The Pampered Chef micro cooker is a convenient small appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods quickly and easily. It functions as a mini oven, using super heated air to cook food thoroughly and evenly. With its adjustable temperature settings and timer, the micro cooker makes cooking proteins like chicken simple. But how well does it really work for cooking chicken? Here is an in-depth look at using the Pampered Chef micro cooker for cooking chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and even a whole chicken.
Can You Cook Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts in the Micro Cooker?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a quick and healthy protein choice that can easily be cooked in the Pampered Chef micro cooker. Here are some tips for cooking chicken breasts in the micro cooker:
- Prepare the chicken by rinsing, patting dry and seasoning as desired.
- Select a medium temperature – around 350°F. The micro cooker cooks fast, so high heat is not necessary.
- Spray or brush the micro cooker pan with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place seasoned chicken breasts in the micro cooker pan. Make sure not to overcrowd.
- Cook for 14-18 minutes, depending on thickness. Thicker breasts may need up to 22 minutes.
- Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the micro cooker results in juicy, tender chicken in less time than conventional oven cooking. The moist circulating air cooks the chicken evenly, preventing it from drying out.
Cooking Bone-In Chicken Pieces in the Micro Cooker
The micro cooker can also handle bone-in chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, wings or bone-in breasts. Here are some tips:
- Season the chicken pieces as desired. You can use a dry rub or marinade.
- Set the micro cooker to 375°F which is ideal for bone-in chicken.
- Use the same non-stick spray or oil as you would for boneless breasts.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in the pan so they are not crowded.
- Cook bone-in chicken thighs or legs for 22-28 minutes.
- Cook chicken wings or drummettes for 18-22 minutes.
- Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F internal temperature.
- Allow chicken pieces to rest 5 minutes before serving.
The circulating hot air will cook the chicken through while keeping the exterior crispy. The bone-in pieces may take slightly longer than boneless breasts, but the micro cooker still cooks them faster than a conventional oven.
Cooking a Whole Chicken in the Micro Cooker
While it may seem like a tight fit, you can actually cook a whole chicken in the micro cooker. Here’s how:
- Use a small roaster chicken around 3-4 lbs. Remove giblets and neck.
- Rinse chicken inside and out. Pat extremely dry.
- Rub chicken all over with softened butter or oil. Season as desired.
- Truss chicken with kitchen string to tie legs together.
- Place chicken breast-side up in the micro cooker pan.
- Cook at 375°F for approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Test temperature in thickest part of thigh to ensure 165°F.
- Allow chicken to rest 10-15 minutes before carving.
The circulating hot air will crisp up the skin while cooking the meat through. Cooking a whole chicken in the micro cooker results in juicy, tender meat in about a third of the time as oven roasting.
Tips for the Best Results Cooking Chicken in a Micro Cooker
Here are some additional tips to ensure delicious, perfectly cooked chicken in the micro cooker every time:
- Always use an instant read thermometer to check doneness instead of relying on cook times.
- Brining chicken for 30 minutes before cooking seals in moisture.
- Avoid overcrowding chicken pieces in the pan which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
- Use foil strips over bone ends or wing tips to prevent burning.
- Clean the micro cooker pan thoroughly after cooking chicken to avoid residue buildup.
Cooking Times for Chicken in the Micro Cooker
For easy reference, here are approximate cooking times for chicken in the Pampered Chef micro cooker:
| Chicken Type | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (6-8 oz each), boneless, skinless | 14-18 minutes |
| Chicken thighs, bone-in | 22-28 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 18-22 minutes |
| Whole roaster chicken (3-4 lbs) | 1 hour 10 minutes |
Always verify doneness by checking internal temperature rather than relying solely on cook times.
Cooking Chicken and Vegetables Together
You can also use the micro cooker to cook chicken and vegetables together for easy one-pan meals. Try these flavorful combinations:
- Chicken thighs with new potatoes, carrots and celery
- Chicken drumsticks with cauliflower and broccoli florets
- Boneless chicken breasts with zucchini and tomatoes
- Chicken wings with brussels sprouts and butternut squash
Arrange the chicken and veggies in an even layer in the pan, season them complementary flavors and cook according to the time needed for the chicken. The circulating hot air will cook the vegetables along with the chicken for a complete meal.
Cleaning the Micro Cooker After Cooking Chicken
It’s important to clean the micro cooker thoroughly after cooking chicken. Follow these steps:
- Remove chicken and any vegetables/aromatics from the pan.
- Allow pan to cool slightly before cleaning.
- Wash the pan by hand or place in the dishwasher.
- Use hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
- If needed, fill pan with hot water and let soak for 20 minutes to loosen any baked-on food.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners which can damage the non-stick surface.
- Dry the pan thoroughly before storing.
Proper cleaning after cooking chicken will keep the micro cooker pan looking new and prevent any odors from building up.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken in the Micro Cooker
Here are some of the benefits of using the Pampered Chef micro cooker for cooking delicious chicken:
- Cooks chicken up to 3 times faster than a conventional oven
- Hot air cooks food evenly for optimal texture and moisture
- Non-stick pan makes cooking and clean-up easy
- Timer and adjustable temperature settings make cooking chicken fool-proof
- Ability to cook an entire meal with chicken and vegetables in one pan
- Portability to cook chicken anywhere with an electric outlet
- Saves time, energy and mess compared to oven cooking
Downsides of Cooking Chicken in the Micro Cooker
While the micro cooker has many benefits for cooking chicken, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Small capacity – can only cook 1 or 2 servings at a time
- No opportunity to baste chicken while cooking
- Crispy chicken skin can be harder to achieve
- No pan juices produced for making gravy or sauce
- Hand washing pan is more tedious than removing oven trays
- Have to be careful not to overcook chicken due to speed of cooking
None of these downsides are dealbreakers, but they are worth keeping in mind based on your cooking needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking chicken in the Pampered Chef micro cooker:
What size chicken works best?
For whole chickens, a 3-4 lb bird is ideal. For bone-in pieces, opt for 8 oz or smaller. Boneless breasts should be 6-8 oz each. Larger chickens or pieces won’t fit or cook evenly.
Can you use cooking spray instead of oil?
Yes, you can use non-stick cooking spray on the micro cooker pan instead of brushing with oil or butter. Just avoid heavy coating, as excess spray residue can build up.
Does chicken need to be flipped during cooking?
Flipping is not necessary when cooking chicken in the micro cooker. The circulating hot air cooks food evenly on all sides. Simply place chicken in pan and cook according to recipe time.
Should the micro cooker pan be preheated first?
It is not necessary to preheat the micro cooker before placing chicken in the pan. Turn unit on, add chicken to the cool pan, then set temperature and timer.
Can you cook a frozen chicken in the micro cooker?
It is not recommended to cook frozen chicken in the micro cooker. Always thaw chicken fully in the refrigerator before cooking.
What about reheating leftover cooked chicken?
You can use the micro cooker to gently reheat leftover chicken. Add to pan, cover with lid and heat at 300°F for 8-12 minutes until warmed through.
Conclusion
The Pampered Chef micro cooker is a quick, convenient appliance that excels at cooking moist, delicious chicken in a fraction of the time of a traditional oven. From boneless breasts to bone-in thighs, drumsticks, wings and even whole roast chicken, the micro cooker can handle any chicken cooking task. For optimal results, follow recipe guidelines and always check internal temperature. With a little practice, you can make perfectly cooked chicken for meals any night of the week using the versatile micro cooker. Enjoy faster, healthier chicken dishes thanks to the unique rapid hot air circulation technology of the Pampered Chef micro cooker.