Introduction: Quick and Dirty Marinated Dorm Room Chicken


Admittedly I've been out of the college dorms for several years now, but I've learned a great deal about dorm cooking along the way. This instructable is geared towards those of us who don't particularly like to, or aren't allowed to cook.

Let's get to it!

What you'll need:
  1. 2 Large or 3 small chicken breasts
  2. A microwaveable steam bag (Ziploc Zip 'n Steam, Glad Simply Cooking Microwave steam bags, etc.)
  3. Any marinade you like, or think you’ll like. I chose Kikkoman “Roasted Garlic and Herb” marinade for this instructable. This particular marinade makes it easy if you plan to cook the chicken that night. Only 20 minutes to marinade!
  4. A microwave
  5. A little patience


Step 1: Prepare the Meat


If you've previously frozen your chicken, make sure you've thawed it thoroughly before beginning this instructable.  Once your chicken is thawed drain any excess juice.

Step 2: Marinate the Meat

  1. Put each drained chicken breast into a microwavable steam bag, making sure not to fill the bag too high, or else it won't steam properly when the time comes.
  2. Pour a small amount of marinade into the chicken-filled steam bag.  I don't really measure the amount of marinade since the size of chicken breasts may vary.  Just make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated.
  3. If you want to save a little money pour a small quantity of marinade at a time and squeeze as much air out as possible.  This will coat the chicken with a smaller amount.  No need to fill the steam bag up with marinade.

Step 3: Let the Marinade Marinate!

Place the prepped chicken into the fridge for at least 20 minutes before cooking/freezing.  If you plan to freeze the chicken for another day, make sure you marinate in the fridge before freezing.  You may also want to place each prepared steam-bag into a larger freezer bag to prevent that freezer-burned flavor.

Use the suggested microwave cooking time printed on each bag when you're ready to eat.  You may find the time to cook will vary depending on the amount of chicken you put into the steam bag.  Don't bite right in, make sure to slice the chicken through the thickest section to ensure it's thoroughly cooked before eating.

Remember, always wash all surfaces that come in contact with raw chicken!

Enjoy.