How to Melt Chocolate Chips in 5 Minutes

Want to learn how to melt chocolate chips? Learn how with this step by step tutorial for melting chocolate chips in the microwave and stove!

Melting chocolate chips can be a tricky because you want to heat it slow and steady.

Who else has popped some chocolate in the microwave only to get distracted by something only to hear a ding moments later with some burnt chocolate waiting for you? I know I have!

If you’re looking for some recipes that use deliciously melted chocolate, try this Chocolate Hazelnut Gluten Free Biscotti, Fudgey Chocolate Orange Brownie Cake, or these Chocolate Quinoa Crisps!

You’re here because you love chocolate and I can’t blame you. Chocolate is my love language too. That’s why I made this Ultimate List of Chocolate Desserts: 30+ Ideas to drool over. You’re welcome 🙂

Two Ways to Melt Chocolate Chips

There are two main ways to melt chocolate chips and the main difference is what heating source you want to use and how many dishes you want to dirty 🙂

The microwave is great because you only dirty one bowl and it immediately heats the chocolate, no downtime of waiting for water to boil.

The downside to using the microwave is you don’t have a constant eye on it. While the 30 second increments help you have some control, you do risk potential scorching if you accidentally heat the chocolate for too long.

The stovetop is great because it’s slow, controlled, and you have a constant eye on the chocolate the whole time. If you are adding anything to the chocolate you can easily incorporate it into the chocolate as it melts.

The two downsides of using the stove to melt chocolate chips are it takes a bit extra time to wait for the water to boil and you have an extra pot to clean.

I don’t really think one way is better than the other, it’s just personal preference!

Use the Microwave!

The key to melting chocolate chips is 30 second increments! Microwaves can be uneven with how they heat so taking the time to stir will ensure one part of the chocolate isn’t overheating.

Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir the chocolate chips and microwave for another 30 seconds. Continue this process until the chocolate is smooth, thin, and glossy.

I use chocolate chips a lot because it’s what I have in my pantry 95% of the time. But, keep in mind these techniques also work for chocolate bars, just chop them into pieces.

Use your Stove!

Using a double boiler to melt chocolate is a really great way to melt the chocolate in a slow and controlled way.

Add 1 inch of water to a pot. Place it over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat so the water is a steady simmer.

Add the chocolate to a glass or metal bowl. Place the bowl on top of the pot and stir the chocolate chips. Stir the chocolate until smooth.

What about White Chocolate?

Melting white chocolate chips can be done the same way as dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips. Use the microwave or stovetop methods described in this post.

The time for melting may vary and you want to keep a watchful eye on the white chocolate to make sure it doesn’t get too thick or chalky.

How to Thin out the Chocolate

My favorite way to think out chocolate chips is with refined coconut oil! Refined coconut oil is great because it makes the chocolate thin, glossy, extra melty and drizzly.

You only need about 1 teaspoon of oil to thin out your chocolate. Refined coconut oil doesn’t have a coconut flavor so you don’t have to worry about your chocolate changing flavor.