Learn how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave, in a double boiler, and in a slow cooker. These are 3 easy and quick methods for getting silky smooth, melted chocolate.

Melted chocolate in a bowl with a strawberry.

There are a variety of ways to use melted chocolate. Everything from dipping fruit, to drizzling on ice cream, making candy, or using for cookie bars.

Melting chocolate can be simple with a few tips and tricks. Follow along to learn the best ways to get melted chocolate chips without the chocolate clumping or seizing.

Tips for how to melt chocolate

Chocolate can sometimes be temperamental so it needs to be treated carefully. These tips will help get the perfect, smooth chocolate.

Chocolate chips are the perfect size for melting. They are already uniform in size which helps for even melting. If you choose to use pieces of a chopped chocolate bar, make sure to try break them in uniform pieces.
Do not add any water when melting chocolate. Water can cause the chocolate to become thick and lumpy.
Melt on low heat and remove from the heat source as soon as it’s melted. Be sure not to let the chocolate get above 90 degrees F.
If you don’t have chocolate chips, these methods also work for a chopped chocolate bar or candy melts.
Use a spatula when stirring and scraping the bottom of the bowl. Don’t use a wooden spoon because they can retain moisture which may cause seizing.
Don’t melt more than one cup of chips at a time when using the microwave method.

Bowls of chocolate chips and white chocolate chips.

How to melt chocolate chips in the microwave

Melting chocolate chips in the microwave is a fast and probably the easiest method.

The microwave heats fast so you will want to melt the chocolate in short time periods.

Add chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl.
Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir.
Microwave again for 10 seconds. Stir again. Keep heating in 10 second intervals and stirring until melted.

Tips: Be careful not to overheat and make sure to stir after every heating burst.

How to melt chocolate chips on stove

A double boiler is just a bowl stacked on top of a pot. (I like using a clear glass bowl.) Water is poured into the pot and then heated to just simmering. The steam rises and helps to melt the chocolate chips in the stacked bowl.

This double-boiler method is wonderful because the indirect heat helps the melted chocolate chips not burn.

Prepare double boiler by adding a couple of inches of water to a medium pot and place on stove top. Heat the water until a gentle simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pot. Make sure the bowl does not touch the simmering water.
Add 3/4 of the chocolate chips to the bowl. Stir with a spatula until they start to melt. Add the rest of the chocolate chips and keep stirring to melt.
Once melted, carefully remove the top bowl and use the chocolate.

Tips: You only need 1-2 inches of water in the pot. Try to keep the water at a simmer so it doesn’t get the chocolate too hot.

How to melt chocolate chips in a slow cooker

Using the slow cooker is a great method if you need to keep chocolate warm for a longer period of time and is great to use for dipping things like pretzels, strawberries, and more.

Put chocolate chips in a jar or bowl. I like using Mason jars. Place the jars in the slow cooker.
Carefully add hot water to the slow cooker. You will want to fill it so the water comes up about 2-3 inches. Make sure not to get any water inside the jar with the chocolate.
Turn the crock-pot on high. Do not cover. Let the chocolate heat 20-30 minutes and stir. The time will depend on how many chips you are melting.
Once melted, lower the temperature to “warm” setting. The melted chocolate should stay good for about 2 hours.

Tips: You can melt several different chocolates at one time with this method. Just use different jars for each chocolate.

How to melt white chocolate chips

White chocolate has a lower burning point, making it a little more difficult to work with than dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate.

White chocolate can burn faster so it needs to be melted on a lower heat. If microwaving, set the power to 50% heat rather than full power. If using the other methods, just make sure to stir and keep an eye on the white chocolate so that it doesn’t burn.

Bowl of melted chocolate and yellow spatula.

More recipes with chocolate chips

More recipes you will love

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

5 from 1 vote