This work investigated the influence of microwave sintering on the BaCe0.2Zr0.7Y0.1O3-δ phase, incorporating 2 mol% or 4 mol% NiO as sintering aid. X-ray diffraction analysis of perovskite phase detected a rhombohedral structure under both sintering heating rates (280 and 500 °C/min), also exhibiting the presence of a second phase deficient in Ba with Ni incorporated into the structure, replacing part of the Zr. Raman analysis indicated no distortions in the perovskite structure, independent of the rates and NiO concentrations. The efficacy of NiO addition as a sintering aid was demonstrated by high densification of the samples, exceeding 97 % relative density. Detailed analysis of structural, microstructural, and conductivity properties revealed that microwave sintering, particularly using a heating rate of 500 °C/min, yielded superior results compared to conventional sintering. The enhanced electrical response was attributed to a higher concentration of structural defects, oxygen vacancies, in the microwave-sintered samples, evidenced by the band at 630 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum. Among these, the BCZY sample with 2 mol% NiO, sintered under these conditions, stood out as the most promising, showcasing not only high density but also a uniform microstructure and appreciable electrical conductivity.