Microwave Magic Muffins(6 Muffins; Cooking Time 2 To 3 Minutes)
Microwave Magic Muffins are quick, moist treats perfect for breakfast or snacks, combining hearty bran cereal with a hint of sweetness and simple ingredients for a fast, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 1 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 1 c. bran cereal ⓘ
- 1 c. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. soda ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 c. All-Bran cereal ⓘ
- 2 c. buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 c. cranberry-juice cocktail ⓘ
- 1 c. red wine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tangerine, quartered ⓘ
- 1 cinnamon stick ⓘ
- 2 whole cloves ⓘ
- 4 firm, ripe pears with stems intact, peeled and cored through bottom end ⓘ
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets ⓘ
- 1/2 c. plus 2 tsp. reduced-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Dijon-style prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Arrange chicken cutlets in a single layer in a large, shallow microwave-safe dish or glass pie plate.
- In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup chicken broth, chopped onion, dried thyme, and ground black pepper.
- Pour the broth mixture over the chicken cutlets.
- Microwave, uncovered, on High (100%) for 2 minutes.
- Rearrange the chicken cutlets so that outside edges are in the center.
- Microwave on High for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no pink spots remain.
- Use a slotted spatula to remove the cooked chicken cutlets to a warm serving platter or plates, reserving the cooking liquid.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken cutlets in the broth mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. If you're out of Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different. To make this recipe even healthier, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Also, make sure to check the doneness of the chicken by cutting into a piece to ensure no pink remains.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken cutlets over a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Oyster Confetti Rice for a complete dinner. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice. This dish also goes well with a light salad or roasted potatoes for a hearty side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of broth to keep it moist, and cover it loosely with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power in short intervals until heated through to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Magic Muffins(6 Muffins; Cooking Time 2 To 3 Minutes) contains roughly 2358 calories, with 38g protein, 237g carbohydrates, and 143g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), iron (113% of the Daily Value), and protein (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2309mg per serving (100% 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 frozen chicken cutlets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken cutlets, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking. If they are still partially frozen, increase the cooking time by a minute or two, checking for doneness.
What can I serve with chicken cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with mashed potatoes, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables. They also complement grains like quinoa or couscous for a nutritious meal.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Additionally, there should be no pink remaining in the center of the cutlets. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure accurate cooking.
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).