Quick & Easy Lazy Dinner: Microwave Frozen Chicken Nuggets & Barley

We’ve all had those nights where cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest in sweatpants. This microwave meal solves everything with zero prep time and one-dish cleanup.

Crunchy nuggets meet fluffy barley in under five minutes – leaving you more couch time for important things like rewatching your favorite show.

We’ll walk through nuking frozen nuggets without sogginess, mastering instant barley textures, and building a meal that’s shockingly satisfying.

Can You Microwave Frozen Chicken Nuggets and Instant Barley?

Absolutely – we’ve tested this combo more times than Aunt Clarice tells the story about her prize-winning zucchini bread. Let’s break down the science (and art) of nuking these two very different ingredients. Speaking of zucchini, quick and easy recipes like 90 second zucchini bread can also be a delightful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable in the kitchen.

Microwaving Frozen Chicken Nuggets: Safety and Texture

Frozen nuggets microwave safely when heated to 165°F internal temperature. The real challenge? Avoiding the dreaded rubbery texture. We arrange them in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate with parchment paper underneath – this prevents sticking without adding oils. For a quick and satisfying meal, microwave frozen chickenless nuggets can be a fantastic option. They provide a tasty, convenient alternative for those looking to enjoy a meatless snack without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Microwave in 90-second bursts, flipping halfway. Our sister Candice once skipped the flipping step during a family reunion snack emergency—even a trick for any lazy microwave meal won’t save you then. Let’s just say her “nugget hockey pucks” became legendary.

Microwaving Instant Barley: Quick Cooking Basics

Instant barley thrives in the microwave. Combine 1/2 cup barley with 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl, add a pinch of salt, and nuke for 4 minutes. Let it sit covered for 2 minutes post-cooking – this plumps the grains perfectly.

Pro tip: Stir in a pat of butter before microwaving. It creates steam pockets that cook the barley evenly. We learned this trick after three sad, clumpy batches during our “lazy meal experimentation phase”.

What Does a Microwave Chicken Nugget and Barley Meal Taste Like?

Imagine drive-thru nuggets meeting wholesome grain bowls. The barley’s nutty chew balances the salty crunch (yes, you can keep some crisp if you time it right!). Add a drizzle of honey mustard between bites for sweet-tart contrast. This combination makes it easy to create a quick and satisfying barley bowl for a summer power lunch. With microwave grains, you can prepare a nutritious meal in no time, perfect for those busy days.

At last year’s family reunion, Aunt Clarice swapped her usual casserole for this microwave hack. The shocked silence followed by seconds requests? That’s all the flavor endorsement we need. A delicious casserole can be easily prepared in the microwave, saving time without sacrificing taste. There are many quick microwave casserole recipes that offer great flavors and are perfect for family gatherings.

Ready to transform pantry staples into actual dinner? Let’s talk ingredients – including sneaky upgrades for picky eaters. One quick and easy way to enhance your meals is by making instant caramelized onions using a microwave. This microwave hack saves time and adds a delicious depth of flavor to your meal prep.

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Chicken Nugget and Barley Meal

Grab these basics from your freezer and pantry. Our formula serves one hungry adult or two snackers – double it if you’re feeding teen appetites. For a simple yet satisfying meal, consider popping some lazy microwave frozen mozzarella sticks into the microwave. They make for an effortless and delicious addition to any snack time or casual meal.

• 6 frozen chicken nuggets (any brand, but crispier coatings work best)
• 1/2 cup instant barley (look for “10-minute” or “quick-cook” labels)
• 1 cup water (substitute broth for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper (the dynamic duo of lazy seasoning)

Chicken Nugget and Barley Alternatives

We’ve made this with everything from gluten-free nuggets to leftover Thanksgiving turkey cubes. You can even use the microwave for cooking turkey, making it a quick solution for weeknight meals. Just ensure you follow safe cooking guidelines to evenly heat the turkey and avoid any cold spots.

Instead of…	Try…
Chicken nuggets	Veggie nuggets, tofu bites, or canned chickpeas (drained)
Instant barley	Quick-cook quinoa, couscous, or microwave rice packets

Our cousin Dave uses frozen falafel instead of nuggets – it’s chaos, but delicious chaos.

Also See: Easy 5-minute Microwave Oreo Cheesecake in a Mug

How to Make Lazy Microwave Chicken Nugget and Instant Barley

We’ll cook components separately then combine. Why? Because microwaves hate multitasking. Trust us – we learned this during The Great Burrito Bowl Incident of 2021.

Step-by-step Microwave Instructions

1. Nuke the nuggets: Arrange frozen nuggets on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high for 90 seconds. Flip each nugget. Microwave 60-90 seconds more until internal temp hits 165°F.
2. Blitz the barley: In a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup instant barley and 1 cup water. Microwave uncovered for 4 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes – this is when the magic (absorption) happens.
3. Fluff and season: Stir barley with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. For creamier texture, mix in 1 tsp butter or olive oil.

Plate the barley first, top with nuggets, and deploy dipping sauces liberally. Honey mustard hides a multitude of microwave sins.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

We’ve made every error so you don’t have to:

• Soggy nuggets? Skip the paper towel lining. It absorbs steam that would otherwise soften the coating.
• Barley volcano? Always use a bowl twice the volume of your ingredients. Our first attempt left barley cemented to the microwave turntable.
• Uneven cooking? Space nuggets 1 inch apart. Overcrowding creates cold spots – unless you enjoy partially frozen chicken centers.

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk about keeping leftovers edible (yes, it’s possible!). A few clever microwave tricks can elevate those leftovers into delicious, gourmet meals. With the right techniques, leftover ingredients can turn into a whole new dining experience.

Also See: Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Couscous: Quick Meal

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Quick Meal!

We’ve covered everything from safety to storage for your lazy microwave chicken nugget and instant barley combo. This 5-minute meal proves convenience doesn’t have to sacrifice nutrition or flavor.

Give it a try tonight when you’re short on time but craving something satisfying. Toss in some frozen veggies or hot sauce to make it your own – the microwave does all the heavy lifting!