Craving a protein-packed meal but short on time? This lazy microwave canned chicken and instant amaranth dish is ready in under 10 minutes—no stove required.
We’re talking zero pots, zero fuss, and a shockingly satisfying meal. Wave goodbye to sad microwave meals—this one’s got flair.
We’ll walk you through safely microwaving canned chicken, mastering fluffy amaranth, and combining them into a meal that’s anything but boring.
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Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Amaranth
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American2
5
minutes10
minutes350
kcal15
minutesIf you're in a rush but still want a healthy meal, this Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Amaranth recipe is your solution. Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is ready in a matter of minutes, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Skip the long cooking times and enjoy a comforting meal without any fuss.
Ingredients
of canned chicken 12.5 oz
of instant amaranth
of water or chicken broth
olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder optional
onion powder optional
herbs for garnish . optional
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of instant amaranth with 2 cups of water or chicken broth.
- Stir well, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave, let it sit for a minute, then fluff the amaranth with a fork.
- Meanwhile, open the can of chicken, drain any excess liquid, and place the chicken in another microwave-safe bowl.
- Add olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the chicken.
- Stir to combine, then cover the bowl and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Once both amaranth and chicken are ready, serve the chicken over the amaranth.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired..
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using broth instead of water. This recipe can be easily customized with different spices or vegetables. You can also toss in some frozen peas or corn with the chicken before microwaving for extra nutrition. This lazy meal is perfect for those nights when you want something quick and nutritious without compromising on taste.
Can You Microwave Canned Chicken?
Absolutely! Microwaving canned chicken is safe if drained first. We drain that salty brine to avoid rubbery texture and uneven heating. Just imagine Aunt Clarice’s infamous “mystery casserole” from my school days—no one wants soggy protein surprises. For a quick meal solution, consider combining that canned chicken with lazy microwave methods, like instant freekeh dishes, which make a hearty meal in no time.
Safety and Convenience Of Microwaving Canned Chicken
Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe dish—never nuke it in the can. Metal and microwaves? That’s a sparky disaster waiting to happen. Use 30-second bursts at 50% power to gently warm without turning it into jerky. Even when cooking chicken in the microwave, it’s important to monitor the process closely.
Aunt Clarice once zapped hers for 3 minutes straight. Let’s just say her cat gave it the side-eye. Stick to short intervals and stir between heats for even warmth.
Texture and Flavor Adjustments
Canned chicken can taste…well, canned. We revive it with a splash of broth or olive oil. For flavor, try a squeeze of lemon or a dash of smoked paprika—it’s like giving your chicken a tiny vacation.
Cover the dish with a damp paper towel while heating. This traps steam, keeping the meat tender. Dry chicken? Not on our watch.
What is Instant Amaranth?
Instant amaranth is the quinoa cousin that skipped the hipster phase. This pre-cooked, microwave-ready grain cooks in 90 seconds flat. No rinsing, no boiling, no patience required—perfect for lazy chefs. Pair it with a lazy microwave frozen chicken patty for a quick, satisfying meal. The combination makes for a nutritious option that fits right into a busy lifestyle.
Microwave-friendly Grain Benefits
Unlike rice or farro, instant amaranth doesn’t demand a watchful eye. Just add water (1:2 ratio), zap for 1.5 minutes, and fluff. It’s so easy, even my middle school self could’ve nailed it between math homework and doodling.
Bonus: no sticky pot to scrub. Microwave-safe bowl? Yes. Dishpan hands? Hard pass.
Nutritional Profile Of Amaranth
This tiny grain punches above its weight: 9g protein and 5g fiber per cooked cup. It’s loaded with lysine (rare for grains) and magnesium—nutrients that make your body sing hallelujah.
Pair it with canned chicken, and you’ve got a complete protein meal. For an even quicker option, consider lazy microwave canned chicken noodles. This dish combines convenience and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy days!
Ready to grab your ingredients? Let’s raid the pantry like Aunt Clarice during a midnight snack attack.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Amaranth
Let’s raid your pantry like it’s a Black Friday sale. Our MVP here is canned chicken—the ultimate lazy protein. Using canned chicken with instant barley makes for a quick and satisfying meal. But if you’re feeling fancy, swaps work too!
Canned Chicken Substitutes
Rotisserie chicken shreds? Perfect. Crumble baked tofu for plant-based power. Even canned tuna works in a pinch—just expect a fishier vibe. My college roommate once used Spam. We don’t talk about that. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, try a microwave tofu recipe to make delicious dishes in no time.
Instant Amaranth Alternatives
No amaranth? Grab microwave quinoa (cooks in 3 minutes) or instant couscous (just add hot water). Adjust liquid ratios: quinoa needs 1:2 water-to-grain, couscous 1:1.5. Couscous is basically pasta in a party hat—fast but less nutrient-dense.
Also See: Microwave Lemon Poppy Seed Mug Cake in Minutes!
How to Make Microwave Canned Chicken
This isn’t rocket science—it’s easier. I once microwaved chicken while half-asleep during finals week. True story. Surprisingly, microwaving not only saves time but can also enhance the flavors of certain foods. In fact, there are 9 foods that taste better when microwaved compared to being baked, making them ideal for those busy moments.
Step-by-step Heating Instructions
- Drain chicken thoroughly (save broth for soups!).
- Spread in microwave-safe bowl. Cover with damp paper towel.
- Microwave 30 seconds at 50% power. Stir. Repeat until warm (≈1 minute total).
Seasoning Tips for Maximum Flavor
Transform “meh” to “more!” with garlic powder + lemon zest. Or go Southwest: cumin, chili flakes, lime juice. My secret? A tiny dab of mayo post-heating—adds creaminess without dairy drama. Just make sure not to heat up mayonnaise in the microwave, especially when you’re using it in lazy microwave dishes like canned chicken and instant amaranth.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Overheated chicken turns into Sahara desert kibble. Fix: Stir in 1 tsp broth or olive oil. If it’s cold in the center? Spread thinner next time. Uneven heating cursed my 2017 lunchbox—learn from my sorrow. To avoid such misadventures, many people turn to microwaving for a quick reheating option. Proper techniques for reheating chicken in the microwave can help ensure it stays juicy and flavorful.
Also See: How to Temper Chocolate in the Microwave: Quick Guide
How to Cook Instant Amaranth in the Microwave
Amaranth’s like that friend who’s low-maintenance but impressive. My first batch? Fluffier than my cat’s winter coat.
Perfect Water-to-amaranth Ratio
Use 1:2 ratio—½ cup grain + 1 cup water. Too watery? Drain excess. Too dry? Add 1 tbsp water and zap 15 seconds. It’s forgiving, unlike my sourdough starter.
Fluffing and Resting Techniques
After microwaving 90 seconds, let it sit 1 minute—steam finishes the job. Fluff with fork using a lifting motion (no smushing!). Think gentle cloud separation, not mashed potatoes. It’s important to note that some foods can be tricky when it comes to microwaving. Learn about the 5 foods people often microwave wrong to ensure the best results.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Soggy amaranth? Skip the salt—it slows water absorption. Undercooked? Add 1 tbsp water and microwave 20 seconds. If it’s crunchy, you’ve invented amaranth popcorn. Not ideal. For a quick meal, combining amaranth with microwave frozen chicken nuggets can be a satisfying option. This lazy microwave approach makes it easy to enjoy delicious and nutritious nuggets in an instant.
Now that we’ve mastered the components, let’s marry them into something glorious. Spoiler: It involves zero plating skills.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve covered everything from microwaving canned chicken to cooking instant amaranth—now it’s time for you to whip up this lazy meal. The best part? You can customize it endlessly with different seasonings or protein swaps.
Give it a shot and let us know how your microwave masterpiece turns out. Whether you’re meal-prepping or craving a quick dinner, this combo delivers nutrition without the fuss. Happy microwaving!
