It is generally not recommended to microwave hot food before refrigerating it. Microwaving hot food can create uneven heating, which may result in the growth of bacteria and foodborne illnesses. Additionally, microwaving can cause the outer layers of the chicken to become overcooked or dry.
To safely cool down hot baked chicken breast, it's best to follow these guidelines:
Allow the chicken breast to cool at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours after it's cooked. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
After 2 hours, if the chicken breast is still hot, you can place it in the refrigerator uncovered. It's important to ensure that the chicken is not tightly covered or wrapped, as this can trap heat and promote bacterial growth.
If you want to speed up the cooling process, you can cut the chicken breast into smaller pieces, which will cool down faster than a whole piece.
Once the chicken breast has cooled down to room temperature or below, you can transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating it.
Remember, proper food safety practices are essential to prevent foodborne illnesses.