Quick Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Rice Recipe

Craving a hearty meal but short on time and energy? Our 5-minute microwave canned chicken and rice turns pantry staples into comfort food without the fuss.

Tender shredded chicken pairs with fluffy rice in a dish that practically cooks itself. Your microwave does the heavy lifting here—no pots, no chopping, no excuses.

We’ll show you how to master this lazy meal, from ingredient swaps to reheating hacks.

What Does Microwave Canned Chicken and Rice Taste Like?

Imagine your favorite cozy casserole got a microwave makeover. The canned chicken brings a mild savory flavor—think pulled rotisserie chicken but softer—while the rice soaks up every bit of broth or seasoning. It’s like a hug in bowl form.

My sister Candice once whipped this up during a chaotic family game night when her oven decided to retire mid-dinner. We all groaned… until we tasted it. The texture? Creamy rice with tender chicken shreds. The vibe? Unapologetic comfort food that says “I adulted today” without requiring a chef’s hat.

Benefits Of Using Canned Chicken

Canned chicken is the MVP of lazy gourmet cooking. It skips the raw-meat anxiety and 30-minute simmer sessions, giving you instant protein without the fuss. For an even quicker meal, pairing canned chicken with lazy microwave canned chicken instant freekeh creates a satisfying and nutritious dish in no time.

Quick Preparation

No defrosting. No searing. Just pop the lid, drain, and dump-and-stir. Candice once made this recipe mid-Zoom meeting while wrangling her toddler—true story. From can to table in 5 minutes flat. When time is tight, defrosting ingredients quickly can be a lifesaver. For instance, using the microwave to defrost puff pastry allows you to prepare delicious dishes in record time.

Pre-cooked meat means you’re essentially reheating rather than cooking. Pair it with instant rice, and you’ve got dinner before your microwave’s beep finishes echoing.

Pantry-friendly Shelf Life

That can lurking in your cabinet since last Thanksgiving? Still good. Canned chicken lasts 2-5 years unopened (per USDA guidelines), making it a hurricane-season superstar or midnight snack savior. When you’re looking for quick meal ideas, canned chicken can be a key ingredient. Lazy microwave canned chicken stuffing is an easy and delicious option that maximizes flavor with minimal effort.

We keep six cans stocked for “uh-oh” moments—like when my nephew announced his entire soccer team was staying for dinner. Three bowls of microwaved chicken and rice later, crisis averted. For quick meals, nothing beats the convenience of lazy microwave boxed rice paired with canned chicken.

Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need to recreate this lazy masterpiece.

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Rice

Grab these staples from your pantry or fridge. We’re talking bare-minimum effort with maximum flavor payoff. Our base recipe serves one hungry human or two snackers. For a delicious twist, consider whipping up some quick microwave garlic parmesan chips. They make for a perfect snack that is easy and satisfying.

• 1 can (10 oz) chunk chicken (look for low-sodium if possible)
• 1 cup instant white rice (not parboiled or traditional)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water + ½ tsp bouillon)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (the lazy chef’s best friend)

Canned Chicken Substitutes and Alternatives

Out of canned chicken? We’ve all been there. Use 1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or even drained canned turkey. Vegetarians can swap in 1 cup mashed chickpeas or jackfruit chunks—they’ll soak up flavors like a sponge. For a quick solution, consider making a cheap microwave canned chicken quesadilla. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy a satisfying meal in no time.

Rice Options for Microwaving

Instant rice is king here, but frozen microwave rice packets work in a pinch (reduce liquid by 25%). Avoid brown rice—it turns into pebbles unless you’re willing to microwave for 15+ minutes. Trust us, we’ve tested seven varieties. For an even easier meal, consider pairing your rice with a lazy microwave frozen chicken patty. It brings a satisfying protein boost to your dish without much effort.

Also See: Easy Teriyaki Chicken (Microwave Stir-fry)

How to Make Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Rice

This is where magic meets microwave. Follow these steps while barely lifting a finger—we promise it’s easier than folding fitted sheets.

Step 1: Drain and Prep Canned Chicken

Pop that can open and drain it like you’re filtering out drama. Press the lid against the chicken to squeeze out every last drop of liquid. Soggy chicken = sad rice. Pro tip: flake it with a fork to mimic “fancy” shredded texture. Use the drained chicken in your lazy microwave canned chicken and rice meal for an easy and quick dinner.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Microwave-safe Bowl

Toss everything into a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl. Stir once—perfectionists can stir twice. Forgot the broth? Use water plus a dash of soy sauce. My college roommate once used pickle juice… we don’t recommend it.

Step 3: Microwave Time and Power Settings

Cover with a microwave-safe plate or lid. Nuke on HIGH for 5 minutes. If your microwave is weaker than a polite cough, add 1-minute increments. Watch for boil-overs—we’ve decorated enough turntables with starchy splatter. To make delicious hash browns, it’s beneficial to know the best microwaving techniques. By following a detailed microwaving hash browns guide, achieving perfectly cooked and crispy results can be easier than you think.

Step 4: Resting and Fluffing Tips

Let it sit for 2 minutes (microwave doors closed—no peeking!). This lets the rice absorb remaining liquid. Fluff with a fork like you’re tousling a toddler’s hair. Microwaving can be a game changer for cooking rice, especially when you need a quick and easy method. Too dry? Sprinkle 1 tbsp water and microwave 30 seconds more.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Mushy rice: You used regular long-grain rice. Salvage it by spreading on a plate to dry.
• Bland flavor: Stir in a pat of butter or sprinkle of Parmesan post-microwave.
• Uneven cooking: Always use a wide, shallow bowl—deep mugs create cold spots.

Also See: Easy Copycat Starbucks Oatmeal – Microwave Version!

Recipe Variations for Microwave Canned Chicken and Rice

Feeling fancy? These twists keep things interesting without requiring actual effort. Because lazy doesn’t mean boring.

Spicy Microwave Version

Add ½ tsp chili powder + ¼ tsp cayenne to the broth. Top with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha mayo. My firefighter neighbor calls this “emergency heat”—it’ll clear your sinuses faster than a sprint in pollen season.

Vegetable-added Microwave Method

Stir in ½ cup frozen peas and carrots before microwaving. They’ll steam perfectly in the broth. For picky eaters, chop veggies small enough to hide—we’ve smuggled spinach into this dish more times than we can count. Using the microwave is a great way to steam vegetables quickly while preserving their nutrients. With a few simple tricks, you can achieve perfectly steamed vegetables in just minutes.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of microwave alchemy, let’s tackle the real survival skill: storing and reheating leftovers without turning them into rubber. Microwaving those leftovers not only helps improve their texture but also plays a crucial role in killing harmful germs that can develop when food is stored. Ensuring your leftovers reach the right temperature is key to keeping them safe and delicious.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from prep tricks to flavor boosts for your lazy microwave canned chicken and rice. This 5-minute meal proves convenience doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Grab that can opener and microwave-safe bowl—your next satisfying meal is moments away. Tell us which variation you’re whipping up first!