opt for store-bought curries, salsas, and even beer to enhance the flavor of your dish.

  3. Lower the power level

    In some recipes, we might instruct you to lower the power level, especially when it comes to microwaving chicken with grains like rice or pasta. Lowering the power level allows the entire dish to cook more evenly and gently, preventing it from overcooking.

  4. Arrange the chicken in an even layer

    Just like cooking chicken on the stove or in the oven, it’s important to space out the meat to make sure it cooks evenly. Arrange individual pieces in a single layer as best as you can in the dish; a Large Shallow dish works best for this. This will allow steam to surround the chicken, cooking it evenly and thoroughly.

  5. Check and stir halfway through

    To make sure your chicken is cooking the way its supposed to, pause the microwave halfway through to flip the pieces of meat. You’ll also want to make sure that each piece of chicken chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  6. Get the right tools

    The secret to the best microwaved chicken? An Anyday dish, of course! The silicone-lined lid creates a tight seal while cooking in the microwave, keeping all of the flavors inside of the dish as it cooks the chicken thoroughly.

 

Whether you’re looking to cook chicken breaststhighsdrumsticks, or wings, we have plenty of recipe ideas for this fan-favorite protein:

Recommended Recipes

Old Image

Coq au Vin in 20 minutes? Julia Child could never! Using the Anyday dish, the chicken drumsticks braise beautifully in the microwave with a rich red wine sauce and root vegetables. For a more intense color and flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Enjoy this quick and flavorful Coq au Vin, perfect for busy nights! This dish is ideal for making ahead and enjoying later, as its flavors continue to intensify and enhance the longer it sits in the aromatic sauce or up to 3 days.

Get the recipe
Old Image

Chicken thighs are cooked in a spicy, aromatic tomato sauce in this classic dish. The curry gets its deep flavor from garam masala, a traditional Indian spice that’s sweet, spicy, and fragrant all at once. Finish with cream and butter for a rich, hearty meal.

Get the recipe
Old Image

This straightforward take on the classic Hainanese dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Chef Dave's 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.

Get the recipe
Old Image

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.

Get the recipe
Old Image

This one-dish meal is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are simmered in stock that's 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.

Get the recipe
Old Image

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.

Get the recipe
Old Image

Ask any football fan and they'll tell you that this spread is a halftime must. Mix shredded rotisserie chicken with cream cheese, spicy and tangy Buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and even more cheese to make this classic party dip.

Get the recipe
Old Image

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.

Get the recipe
Old Image

This recipe was inspired by the milk-poached chicken from Christopher Kimball's Milk Street. This surprising recipe cooks lean chicken in milk, resulting in a decadent dish that defies everything you thought you knew about the microwave. Lowering the power level prevents the protein from tightening, cooking the chicken gently and evenly. Whisk cold butter into the remaining milk for a luscious sauce that emulsifies in just a few seconds.

Get the recipe
Old Image

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!

Get the recipe
Old Image

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!)

Get the recipe
Old Image

Cook up hot honey chicken wings in the microwave in under 10 minutes with this simple, flavor-packed recipe. Using Momofuku's 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.

Get the recipe
Old Image

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.

Get the recipe
Old Image

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.

Get the recipe
Old Image

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!

Get the recipe
Old Image

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 that's whipped up quickly in the microwave, then tossed with shredded chicken, these bowls are perfect for a fun and flavorful meal. Plus, they're super versatile — enjoy leftovers in quesadillas, on top of nachos, and more for a delicious lunch or dinner that's sure to satisfy.

Get the recipe
Old Image

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.

Get the recipe
Old Image

Warm and cozy, this chicken and egg dish is comfort food made easy. Dashi is best to complement the other flavors of this recipe. You can use store bought (we like Hondashi granules) or chicken stock in a pinch.

Get the recipe
Old Image

Homemade chicken stock traditionally takes hours of simmering on the stove. Our version unlocks that flavor in a fraction of the time, using onion powder, bay leaf, garlic, and peppercorns to add depth. Use it to uplevel rice, stews, and sauces.

Get the recipe
Old Image

Loaded with diced chicken thighs and spiced with turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and saffron, this basmati rice dish is a one-dish wonder.

Get the recipe
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rachel Johnson

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.

The Latest From Anyday

A Target store exterior with the red Target logo mounted on a beige brick wall. The bright blue sky contrasts with the bold red lettering.
  • by Rachel Johnson

The 13 Best Target Items To Cook In Your Microwave

With Anyday dishes and a Target grocery haul filled with fresh meats, produce, and pantry staples, you can pull together quick, satisfying meals without the hassle.

13 Genius Tips to Make The Most Out Of Your Freezer
  • by Rachel Johnson

13 Genius Tips to Make The Most Out Of Your Freezer

Your freezer isn’t just a place to stash forgotten leftovers; it’s a powerful tool that can streamline meal prep, cut down on food waste, and make weeknight dinners a breeze.

12 Easy Microwave Soup Recipes for Chilly Weather
  • by Rachel Johnson

12 Easy Microwave Soup Recipes for Chilly Weather

When the air turns crisp, there’s something so comforting about warming up with a homemade bowl of soup. And the best part? It turns out that don’t have to stand over a stove for hours to make that a reality!...