Best Microwave for Grilled Chicken [Top 6 Picks and Buying Guide]

Love crispy, juicy grilled chicken? The right microwave can make it super easy! We’ve picked the 6 best microwaves to help you get that perfect grill every time. Let’s dive in!

The 6 Best Microwaves for Grilled Chicken

With the right microwave, you can enjoy delicious grilled chicken without the extra work. No more waiting forever or dealing with messy cleanups. Just pop your chicken in, press a button, and let the magic happen.

But not all microwaves are created equal. Some cook unevenly, while others don’t give that crispy, golden-brown finish you’re looking for. Don’t worry—I’ve done the research for you! Here are the 6 best microwaves that will take your grilled chicken game to the next level. Let’s dive in!

1. GE 4-in-1 Microwave

If you’re after a versatile microwave that can do more than just heat your food, the GE 4-in-1 Microwave is an excellent option. This model is particularly great for grilling chicken, as its Broil Mode mimics a traditional oven grill, searing and caramelizing the outside of the chicken while keeping it juicy on the inside. But it doesn’t stop there—its Air Fry Mode allows you to make crispy, delicious foods with little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.

If you need even cooking for your chicken, the Convection Mode circulates hot air for consistent baking, so every bite is cooked evenly. With Preset Controls for things like fries and nuggets, meal prep becomes effortless and convenient. Plus, the two-step child lock provides extra safety for homes with kids. Despite its compact 1.0 cu. ft. size, it packs a punch with 1,050 watts of power, fitting perfectly in smaller kitchens, dorms, or offices. If you want a multifunctional microwave that can grill, air fry, and bake, this is a solid choice!

2. TOSHIBA Inverter Countertop Microwave

The TOSHIBA Inverter Countertop Microwave is a top pick for anyone who loves evenly grilled chicken. Thanks to its Grill and Convection Modes, it crisps up the outside of your chicken while keeping the inside moist and tender. But what truly makes this microwave stand out is Inverter Technology. Unlike traditional microwaves that cook in bursts, this technology provides continuous, even heat, ensuring your chicken is never overcooked or dried out.

The Speedy-Combi Mode combines the microwave, convection, and grill functions, cooking your food faster without sacrificing texture or flavor. If you’re looking for crispy chicken, the 360° Air Fry Mode gives you the fried-like crispiness without the extra oil. Operating at just 50dB, it’s one of the quietest microwaves around, making it ideal for households that want to keep the noise level low. For those who want a microwave that can grill, air fry, and bake chicken evenly, the Toshiba Inverter is a fantastic option.

3. Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave is perfect for home chefs who want perfectly grilled chicken without the hassle of using multiple appliances. Its FlashXpress Broiler delivers crispy, oven-like grilling results. The microwave is also equipped with Genius Sensor Cook Technology, which automatically adjusts power and cooking time for precise results every time, so you never have to guess.

With its Convection Bake function, this microwave can reach temperatures of up to 425°F, allowing you to roast or bake chicken like a traditional oven. Plus, its Air Fry Mode circulates hot air to crisp your food without any oil, providing a healthier alternative to frying. For families, its spacious interior offers plenty of room, and the Turbo Defrost feature ensures your frozen chicken defrosts quickly and evenly. If you want a microwave that combines grilling, baking, and air frying with smart technology, the Panasonic HomeChef is a great choice.

4. Chefman MicroCrisp Countertop Digital Microwave

The Chefman MicroCrisp Countertop Microwave is perfect for those looking for a compact yet powerful microwave that grills chicken. Its Power Combo Cooking feature allows you to cook and crisp in one step, so your chicken comes out with a juicy interior and crispy exterior. One of its key highlights is the precision presets and user-friendly LED touch panel, making it easy to select the right cooking mode for your food with just a few taps.

The six one-touch settings remove any guesswork, ensuring your chicken is cooked just right every time. The microwave also includes a Mute Alarm Option, ideal for homes that need quiet operation, such as when you’re cooking late at night. Its compact design makes it a great fit for smaller kitchens, dorms, or offices. If you need a microwave that can grill, crisp, and run quietly, the Chefman MicroCrisp is worth considering.

5. Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave

While the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave may not be the best choice for grilling chicken, it does offer features that make it unique in other areas. Its Soft Close Door is 80% quieter than traditional microwaves, making it perfect for homes with light sleepers, babies, or shared living spaces.

Though it lacks a dedicated grill or broil mode, it offers one-touch shortcuts for reheating, defrosting, and cooking popular foods like pizza, vegetables, and potatoes. Its Defrost Mode is designed to thaw food gently without drying it out, ensuring your frozen chicken defrosts evenly and perfectly. The microwave also includes a Child Lock for added safety. If you need a quiet, easy-to-use microwave for reheating and defrosting, the Breville Compact Wave is a great option. However, for grilling chicken, you may want to consider other models.

6. Emerson MWG1191SB Countertop Microwave

For those seeking a microwave that can grill chicken, the Emerson MWG1191SB Countertop Microwave has you covered. With its Pure Grill Power Level, it’s designed specifically to sear and grill meats, ensuring a crispy and golden-brown finish every time. The microwave also offers 13 power levels and 2 combo cooking modes, giving you the flexibility to adjust the heat for various types of cooking, whether you’re grilling, reheating, or defrosting.

With its spacious 1.1 cu. ft. interior, this microwave is perfect for larger meals, making it ideal for families. The 99-minute timer and digital LED display allow for easy monitoring, while the 6 pre-programmed recipes simplify meal prep. Its sleek, reflective glass design adds a stylish touch to any kitchen. If you want a microwave that grills chicken while offering customizable cooking options, the Emerson MWG1191SB is an excellent choice.

Each of these microwaves has something unique to offer, depending on what you’re looking for in a microwave. If you want grilling, air frying, and baking capabilities, the GE 4-in-1, Toshiba Inverter, and Panasonic HomeChef all excel in these areas. For quiet operation, the Breville Compact Wave stands out, while the Chefman MicroCrisp offers a sleek design with user-friendly features. If you’re seeking customizable cooking and a great grilling option, the Emerson MWG1191SB could be the perfect fit.

No matter your needs, there’s a microwave in this list that can make grilling, air frying, and cooking a breeze!

What to Look for When Buying a Microwave for Grilled Chicken

If you love grilled chicken and want to prepare it at home using a microwave, you need to choose the right model. Not all microwaves are designed for grilling, so you should pay attention to specific features that ensure even cooking and a crispy, flavorful texture. Here is a detailed guide to help you select the best microwave for making delicious grilled chicken.

Grill Function

The most important thing to check is whether the microwave has a grill function. Regular microwaves only heat food by using microwave energy, which can cook chicken but will not give it a crispy, grilled texture. A microwave with a built-in grill function has an additional heating element that browns and crisps the surface of the chicken, making it taste much better.

Some microwaves come with a combination cooking mode that allows you to use both microwave and grill functions at the same time. This is useful because the microwave cooks the inside of the chicken quickly, while the grill browns the outside. If you want your grilled chicken to have a restaurant-style finish, make sure the microwave has a strong grill function.

Power and Wattage

Microwave power is measured in watts, and a higher wattage means faster and more efficient cooking. For grilling chicken, it is best to choose a microwave with a power range of 900 to 1500 watts.

• A microwave with 900 watts or more will cook the chicken quickly while maintaining its moisture.
• Models with 1200 to 1500 watts allow for faster cooking and better grilling, reducing the chances of the chicken drying out.

Some microwaves have separate wattage settings for the microwave and grill functions. This gives you better control over the cooking process, allowing you to choose the right level of heat for both cooking and crisping the chicken.

Size and Capacity

The size and capacity of the microwave are important factors, especially if you plan to cook large portions of chicken. Microwaves are usually measured in liters, and for grilling, a larger capacity is more useful.

• If you only cook for yourself or a small family, a microwave with 20 to 25 liters of capacity should be enough.
• For larger families or people who cook whole chicken pieces, a 25 to 30-liter microwave is a better choice.

A spacious microwave allows you to place chicken pieces evenly on the grill rack, ensuring that they cook and brown properly. If the microwave is too small, the chicken might not cook evenly, leaving some parts undercooked.

Grill Type

Microwaves with grill functions use different types of heating elements. There are two main types of grills used in microwaves:

• Quartz Grill: This type of grill heats up quickly and is good for small portions of chicken. It is usually placed at the top of the microwave, allowing it to grill food efficiently. However, it may not provide the same level of crispiness as other types of grills.
• Heating Element Grill: This type of grill provides more even heat and is better for grilling larger portions of chicken. It takes a little longer to heat up but offers better browning and crisping.

For the best grilling experience, a microwave with a heating element grill is recommended, as it ensures the chicken gets a perfect golden-brown texture.

Convection Feature

A convection microwave is a great option for grilling chicken because it combines microwave, grill, and convection oven functions. Convection microwaves have a built-in fan that circulates hot air inside the microwave, making food cook evenly and giving it a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy.

If you want the best results for grilled chicken, choose a microwave with both grill and convection features. This will help you achieve a more oven-like grilling effect, which is perfect for dishes like tandoori chicken or barbecue-style chicken.

Cooking Modes and Presets

Some microwaves come with preset cooking modes for grilling, which make it easier to cook chicken without guessing the right time and temperature. These preset modes automatically adjust the power level and cooking duration to get the best results.

If you are a beginner or do not want to manually set the time and heat, look for a microwave with a grill or chicken preset mode. These features help simplify the cooking process and ensure that your chicken is cooked evenly.

Turntable or Grill Rack

Many grilling microwaves include a rotating turntable, which helps distribute heat evenly. However, for the best grilling results, look for a microwave that also has a grill rack. A grill rack allows the chicken to be lifted closer to the heating element, ensuring it browns and crisps properly.

Some advanced models come with dual-level grilling racks, allowing you to grill more chicken at once. This is especially useful if you often cook for multiple people.

Material and Easy Cleaning

Grilling chicken in a microwave can cause grease and food particles to build up inside. To make cleaning easier, look for a microwave with a stainless steel interior. Stainless steel is not only durable but also retains heat well, which helps in better grilling.

Some microwaves also come with non-stick interiors or easy-clean coatings that prevent food from sticking to the walls. This makes it much easier to wipe down the microwave after use. A removable grill rack is another helpful feature that makes cleaning more convenient.

Safety Features

Safety is an important factor, especially if you have children at home. Some microwaves come with built-in safety features such as:

• Child Lock: Prevents children from accidentally opening the microwave or changing the settings.
• Auto Shut-Off: Turns off the microwave automatically when the cooking cycle is complete, preventing overheating.
• Cool-Touch Handles: Ensures that the microwave door and handles remain cool, reducing the risk of burns.

If safety is a priority for you, make sure to check for these features before making a purchase.

When buying a microwave for grilling chicken, focus on features like the grill function, high wattage, convection mode, spacious capacity, grill rack, and easy-to-clean design. A microwave with these features will help you prepare delicious, crispy, and evenly cooked grilled chicken at home.

Take your time to compare different models, read reviews, and choose a microwave that fits your cooking needs and budget. With the right microwave, you can enjoy tasty grilled chicken without the need for an outdoor grill or oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular microwave to grill chicken?

No, a regular microwave only heats food. To grill chicken, you need a microwave with a grill function or a microwave oven with convection to ensure the chicken is properly browned and crispy.

What is the best microwave wattage for grilling chicken?

A microwave with at least 900 to 1200 watts is ideal for grilling chicken. Higher wattage ensures faster cooking and better grilling results.

What features should I look for in a microwave for grilling chicken?

Look for a grill function, convection feature, high wattage (900 watts or higher), and a grill rack or turntable. These features will help you achieve the best grilling results for chicken.

What is the difference between a quartz grill and a heating element grill?

A quartz grill heats up quickly and is good for small portions, while a heating element grill provides more even heat and is better for larger pieces of chicken. The heating element grill usually gives better crispiness and browning.

Can I use my microwave to cook whole chicken?

Yes, you can cook whole chicken in a microwave with a grill or convection function. Make sure the microwave has enough capacity to fit the whole chicken and use the appropriate settings to cook it thoroughly.

How long does it take to grill chicken in a microwave?

The time will depend on the size of the chicken and the wattage of your microwave. On average, it takes about 10-15 minutes for smaller pieces and around 20-30 minutes for whole chickens at the right power and temperature settings.

Do I need a microwave with a convection function to grill chicken?

A microwave with a convection function is not strictly necessary but is highly recommended. The convection fan circulates hot air, ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy. Without convection, the microwave may not provide the same grilling effect.

How do I clean a microwave used for grilling chicken?

After grilling, clean the microwave by wiping down the interior with a damp cloth. For tougher grease, use a non-abrasive cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar. If the microwave has a removable grill rack, take it out and clean it separately.

Is it safe to grill chicken in a microwave?

Yes, grilling chicken in a microwave is safe as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use a microwave with the appropriate grill or convection function. Make sure to properly cook the chicken to avoid any food safety issues.