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How to Microwave Chicken Drumsticks

Perfectly cooked chicken drumsticks made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing tender and juicy meat. This method ensures evenly cooked chicken drumsticks, ideal for enjoying as a main dish or adding to various recipes.
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Prep Time

2 mins

Cook Time

6-7 mins

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How to Microwave Chicken Drumsticks

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Cooking chicken drumsticks in the microwave isn't just fast; it's a way to keep the meat tender and juicy. Forget the dry, tough chicken of the past; this is about moist, fall-off-the-bone goodness that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about microwave cooking.

Missing that crispy skin? Fry up the cooked drumsticks in a hot pan, or finish under the broiler for added texture. You can also try finishing drumsticks over a hot grill for 1-2 minutes per side.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

2 drumsticks
  • 2 drumsticks
  • 4 drumsticks
  • 6 drumsticks
  • 8 drumsticks
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

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Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 drumstick pieces
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Preparation

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then place the drumsticks in an Anyday dish and pierce the skin all over with a fork.
  2. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 6
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 6-7 minutes, or until the meat is firm and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reads at least 165°F.
  4. If the chicken is not fully cooked, add 2-3 more minutes at the same power level until done.

Suggestions

  • Bold barbecue: Season with chili powder, salt, and pepper, and finish on a hot grill for a nice charred flavor.
  • Honey mustard: Brush with honey mustard and finish under the broiler.
  • Ginger soy: Mix with soy sauce, grated ginger, and freshly sliced scallion. Enjoy steamed white rice or charred bok choy.
  • Buffalo: Toss with buffalo sauce and melted butter. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and a side of veggies.

Recipe Notes

  • Poking holes into the surface of the chicken will allow moisture to escape. Otherwise, you may hear loud popping sounds as the chicken cooks. 
  • You can cook unthawed frozen drumsticks. Simply follow the directions in the recipe and add 2-4 more minutes depending on size and amount.
  • Frozen chicken cooks better when the pieces are frozen independently and not in a block. If the chicken is frozen together, add more time at the same power level.
  • When cooking in the Extra Large dish, you may need to add extra cooking time to compensate for the larger size or increase the power level by 1.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Chicken Drumsticks

See for yourself— microwaving chicken drumsticks is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 6-7 mins
Grill* 25-30 mins
Stovetop* 25-30 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 20 mins
*Includes preheat time
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All You Need to Know About Microwaving Chicken Drumsticks

How long does it take to cook chicken drumsticks in the microwave?

Ingredient Power Level Cook Time
2 drumstick pieces 6 6-7 mins
4 drumstick pieces 6 10-12 mins
6 drumstick pieces 6 12-14 mins
8 drumstick pieces 7 15-16 mins
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

It typically takes around 3-5 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in the microwave. To tell when this part of the chicken is cooked through, look for white (not pink) meat. The chicken should be juicy with no pink areas. You can also use an internal thermometer to check! It should read at least 165°F.

Can you cook frozen chicken drumsticks in the microwave?

Cooking chicken drumsticks from frozen is very easy! Just make sure the pieces are broken apart and not stuck together in one block. When cooking from frozen, we always recommend lowering the power level. It adds a few extra minutes of cooking time, but it’s necessary to defrost and cook without drying out the meat.

When cooking chicken drumsticks from frozen, consider microwaving them in a flavorful sauce, such as a store-bought curry. When you store foods in the freezer, there’s always a chance that the meat has dried out. When simmering something flavorful, you won’t notice the difference!

Why do I need to pierce the surface of the chicken before cooking in the microwave?

The cooking process makes the molecules of water in the chicken heat up very quickly. This creates steam vapor, which can make loud noises as it escapes the protein. Piercing the surface of the chicken with a fork all over will reduce this noise.

How to freeze cooked chicken drumsticks?

To freeze chicken drumsticks, first, cook the chicken as desired. Allow to cool completely and transfer the drumsticks to an airtight container or freezer bag in a single layer. For best results, remove the meat from the bone before freezing. Freeze in an air-tight container for up to 2 months.

How to reheat frozen cooked chicken?

To reheat the frozen cooked chicken, put it into a microwaveable container, preferably an Anyday dish, cover it with the lid (knob lifted), and cook in the microwave for 2-3 minutes for 2 pieces, or until heated through. You might consider adding a splash of chicken stock for best results.

Want more chicken recipes?

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