Did I Overcook My 30 Minute Chicken in the DCB?

[Yakmama]

I tried the 30 minute chicken in my DCB last night- and it took over an hour for a 3.5 lb. chicken! I followed the 30 minute chicken show guide for the "chicken dinner" that includes carrots celery and potatoes. I seasoned the chicken as directed and microwaved it uncovered for 30 minutes (turning frequently b/c I have to take the turn table out).

After the hour, the chicken was good, but the skin was chewy and the vegetables weren't edible at all. Some of them were still raw and others were so dry you couldn't even chew them.

So what did I do wrong?

 

[DebbieJ]

You must have a really old microwave. What is the wattage?

 

[ChefBeckyD]

It sounds to me like your microwave probably doesn't have enough wattage.

I had this happen once at a show, and when I checked the microwave - it was only 600 watts.

 

[Yakmama]

It's actually a brand new microwave- it's 1000 watts

 

[Pam Duncan]

Does the recipe call to leave the lid off? When I cooked mine, I cooked with the lid on. But I only had the chicken in there.

 

[chefsteph07]

I only cook w/ the lid on too, but I think the recipe calls to leave the lid off.

 

[mscharf]

I never really paid attention to that part, the lid I mean. I have done the 30 min chicken several times, and i always leave the lid ON. 30 mins. every time, PERFECT chicken!

 

[susanr613]

I've done lid on and lid off with great results both ways. Perhaps there were too many veggies?

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I've never done mine with the lid on - but I've never put veggies in with it either.

 

[c00p]

I always leave the lid on with mine, but don't do the veggies unless I'm doing it in the oven and cooking it slowly.

 

[merego]

Was the power on High? I learned that the hard way at a show when the host had a new microwave and the incredible 3 minute chicken turned into the 90 minute disaster. Her power was on low, she still bought a DCB and her power is now set on high and she says perfect chicken everytime.

 

[candiejayne]

What wattage is normal? Mine at home is 1200W, but at a show I'm doing it's only 900W I figure I'm going to have to add time, I'm just not sure how much time. I'm hoping no more than 10 minutes... anyone have any advice?