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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.
By: Andrea Albin
Related To:
Poultry Turkey 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. 

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