How to Cook Turkey in the Microwave

Stuck on campus this Thanksgiving? Learn how to cook turkey in your microwave with this easy step-by-step guide.

Save Collection
By: Andrea Albin
Related To:
How To Poultry Turkey Recipes Microwave Recipes

A Step-by-Step Guide

It's pretty amazing to think that you can cook a delicious, juicy turkey breast in your microwave. Sprinkle the crispy skin on top of the sliced turkey for an awesome crackling topping. You won't be disappointed.

To Start

Start with a half turkey breast with skin and bones. It should weigh about 3 pounds.

Remove the Skin

Use scissors or a knife to help separate it from the turkey flesh. Be sure to reserve the skin.

Season & Refrigerate

Sprinkle it all over with salt and pepper — on the underside too — and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

Add Water, Then Microwave

Put the turkey breast in a large microwave-safe bowl and add 1 cup of water. Cover it with plastic wrap and microwave it on high for 5 minutes. Reduce the power to 50 percent and continue to cook for 5 minutes.

Flip the Breast

Flip it over so that it is bone-side up, cover it with plastic wrap again and continue to cook at 50 percent power until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the breast registers 160 degrees F, 10 to 15 minutes more.

Let It Rest

After it rests for about 10 minutes, slice it crosswise.

Lay the Skin on Paper Towels

While the breast is resting, lay the skin out on two layers of paper towels set on a microwave-safe plate (cheap paper towels work better for this — they stick less).

Cover & Microwave

Cover it with another double layer of paper towels and another plate. Microwave it at 50 percent power for 3 minutes, then increase the power to high and microwave, checking often, until golden brown and crispy, 2 to 4 minutes.

Chop It

Let the skin cool slightly, then chop it up.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve the sliced turkey breast topped with the crispy skin cracklings. 

More from:

Thanksgiving How-Tos

Next Up

How to Roast a Turkey 6 Photos

How to Make Cornbread Stuffing in the Microwave 8 Photos

How to Brine a Turkey, Two Ways 15 Photos

How to Make Mashed Potatoes and Gravy in the Microwave 14 Photos

Turkey Taboos: What NOT to Do This Thanksgiving 11 Photos

How to Make Classic Gravy in the Microwave 6 Photos

10 Ways to Use Your Microwave for Thanksgiving 11 Photos

How to Bake Sweet Potatoes 6 Photos

How to Caramelize Onions 7 Photos

How to Make Pumpkin Pie 13 Photos

We Recommend

How to Make Bacon in the Microwave

How to Make Quinoa in the Microwave 10 Photos

10 Tips for Cooking the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

How to Make Cheese Crisps in the Microwave 7 Photos

The Best Way to Reheat Leftovers in the Microwave 6 Photos

Is It Really That Bad to Use Plastic in the Microwave?