Chicken nuggets are a fantastic go-to option when you need something quick tasty and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for hungry kids or grabbing a quick snack for yourself, knowing exactly how long to cook frozen chicken nuggets in the microwave can save you time while ensuring they’re perfectly cooked. I’ve tried tons of different methods over the years, and I’m excited to share what actually works!
The Quick Answer
For most microwaves you should cook
- 4-6 nuggets: 1-1.5 minutes
- 7-10 nuggets: 2-3 minutes
- Full package (about 12-15): 3-4 minutes
But there’s more to making perfect microwave chicken nuggets than just timing! Let’s dive deeper into getting the best results.
Preparation: Setting Up for Success
Before you start microwaving those frozen nuggets, there are a few important steps to take:
Step 1: Choose the Right Nuggets
Not all frozen chicken nuggets work the same in microwaves. Take a quick look at the packaging to see if they mention microwave cooking instructions. Most brands are microwave-friendly, but it’s always good to check first.
Step 2: Arrange Them Properly
Place your frozen nuggets on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer without overlapping. This is super important! If you stack or crowd them, they won’t cook evenly, and you’ll end up with some parts still frozen while others are overcooked.
Step 3: Cover Them (Optional but Recommended)
Covering your nuggets with a paper towel has two benefits:
- Prevents splattering in your microwave
- Helps maintain moisture so they don’t dry out
The Detailed Cooking Process
Now that you’re prepped, let’s cook those nuggets perfectly!
Power Level Matters
Most microwaves work best for chicken nuggets at 50% power. This lower setting helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from becoming rubbery. If your microwave doesn’t allow power adjustment, you can use high power but reduce the cooking time and check them more frequently.
Cooking Time Breakdown
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of cooking times based on quantity:
| Number of Nuggets | Cooking Time | Power Level |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 nuggets | 1-1.5 minutes | 50% |
| 7-10 nuggets | 2-3 minutes | 50% |
| 12-15 nuggets | 3-4 minutes | 50% |
The Flip Technique
For even better results, use this pro tip from Chris Perkins at KitchenPearls: pause halfway through the cooking time and flip each nugget. This helps ensure they cook evenly on both sides and improves texture.
How to Check if They’re Done
Safety comes first! Here’s how to know your nuggets are fully cooked:
- Visual check: The nuggets should be steaming hot throughout
- Cut test: Cut one nugget open – there should be no pink or raw areas
- Temperature check: If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (73.9°C)
If they need more time, microwave in additional 30-second intervals until they’re done.
Making Them Crispy (The Microwave Challenge)
Let’s be honest – the biggest downside of microwave cooking is that nuggets aren’t as crispy as oven-baked ones. But I’ve found a few tricks that really help:
- Use a microwave crisper pan if you have one – these work surprisingly well!
- Cook in smaller batches rather than crowding the plate
- Let them rest for about a minute after cooking to allow the exterior to firm up
- Optional preheat: Run your microwave on high for a minute before cooking the nuggets
Serving Suggestions
Once your nuggets are perfectly cooked, you can enjoy them with:
- Classic ketchup or BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard sauce (mix equal parts honey and mustard)
- Spicy mayo (combine mayo with hot sauce or sriracha)
- Alongside some microwaved frozen fries for a complete meal
Health and Nutrition Considerations
If you’re counting calories or watching nutrition, here’s what to know about microwave chicken nuggets:
Most frozen chicken nuggets contain approximately:
- Calories: 100-200 per serving
- Protein: 8-12 grams
- Fat: 5-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
Microwaving is actually one of the healthier cooking methods since it doesn’t require adding extra oil.
Common Questions About Microwaving Chicken Nuggets
Will microwaving make chicken nuggets soggy?
Microwaving can sometimes make nuggets softer than other cooking methods. To minimize sogginess, place a paper towel under the nuggets to absorb excess moisture. Also, the “pause and flip” technique helps a lot!
Do I need to thaw the nuggets first?
Nope! One of the best things about microwave cooking is you can cook chicken nuggets directly from frozen. This saves tons of time.
Can I reheat leftover chicken nuggets?
Absolutely! Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on quantity.
Do I need to add water or oil when microwaving?
You don’t need to add anything extra. The moisture produced during cooking is usually enough to heat the nuggets properly.
Safety Tips for Microwaving Frozen Chicken Nuggets
When using the microwave for frozen nuggets, keep these safety points in mind:
- Never leave the microwave unattended while cooking
- Handle the plate carefully as it can become very hot
- Make sure the nuggets reach 165°F (73.9°C) internal temperature
- Adjust cooking times for your specific microwave wattage
Why Microwaving is Sometimes the Best Option
While oven-baking might give crispier results, microwaving has distinct advantages:
- Speed: 2-4 minutes vs. 15-20 minutes in an oven
- Energy efficiency: Uses less electricity than heating an entire oven
- No preheating: Start cooking immediately
- Minimal cleanup: Just one plate to wash
Final Thoughts
Cooking frozen chicken nuggets in the microwave is all about finding the right balance between convenience and taste. With the right timing (about 1-1.5 minutes for a small portion and 2-3 minutes for a larger one), proper arrangement, and a few simple techniques, you can have a satisfying meal ready in minutes.
I’ve found that taking the extra 10 seconds to arrange them properly and flip them halfway through makes a huge difference in quality. And honestly, when I’m hungry and in a hurry, even if they’re not quite as crispy as oven-baked nuggets, they still hit the spot!
Next time you’re craving chicken nuggets but don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat, give these microwave methods a try. You might be surprised at just how good they can turn out!
What’s your favorite dipping sauce for chicken nuggets? I’m personally a honey mustard fan, but I’d love to hear your go-to sauce in the comments!
Speedy Even When Frozen
If you forget to defrost your chicken nuggets before you microwave them, you will not have to wait much longer to enjoy your snack.
You can still microwave frozen chicken nuggets and have them ready to eat in far less time than cooking them in the oven.
The best thing about a chicken nugget dinner is that it is a hassle-free way to fill up after a busy day.
Microwaving your chicken nuggets only adds to that effortless dinner as you can cook the chicken nuggets on the same plate or dish that you then plan to serve the nuggets on, reducing the mess you have to deal with.
How to Microwave Chicken Nuggets Successfully
You may think microwaving chicken nuggets is easy, and it is really! But there are still some tips you can use to ensure that your microwaved chicken nuggets are as delicious as possible:
- Defrost Them First – The less moisture your chicken nuggets can have attached to them when you microwave them, the crispier they will become. If you defrost your desired amount of chicken nuggets in the fridge for a few hours before microwaving, you will not have to contend with the frozen moisture soaking into the nuggets.
- Even Spacing – To allow enough hot air to evenly cook all of the chicken nuggets, try and space them out as much as possible on the plate before you cook them. This will allow a better airflow between the nuggets and make them cook better.
- Avoid Deep Dishes – You want to use a flat plate or dish to microwave your chicken nuggets to ensure the microwave’s heat can properly reach all the chicken nuggets simultaneously. If you try cooking the nuggets in a bowl or deep dish, they will take longer and even soggier than they should be.