Microwave Chicken-Mexican Style
Juicy, flavorful Mexican-style chicken cooked quickly in the microwave, coated with taco seasoning and bread crumbs, perfect for a fast, satisfying meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix salt, pepper, bread crumbs, and taco seasoning.
- Place the mixture in a Ziploc bag.
- Add chicken pieces, a few at a time, to coat with the mixture.
- Arrange coated chicken on a microwave-safe dish in a circle.
- Cover with a paper towel and microwave on 100% power for approximately 20 minutes.
- Check for doneness.
- If necessary, rotate chicken and microwave for an additional 5 minutes.
- Allow to stand a few minutes, uncovered, before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some lime juice or chopped cilantro to the bread crumb mixture. If you're out of taco seasoning, a blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika can work as a substitute. To ensure even cooking, try to cut the chicken pieces to similar sizes if using breasts. This dish is a great way to use leftover chicken from recipes like Chicken Green Tomato Tortillas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. Top with fresh salsa or guacamole for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Tex-Mex Cheesy Chicken for a hearty family feast. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid reheating more than once for best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chicken-Mexican Style contains roughly 116 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like thighs or wings. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for larger or bone-in pieces. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
What can I do if the chicken isn't fully cooked after microwaving?
If the chicken isn't done after the initial cooking time, simply rotate the pieces and continue microwaving in 1-2 minute intervals until fully cooked. Always check the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it reaches the proper temperature.
Can I bake the chicken instead of microwaving it?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Baking will give the chicken a nice crispy texture, similar to that of Chimichangas.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).