Can You Defrost Cooked Chicken in the Microwave?

Cooking frozen chicken may result in an outside that is cooked but the center which is not, potentially containing hazardous pathogens.

There are a lot of methods out there for defrosting chicken. You can use the refrigerator, the sink, or even the microwave.

But can you actually defrost cooked chicken in the microwave? Yes, you can defrost cooked chicken in the microwave. In fact, it’s one of the easiest and quickest ways to do it. 

Begin with removing all of the chicken’s packaging and placing it on a microwave-safe platter. Heat the chicken for 6-8 minutes for 1 pound in the microwave on low power mode.

How many times has this happened that you cooked your chicken meal and deep-froze it for later use? Then you must have faced the problem of defrosting it at the time when you need to prepare it instantly.

In this article, we will discuss how to defrost cooked chicken in the microwave, as well as the pros and cons of doing so.

We’ll also give you some tips on other ways to defrost cooked chicken if you don’t have a microwave. Stay tuned!

How to Defrost Chicken in the Microwave

Heating in the microwave is a common method for thawing frozen chicken because it is rapid and easy.

When defrosting in the microwave, be especially careful not to keep it in there for too long or in the wrong setting, as this might make the chicken dangerous to eat.

• Put the chicken on a microwave-friendly plate and defrost for one minute at a time using the defrost setting. It’s better to put one or two pieces at a time.
• You should not keep them in there for more than 10 minutes.
• Remember to check the chicken frequently to see if it has defrosted.
• It’s especially important not to keep the chicken in the microwave for too long because you don’t want it to cook.
• Even if your microwave doesn’t have a button, you can defrost chicken in it by setting the power to 30% and using the low power to thaw the frozen meat.

When using this method, keep in mind that you must cook your chicken right away after defrosting it.

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How Long to Defrost Your Chicken in the Microwave

It will take less time to defrost a whole chicken if your microwave has an excellent and effective defrosting feature.

The minimum time you need to defrost the chicken in the microwave is usually three minutes, but it depends on the size of the chicken.

It is important to make sure that the chicken is completely thawed before cooking it, as microwaving partially frozen chicken can cause bacteria to grow.

All of this still results in a significantly faster defrosting time than any other approach, with a defrosting period of roughly 10-15 minutes for a standard roasted chicken.

Throughout the defrosting process, keep an eye on the chicken to ensure that it is defrosting evenly and not overcooking. 

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Eating Your Frozen Cooked Chicken in the Microwave for Longer

The probability of bacterial growth increases when the chicken warms over 40°F, and the poultry begins to cook slowly.

The danger zone for food is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and if your chicken is kept in this danger zone for too long, bacteria can grow and you could become sick.

If it weren’t for the risk of germs, leaving the chicken to defrost for too long could cause it to cook slowly, ruining the taste and texture of the chicken after it’s properly cooked. You’ll also lose a lot of quality.

LEARN MORE: Can You Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Microwave?

Pros and Cons of Defrosting Cooked Chicken in the Microwave

One of the myths about defrosting chicken is that you can’t defrost them in the microwave. It’s a relief that that’s only a myth. There is nothing that you can never heat up your frozen chicken in the microwave.

As a matter of fact, there are many reasons you would like to consider microwaving your frozen chicken to defrost it!

Advantages of microwaving chicken:

• It is a quick and easy way to defrost the cooked chicken. Save time by not having to cook again after thawing out frozen food.
• You can use the microwave for other tasks while you are waiting for your food to defrost.
• Your family will always have fresh, healthy meals on hand since they are already cooked.

Drawbacks of microwaving chicken:

• Microwaves heat unevenly, so some parts may be over or undercooked which could lead to illness if consumed.
• The chicken may not come out as juicy and moist as if it was defrosted using other methods.
• There is a risk of bacteria growth if the chicken is not cooked all the way through after being microwaved.

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Other Ways to Defrost Cooked Chicken

There are other ways to defrost the cooked chicken. These include using the refrigerator, stovetop, or microwave.

The refrigerator is a common way to defrost food. The chicken can be placed in a bowl or on a plate and left in the fridge overnight. The downside of this method is that it can take a long time for the chicken to thaw.

The stovetop is another way to defrost the chicken. The chicken can be placed in a saucepan and heated over low heat until it is thawed. This method is relatively quick, but the chicken can become overcooked if it is not careful.

LEARN MORE: Can You Cook Ground Beef In The Microwave?

Conclusion

This article will be helpful to you if you are a busy person and chicken is a part of your everyday meal. You need to cook chicken in a convenient and quicker way.

So you can’t afford to spend time defrosting the frozen cooked or uncooked chicken in the conventional time-consuming process. 

If the above conditions go with you then why not add our tips to your list next time!