Why It’s Crucial to Follow Microwave Instructions for Frozen Foods
When it comes to heating frozen foods, following the instructions printed on the box is about more than convenience—it’s about ensuring both quality and safety. TikTok user Mackenzie Morris (@mackenziemorris) recently learned just how important this step can be while preparing a Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie, sharing her revelation with her followers in a now-viral video.
The Chicken Pot Pie Revelation
In her TikTok video, Morris explains the key step she had previously ignored: letting the pot pie sit in the microwave for five minutes after cooking.
“If you read the directions on the chicken pot pie box, you’ll see it says to leave it in the microwave for five minutes after cooking it for five to six minutes,” she says, holding up her plate of pot pie.
Initially, Morris assumed this step was to allow the food to cool down. “I thought it was to cool it down and whatever, so I always ignored it,” she admits. But after finally following the directions, she realized the true purpose of the step. “It’s to help cook it from the residual heat.”
This small adjustment made a big difference. “This is the first chicken pot pie I’ve made that hasn’t been raw or completely [expletive] burnt because I kept microwaving it, thinking it wasn’t done,” she shares. Morris wraps up the video with a simple but impactful takeaway: “Read the instructions, guys.”
Why the Five-Minute Rest Matters
Frozen food instructions are designed to optimize cooking by factoring in the unique properties of microwave heating. As BBC Science Focus Magazine explains, allowing food to “stand” for a few minutes lets the heat distribute evenly to the center, which can eliminate harmful bacteria and improve overall texture.
For Marie Callender’s chicken pot pies, the instructions emphasize using a microwave with higher wattage for quicker, more consistent cooking. The five-minute resting period ensures that the residual heat finishes cooking the filling, especially in thicker portions.
The Internet Weighs In
Morris’s video, which has over 56,000 views, sparked a lively debate among viewers about microwave techniques and frozen food preparation.
“It makes it crispy,” one viewer claimed, highlighting a perk of following the instructions.
Others shared alternative strategies for crispy crusts. “I always take it out and put a small crater on the top to let steam escape,” one user suggested.
Some users revealed their own quirky timing tricks. “I put it in for six minutes, then set my phone timer for 10 and get it out after that,” one viewer shared. Another joked, “Since becoming a mom, my pot pies are always cooked perfectly because I forget to take them out right away!”
The Takeaway
This small yet significant step of leaving frozen food in the microwave for a few minutes can prevent uneven cooking, burnt edges, and raw centers. As Morris learned, following the instructions isn’t just about convenience—it’s the secret to enjoying frozen foods the way they were meant to be eaten.
Next time you’re heating up your favorite frozen meal, don’t skip the instructions. Your taste buds—and your microwave—will thank you.
