Baking Chicken In Sharp Carousel Microwave: Easy Steps

If you're in a hurry and need to cook chicken, using a microwave is a foolproof method to get juicy chicken breasts. The Sharp Carousel Convection Microwave is a great option for this, with wattages ranging from 700 to 1050. To get started, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Then, place the chicken in a dish and fill it with water until it reaches about 1/3 of the way up the chicken. Cover the dish with wax paper or plastic wrap to create a steam bath and cook on high for about 4-5 minutes per breast, depending on the size and thickness. The final temperature should reach 165 degrees F, so be sure to use a thermometer to check.

Baking Chicken in a Sharp Carousel Microwave

Prepare the chicken: pound breasts to an even thickness

Preparing chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness is a versatile cooking technique that helps the meat cook faster and more evenly. It also tenderises the meat, making it juicier and more flavourful.

To prepare chicken breasts in this way, start by selecting boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Trim any excess fat, membranes, or sinew from the breasts with a knife, and ensure that the pieces are uniform in size. This step aids in achieving even thickness when pounding. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap, wax paper, or parchment paper. This prevents splatter and allows for a smoother pounding process.

Using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or the flat side of a heavy, flat object such as a skillet, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Start at the thicker end and work your way towards the thinner end, using gentle taps to prevent tearing the meat, and gradually increasing pressure as the chicken begins to flatten.

After pounding, it's time to season or marinate the chicken breast. A simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper can elevate the flavour profile significantly. You can also make the chicken juicier and more flavourful with a quick brine—just 15 minutes in a simple brine will do the trick.

Use a dish with water, covering chicken 1/3 of the way

To bake chicken in a Sharp Carousel microwave, one of the steps is to use a dish with water, covering the chicken 1/3 of the way.

First, place the chicken breasts on a hard, flat surface and cover with wax paper. Use a meat tenderizer to pound the breasts so they are more even in size and thickness. This will help the chicken cook more quickly and evenly.

Next, select a dish that will fit the number of chicken breasts you are cooking. For example, if you are cooking two chicken breasts, a 9 x 9" pan will usually be sufficient. Place the chicken in the dish and add water so that the water level comes about 1/3 of the way up the chicken. This will help to create a steam bath for the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and remains moist.

Cover the dish with wax paper or plastic wrap before placing it in the microwave. This will further trap steam and moisture, helping to cook the chicken and prevent it from drying out.

Finally, cook the chicken in the microwave on high for approximately 4-5 minutes per chicken breast. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken, so it is important to use a thermometer to check the temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using a dish with water helps regulate the temperature and ensures the chicken cooks evenly, retaining moisture and resulting in juicy, tender meat.

Cover the dish with wax paper or plastic wrap

When preparing chicken in a Sharp Carousel microwave, covering the dish with wax paper or plastic wrap is an important step. This covering helps to create a steam bath for the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and remains moist. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for this step:

First, select the appropriate covering. While wax paper is suitable, it should not be exposed directly to high oven temperatures. If you are cooking at a high temperature, consider using plastic wrap or another alternative like parchment paper. Parchment paper is oven-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and provides a non-stick surface. It's a good alternative if you're concerned about the temperature of your microwave.

If you opt for wax paper, ensure the chicken or batter covers the paper to prevent direct exposure to heat. This precaution will help prevent the wax paper from melting or igniting. Wax paper is an excellent option for lining dishes, wrapping sandwiches, or lining your workspace for easy cleanup. It's also a more affordable alternative to parchment paper.

Plastic wrap is another option for covering your dish. It's suitable for storing food in the refrigerator and creating a steam bath for cooking chicken in the microwave. However, be cautious when removing plastic wrap from a hot dish, as the escaping steam can cause burns.

When using plastic wrap, always follow safety guidelines. Avoid using it with dry foods or foods that are not already encased, as it can stick to the food and be challenging to remove. Additionally, never use plastic wrap in the oven, as it can melt and damage your appliance.

In summary, when preparing chicken in a Sharp Carousel microwave, you can cover the dish with wax paper or plastic wrap. Consider the temperature and your specific use case when choosing between these options, and always follow safety guidelines for the best results.

Cook for 4-5 minutes per breast, checking the temperature

When baking chicken in a Sharp Carousel microwave, it is recommended to cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per breast, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. Checking the temperature is crucial to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly. The ideal temperature for chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

To check the temperature accurately, use a meat thermometer, such as a Thermoworks Thermapen, to measure the internal temperature of the chicken breasts. It is advisable to remove the chicken from the microwave when it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as the temperature will continue to rise by approximately 5 degrees even after it has been taken out of the microwave. This technique ensures that the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy without overcooking or drying out.

Before cooking, it is essential to prepare the chicken breasts by pounding them between two sheets of wax paper to ensure they are of even thickness. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly and quickly. Place the chicken in a dish and add water until it reaches about one-third of the way up the chicken. Cover the dish with wax paper or plastic wrap to create a steam bath, which helps retain moisture and facilitate even cooking.

During the cooking process, be cautious of the steam that will escape when removing the plastic wrap from the dish. It is also important to note that cutting into the chicken to check if it is cooked through should be avoided, as this will release the juices, resulting in dry chicken meat. Instead, rely on the temperature reading and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking, as it will continue to cook and distribute the heat evenly.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your Sharp Carousel microwave. For example, a 750-watt microwave may require slightly different cooking times compared to higher or lower wattage models. Adjustments might be needed based on your specific microwave model and its unique characteristics.

Allow to cool, then shred or slice

Once you've cooked your chicken in the microwave, it's important to let it cool down before handling it. This will take a few minutes, during which the chicken will continue to cook. Be careful of the steam when removing the plastic wrap or wax paper from the dish.

After removing the chicken from the microwave, use a thermometer to check its temperature. The FDA recommends cooking chicken to 165 degrees F, but you can pull it out when it reaches 160 degrees F as it will continue to cook outside the microwave.

When the chicken has cooled down, you can start shredding or slicing it. If you're making shredded chicken, use your hands or a fork to pull the meat apart into thin strands. For sliced chicken, use a sharp knife to cut the meat into thin, even slices.

Depending on the dish you're preparing, you might want to shred or slice the chicken into different thicknesses or sizes. For example, if you're making a chicken salad, you might prefer smaller, thinner shreds or slices that are easier to eat. On the other hand, if you're making a sandwich or wrap, you might want larger, thicker pieces of chicken that will be more substantial and filling.

Frequently asked questions