What microwave oven wattage is ideal for cooking chicken?

The ideal microwave oven wattage for cooking chicken depends on the amount of time available, with most recipes and tips recommending wattage between 800 and 1000 watts. When using a 800-watt microwave oven, cooking chicken requires about 15 minutes per pound.

A person can save time and gas or charcoal by using a microwave oven to partially cook a chicken before placing it on a grill. Preparing a whole or half chicken for grilling normally requires about four minutes per pound, while preheating cut-up chicken parts arranged in a single layer typically requires about three minutes per pound. Keeping the skin on the bird prior to placing it in the microwave prevents the meat from going dry.