Who says lazy meals can’t be nourishing? This recipe transforms pantry staples into a 5-minute meal with zero prep and minimal cleanup. We’re talking zero chopping, zero stovetop splatter, and zero judgment for eating straight from the mug.
Canned chicken and instant freekeh (a smoky, nutty ancient grain) become tender and flavorful under microwave magic. You’ll get a protein-packed, fiber-rich dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Below, we’ll cover microwave safety, ingredient swaps, and pro tips to nail this lazy-but-legit meal every time.
Jump To:
Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Freekeh
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American2
5
minutes10
minutes350
kcal15
minutesSometimes, you need a meal that comes together in a flash. This lazy microwave recipe combines protein-packed canned chicken with nutty instant freekeh for a delicious and wholesome dish. It's the perfect solution for quick lunches or dinners without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
of canned chicken 12.5 oz
instant freekeh
water or chicken broth
olive oil
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
parsley for garnish . optional
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of instant freekeh and 2 cups of water or chicken broth, Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste, Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate, Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, or until the freekeh is tender and the liquid is absorbed, Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and let it sit for 2 minutes, While the freekeh is resting, open the can of chicken and drain any excess liquid, Add the canned chicken to the bowl with the cooked freekeh and stir to combine, Microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated throughout, Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired..
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to enhance the flavor. This dish can easily be customized based on what you have on hand. You can also swap freekeh with other grains like quinoa or couscous if you prefer. Enjoy this lazy meal anytime you need something quick and satisfying!
What Are Canned Chicken and Instant Freekeh?
Let’s meet our stars. Canned chicken is precooked, shredded chicken preserved in water or broth. It’s the ultimate shortcut protein – think of it as your pantry’s answer to “but I don’t wanna cook chicken tonight.”
Instant freekeh? This ancient grain is roasted green wheat with a chewy texture and earthy, smoky flavor. Instant versions are parboiled for speedy cooking. Grandpa used to call it “campfire couscous” after our picnics where he’d sneak it into salads. Turns out, he was onto something!
Can You Microwave Canned Chicken and Freekeh Safely?
Absolutely, but let’s nuke wisely. Canned chicken is already cooked, so we’re just reheating it to 165°F (74°C) – the USDA’s safe zone. Drain the can first, and never microwave the metal lid (rookie mistake we’ve all made). For a quick and satisfying meal, consider using that canned chicken to whip up a cheap microwave canned chicken quesadilla. It’s a great way to enjoy a tasty dish without spending too much time or money in the kitchen.
Instant freekeh loves microwaves. Its pre-steamed grains soften in minutes with water. Use a microwave-safe bowl and stir halfway to dodge uneven cooking. Pro tip: Add a splash of broth instead of water for bonus flavor without extra work.
Ready to talk texture? Let’s see how microwaving turns these humble ingredients into lazy-day gold…
How Microwaving Affects Canned Chicken’s Texture and Taste
Microwaving canned chicken is like reviving a sleepy actor – it needs direction. Since it’s precooked, heat primarily impacts texture. We’ve found 30-45 seconds on high keeps it juicy, but overdo it, and you’ll get rubbery shreds worthy of a hockey puck gag. For a truly effortless meal, pairing it with instant rice makes for a lazy yet satisfying dish. Lazy microwave canned chicken over instant rice is a quick way to nourish without the fuss.
Drain that can liquid first! It’s packed with sodium and can create a weird steam bath. For extra insurance, stir in 1 tsp broth or olive oil pre-microwave. My college roommate once nuked it undrained – let’s just say our kitchen smelled like a salt mine for days.
Also See: Quick & Cozy: 2-minute Microwave Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
Microwaving Instant Freekeh: Consistency and Readiness
Instant freekeh thrives in microwaves. Its parboiled grains absorb liquid fast – aim for a 1:2 ratio (½ cup freekeh + 1 cup water). Microwave 3 minutes, stir, then another 2. Underdone? Add 15-second bursts. Overdone? You’ll get mush that sticks to the bowl like a stage-five clinger. For an easy meal, try pairing it with lazy microwave canned tuna for a quick and nutritious option.
This combination makes for a hassle-free dish that’s perfect for busy days.
Want it fluffier? Swap water for chicken broth and add a bay leaf during cooking. My camping buddy taught me this trick – now I can’t nuke freekeh without imagining campfire smoke swirling around my microwave.
Also See: Summer One-pot Venison Stew – Microwave Method
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Freekeh
Grab these MVP’s: 1 can chicken (drained), ½ cup instant freekeh, 1 cup liquid (water/broth), and seasonings. That’s it! No fancy knives or cutting boards – just a microwave-safe bowl and your hunger. This simple combination also pairs beautifully with lazy microwave canned chicken instant couscous, making meal prep even quicker. Just add the couscous, let it sit, and enjoy a filling, hassle-free dish.
Alternative Proteins for Canned Chicken
Out of canned chicken? Try these lazy swaps:
- Canned tuna (in water, drained) – adds briny depth
- Precooked lentils (½ cup) – earthy, fiber-packed
- Cubed tofu (3 oz) – pat dry first to avoid sogginess
Substitutes for Instant Freekeh
No freekeh? These grains cook just as fast:
- Instant couscous (microwave 2 mins)
- Quick quinoa (4 mins, rinse first!)
- Bulgur (3 mins, perfect for tabbouleh vibes)
Got your ingredients locked in? Time to turn that microwave into a flavor missile…
Step-by-step Microwave Instructions With Tips
Let’s turn that microwave into a lazy chef’s best friend. We’ll tackle each component separately before bringing them together – trust us, it’s easier than convincing your cat to take a bath. A perfect example of this microwave magic is how to microwave a corn cob. With a simple trick, you can enjoy perfectly cooked corn without any hassle.
Preparing Canned Chicken in the Microwave
Drain that chicken like it owes you money. Place 1 cup drained chicken in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel – this traps steam to prevent Sahara-level dryness. When reheating chicken in the microwave, using the microwave is a quick option that many find convenient. Microwave on high 30 seconds, stir, then another 15-20 seconds until it reaches 165°F.
Pro tip: Mix in 1 tsp olive oil or broth pre-nuking. My first attempt sans oil? Let’s just say our dog mistook it for his chew toy. When it comes to microwaving, adding olive oil can enhance flavors and improve texture. Just be cautious about how long you put olive oil in the microwave to prevent it from overheating.
Cooking Instant Freekeh in the Microwave
Combine ½ cup instant freekeh + 1 cup liquid (water/broth) in a 2-quart microwave-safe dish. No lid needed – we’re rebels. Microwave 3 minutes, stir vigorously (channel your inner whisk champion), then 2 more minutes.
Fluff with a fork. If it’s still crunchy, hit it with 15-second bursts. Perfect every time – unless you’re my cousin Dave, who once forgot the water. We don’t talk about Dave’s “burnt wheat pebbles” phase.
Combining and Seasoning for Best Results
Mix chicken and freekeh in a big bowl. Start with ½ tsp garlic powder + ¼ tsp smoked paprika, then taste. Too bland? Add a squeeze of lemon or dash of soy sauce. Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be elevated with unique flavors. For instance, experimenting with different seasonings can transform a basic chicken recipe into something extraordinary.
Want creamy vibes? Stir in 1 tbsp Greek yogurt. My camping crew swears by adding sriracha – though that one time we forgot milk? Let’s call it “character-building.” If you’re looking to enhance your yogurt experience even more, consider making microwave yogurt. It’s a quick and easy way to create delicious yogurt right at home.
Common Microwave Mistakes and How to Fix Them
We’ve all been there – staring at a sad microwave meal wondering where it all went wrong. Here’s how to dodge the classics.
Avoiding Dry or Rubbery Chicken
Overheating turns chicken into bouncy rubber. Stick to 45 seconds max total. If it’s still cold, use 10-second bursts. Already overdone? Stir in 1 tsp broth or salsa – it’s like CPR for poultry.
Always cover with a damp towel. That time I skipped this step? My chicken shreds could’ve doubled as guitar strings. Using a paper towel in the microwave can help prevent messes and keep food moist. Just remember to dampen it slightly before use for the best results.
Preventing Soggy or Undercooked Freekeh
Sogginess = too much liquid. Use a 1:2 ratio and measure precisely. Undercooked? Add 1 tbsp water and 20-second zaps. Mushy mess? Spread it on a plate to dry – or rebrand as “freekeh patties” (our little secret). While addressing texture, consider tips to fix soggy microwave cornbread using these straightforward methods for a better outcome.
Stir halfway! Skipping this caused my 2021 “freekeh lava cake” incident. Still finding grains in weird places.
Mastered the basics? Let’s jazz things up – your taste buds deserve more than “just edible.”
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve covered everything from safety to seasoning for your lazy microwave canned chicken and instant freekeh meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this combo is perfect for busy days when you need something hearty fast.
Give it a whirl—just 5 minutes in the microwave gets you a protein-packed, fiber-rich dish. Tweak the spices or veggies to match your mood, and let us know your favorite version!
