Tossing your favorite pre-cooked chicken nuggets into the microwave sounds like the most time-saving and effortless option to consider. It is, but sometimes you may encounter problems like food-safety concerns, over-cooking, or the food turning mushy.
So, you may ask, can you, for real, microwave chicken nuggets? If yes, what is the best way to do so?
It is safe to microwave chicken nuggets- in fact, the easiest and quickest way to reheat them. To avoid the nuggets turning soggy, lay a paper towel under them as it will soak in all the moisture. Then, use a microwave-safe plate, lay them in a single layer, and cook them on high heat.
Chicken nuggets are a perfect snack for a busy lifestyle- some varieties might be healthy too. This article will help you with microwaving them effectively and all the dos and don’ts you should be aware of. Continue reading to find more!
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Is It A Good Idea To Microwave Chicken Nuggets?
Chicken nuggets are the go-to snacks of every age group- from kids to adults; we all enjoy them because they are easy to prepare and extremely delicious. They are almost always a part of most café menus, and most people prefer buying frozen chicken nuggets to munch on these tasty snacks at any time of the day to fulfill their cravings.
If you happen to be one of them, you’ll feel joyful to know that you can prepare and reheat chicken nuggets in the microwave, which will be ready in minutes. Additionally, microwaving chicken nuggets helps lock in their moisture and flavors, making them even more juicy and yummy.
Moreover, it is super easy and quick to cook the nuggets, so you can create a nutritional meal and serve it on the table in no time. So, whenever you are in a hurry or too exhausted to spend long hours in the kitchen, reach for chicken nuggets and slide them into the microwave. Enjoy!
Can Microwaving Turn Chicken Nuggets Soggy?
Although preparing chicken nuggets in the microwave is a convenient option, you might have experienced they turn out to be too soggy. One of the leading reasons behind this is excess moisture.
As the nuggets are frozen, so when you pop them in the microwave, they start to thaw and the moisture from the defrosting process gets trapped under the chicken nuggets. And as a result, they appear to be wet and slimy on the bottom.
So, you might wonder how to prevent chicken nuggets from getting soggy in the microwave.
Well, a simple trick will help eliminate the problem- put a paper towel beneath the chicken nuggets when microwaving them! The paper towel will remove all the unwanted moisture from the nuggets and let them stay dry. And you will get tasty, crispy, and non-soggy chicken nuggets!
How To Easily Microwave Chicken Nuggets; Tips And Tricks
Follow the step-by-step guide below to microwave chicken nuggets and get perfect results!
1. Place the nuggets on a microwave-friendly plate
Firstly, arrange the chicken nuggets on a microwave-safe plate. In the case of frozen nuggets, lay them in a single layer for even cooking. Line the plate with a paper towel to prevent the nuggets from turning mushy.
2. Cook on high heat
Next, set the microwave on high heat and cook the nuggets for one minute. Check and see if they are cooked through. If not, continue cooking them in 15-second intervals until they are evenly heated.
3. Turn over the chicken nuggets
After about 2 minutes, take the plate out, flip the chicken nuggets, and pop them back into the microwave. Let them cook for 2 minutes so both sides cook well.
4. Check for even cooking
Before serving the nuggets, it’s good to check them to ensure they are cooked through. To do this, cut one of the nuggets; if it is white from the inside, it is safe to eat. In case there is any red or pink hue, you need to cook them for another round of 15-20 seconds.
5. Let the chicken nuggets rest
Once cooked nicely, let them sit 30 seconds to 1 minute before the final serving. It will help them retain their heat and prevent the nuggets from drying out. Afterward, you can serve them with any dipping sauce of your choice. Bon appetit!
Can You Microwave Chicken Nuggets From McDonald’s?
If you are a fan of the famous McDonald’s chicken nuggets, you’ll be glad to discover that you can easily reheat them in the microwave. But, as you know that the key quality of McDonald’s nuggets that sets them apart from others is their hot, crispy, and delicious combo. And, we don’t want to lose them.
If done rightly, you can successfully maintain the original crunch of these nuggets, and there will be no need to throw away the leftover batch.
However, microwaving chicken dishes can be tricky as the meat is prone to dry out quickly. Thus, as per the guidelines of USDA, proper reheating of them is highly dependent on how you store the nuggets before microwaving.
Properly stored McDonald’s chicken nuggets- kept in an airtight container and frozen or refrigerated within two hours- will microwave safely without raising health concerns.
What Is The Perfect Way To Microwave McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets?
You are good to go if you use microwave-safe tools and follow the recommended temperature guidelines to microwave McNuggets. Other than this, I have a few additional tips for you through which you will get the best possible results. Let’s give them a read!
- Avoid reheating the McDonald’s nuggets in the original paper box because the grease-resistant coating is not microwave-safe and might leach into the food.
- If you keep the nuggets in the refrigerator, let them for a couple of minutes to adjust to room temperature before microwaving them.
- Use a microwave-safe plate and line it with a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture.
- Always spread the nuggets evenly rather than stacking them, as the heat will not distribute fully.
- Reheat for about 1 minute, flip the nuggets over and continue heating for another minute.
- Lastly, allow the McNuggets to rest for around a minute, and enjoy!
How Long Should You Microwave McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets?
The microwaving time for McDonald’s nuggets depends largely upon where you stored them- in the fridge or freezer.
If you keep McNuggets in the refrigerator, let them sit out for ten minutes before reheating. Microwave them in 30-seconds intervals until fully warm, but be careful not to overcook or they’ll dry out.
If you stored McNuggets in the freezer, use the microwave’s defrost setting and heat them for two minutes at a time. Afterward, reheat them in 30-second increments until cooked through but not overdone.
Note: The microwaving time can fluctuate depending on the number of chicken nuggets you intend to reheat at one time. But, the steps will remain the same.
