How to Melt Chocolate Chips In The Microwave

A glass bowl of melted chocolate with a spatula dripping some back into the bowl.

How to Melt Chocolate Chips In The Microwave

Melting chocolate can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be! I'm going to show how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave without all the hassle of using a double boiler. All it takes is 3 minutes!

Course Prep

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 2

Total Time 3

Servings servings

Calories 450kcal

Author Jessy Freimann

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup Chocolate chips

Instructions

Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
Put the bowl of chocolate chips into the microwave and nuke them for 30 second on high power.
Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the chocolate.
Place the bowl back into the microwave and nuke it for another 30 seconds on high power.
Remove the bowl again and stir the chocolate again.
After this, keep microwaving the chocolate chips on high power for 10 second increments, stirring in between every time until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Use immediately.

Video

Notes

If your chocolate develops a clay-like consistency, it means it's seized and you won't get that lovely melted texture you're looking for. Don't throw it away — you can blend it into a batter for baking instead! But for melted chocolate, you'll need to begin again with different chocolate.

Make sure your bowl and spatula are dry before getting started. Even the tiniest bit of moisture will cause your chocolate to seize.

The amount of 10-second increments you'll need to fully melt the chocolate will vary based on how much chocolate you're using and your microwave. Keep a close eye on it and give it a good stir each time.

The most important thing to keep in mind when melting chocolate is to be patient and gentle. It's better to heat it slowly than to rush and risk causing it to seize or burning it.

Ingredients to prep ahead- You don't need to prep much — simply put the chocolate chips in the bowl and you're in business.

Leftovers and storage- You'll want to use your melted chocolate immediately as it will harden after a few minutes. But hey... when melting chocolate chips is this easy, you don't have to worry about making a bunch in advance!

Nutrition