How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Microwave in 5 Minutes

How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Microwave

Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. But if you’re short on time, the microwave is a great option. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook chicken thighs in the microwave in just a few minutes.

We’ll also provide tips for getting perfectly cooked chicken thighs every time, as well as some delicious recipes to try. So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a healthy and satisfying lunch, read on for all the information you need to know about cooking chicken thighs in the microwave.

Chicken Thigh Weight Cook Time
Boneless, skinless 4 ounces 4-5 minutes
Bone-in, skin-on 6 ounces 6-7 minutes
Boneless, skin-on 8 ounces 7-8 minutes

Chicken thighs are a popular and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the easiest and most convenient ways to cook chicken thighs is in the microwave. Microwaving chicken thighs is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy and delicious meal.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

There are a few factors that can affect the cooking time of chicken thighs in the microwave. These factors include:

  • Size of the chicken thighs: The larger the chicken thighs, the longer they will take to cook.
  • Amount of chicken thighs: The more chicken thighs you are cooking, the longer they will take to cook.
  • Temperature of the microwave: The higher the temperature of the microwave, the faster the chicken thighs will cook.
  • Power of the microwave: The more powerful the microwave, the faster the chicken thighs will cook.

How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Microwave

To cook chicken thighs in the microwave, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the microwave.
2. Place the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate.
3. Cover the plate with a paper towel.
4. Cook the chicken thighs on high for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Thighs in the Microwave

Here are a few tips for cooking chicken thighs in the microwave:

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will retain more moisture and flavor than boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
  • Cook the chicken thighs in a single layer. This will help the chicken thighs cook evenly.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken thighs. Overcooked chicken thighs will be dry and tough.
  • Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken thighs to be more tender.

Cooking chicken thighs in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy and delicious meal. By following these tips, you can cook perfectly cooked chicken thighs every time.

How Long To Cook Chicken Thighs In Microwave?

Chicken thighs are a popular and versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the most convenient ways to cook chicken thighs is in the microwave. Microwaving chicken thighs is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy and delicious meal.

The cooking time for chicken thighs in the microwave will vary depending on the size of the thighs and the power of your microwave. However, you can generally expect to cook chicken thighs in the microwave for about 5-7 minutes per side.

To cook chicken thighs in the microwave, you will need:

  • Chicken thighs
  • A microwave-safe plate
  • A microwave-safe lid

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid.
3. Microwave the chicken thighs on high for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before eating.

Here are some tips for cooking chicken thighs in the microwave:

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor.
  • Cook the chicken thighs until they are cooked through, but not overcooked. Overcooked chicken thighs can be dry and tough.
  • Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before eating so that the juices can redistribute.

Safety Tips

When cooking chicken thighs in the microwave, it is important to follow some safety tips to avoid foodborne illness.

  • Use a microwave-safe plate and utensils.
  • Cook the chicken thighs until they are cooked through.
  • Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before eating.

Here are some additional safety tips for cooking chicken thighs in the microwave:

  • Do not cook chicken thighs from frozen. Thaw them first in the refrigerator or in cold water.
  • Do not overcook chicken thighs. Overcooked chicken thighs can be dry and tough.
  • Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before eating so that the juices can redistribute.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know if the chicken thighs are cooked through?

The best way to tell if chicken thighs are cooked through is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of cooked chicken thighs should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the microwave. However, you will need to cook them for longer than you would fresh chicken thighs. Frozen chicken thighs will take about 10-12 minutes per side to cook through.

  • How do I make sure the chicken thighs don’t dry out?

There are a few things you can do to make sure the chicken thighs don’t dry out when you cook them in the microwave.

  • Use a microwave-safe baking dish with a lid. This will help to keep the chicken thighs moist.
  • Cook the chicken thighs on high for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  • Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before eating so that the juices can redistribute.

Cooking chicken thighs in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy and delicious meal. By following the tips in this article, you can cook perfectly cooked chicken thighs every time.

How long do I cook chicken thighs in the microwave?

The cooking time for chicken thighs in the microwave will vary depending on the size and thickness of the thighs. For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cook for 4-5 minutes per thigh on high power. For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, cook for 6-7 minutes per thigh on high power.

What temperature should I cook chicken thighs in the microwave?

The internal temperature of cooked chicken thighs should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken thighs.

Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the microwave. However, the cooking time will be longer than for thawed chicken thighs. For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cook for 6-7 minutes per thigh on high power. For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, cook for 8-9 minutes per thigh on high power.

What if my chicken thighs are still pink after cooking?

If your chicken thighs are still pink after cooking, they are not done cooking. Continue to cook the chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do I prevent chicken thighs from drying out in the microwave?

To prevent chicken thighs from drying out in the microwave, you can:

  • Cook the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate or dish with a lid.
  • Add a small amount of water or cooking liquid to the dish.
  • Cover the dish with a paper towel or plastic wrap.
  • Cook the chicken thighs on high power for 4-5 minutes per thigh, or until cooked through.

    cooking chicken thighs in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your chicken thighs are cooked evenly and safely. Be sure to adjust the cooking time and power level depending on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs. And, as always, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that your chicken is safe to eat.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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