To defrost chicken in the microwave, follow these steps:
- Remove the chicken from its original packaging. Note the weight of the chicken for accurate defrosting time.
- Place the chicken in a microwave-safe container such as glass or ceramic.
- Use the microwave's defrost setting. If available, enter the weight and type of food (poultry). If there isn't a defrost preset, set the microwave to 20-30% power.
- Defrost the chicken for about 8-10 minutes per pound, stopping every few minutes to flip or rotate the chicken for even thawing.
- Cook the chicken immediately after defrosting to prevent bacterial growth since microwave thawing can cause uneven warming.
Be cautious not to start cooking the chicken in the microwave while defrosting as it can lead to uneven texture and potential safety issues. Whole chickens can be defrosted but it is not recommended due to uneven thawing risks. In summary, defrosting chicken in the microwave combines careful timing, low power settings, and intermittent flipping for the best results, followed by immediate cooking.
