Cheap Microwave Tortilla With Canned Chicken Burrito

Craving a filling meal but short on time and cash? This burrito transforms pantry staples into a hot, savory meal in under 5 minutes. Costs less than $2 per serving and skips the stovetop entirely—your microwave does the heavy lifting.

No sink full of dishes, no grocery runs. We’re talking minimal cleanup with maximum flavor—perfect for dorm rooms, late-night cravings, or “adulting” emergencies.

We’ll walk you through ingredients, step-by-step assembly, and pro tips for avoiding soggy tortillas or rubbery chicken.

What is Canned Chicken?

Canned chicken is pre-cooked, shredded chicken preserved in water or broth with salt. No raw poultry here—it’s fully cooked during canning, making it shelf-stable for up to 2-3 years. My grandpa swore by it during family reunions when feeding 20 cousins required “magic pantry tricks.”

With 12-15g of protein per 3-ounce serving and 300-400mg sodium (drain the liquid to cut salt!), it’s a budget hero. We love it for its zero-prep convenience—just pop the lid and flake the meat with a fork. Perfect for burritos when life says, “Cook now, existential crisis later.”

What Does a Canned Chicken Burrito Taste Like?

Imagine tender, slightly savory chicken hugged by warm tortilla, melted cheese, and a kick of spices. Canned chicken has a milder flavor than rotisserie—think “blank canvas” rather than “flame-grilled superstar.” But here’s the secret: a dash of cumin or chili powder wakes it right up. It’s especially handy when you’re using cheap microwave tortillas with canned chicken for a quick burrito.

Texture matters. Microwaving keeps the chicken soft (not rubbery) while melding flavors. Grandpa’s version tasted like a cozy campfire meal—minus the smoke in your hair. Add salsa for tang or hot sauce for heat, and you’ve got a burrito that’s hearty, not haute cuisine.

Ready to build your own? Let’s raid the pantry and fridge—no fancy ingredients required.

Ingredients for Microwave Canned Chicken Burrito

Gather these staples—chances are, they’re already lurking in your kitchen. Our formula: 1 protein + 1 carb + 3 flavor boosters = burrito bliss. No Michelin stars required. For a quick and tasty meal option, consider making a cheap microwave canned black bean apple salsa. It’s a simple way to enhance your burrito and make it even more delicious.

Essential Ingredients

• 1 (10-inch) flour tortilla (the bigger, the better for rolling)
• 1 can (5oz) chicken breast (drained well—trust us)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or that mystery bag in your fridge)
• 2 tbsp salsa (jarred is fine—we’re not filming a cooking show)
• 1/4 tsp cumin or chili powder (the $1 spice jar hero)

Ingredient Substitutes and Alternatives

No salsa? No panic. We’ve all been there at 11pm. Try these swaps:

• Beans: Black or refried beans add creaminess (drain liquid first!)
• Rice: Leftover rice? Toss in 2 tbsp for extra heft
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt works if you’re feeling ~fancy~
• Hot sauce: Sriracha, Tapatío, or that free packet from last Tuesday’s takeout

Also See: Microwave Chili Egg Scramble: Quick & Budget-friendly

How to Make a Microwave Canned Chicken Burrito

Follow these steps—it’s easier than assembling IKEA furniture. Promise.

Step 1: Prepare the Canned Chicken

Drain that can like you’re pouring out last week’s regrets. Flake chicken with a fork—no chunks bigger than a penny. Mix in 1/4 tsp cumin (or chili powder) and 1 tbsp salsa. Pro tip: Microwave for 15 seconds to warm the spices—game changer! For a delicious twist, consider making a chicken chili recipe in the microwave. This method not only saves time but also brings out rich flavors in a simple dish.

Step 2: Warm the Tortilla (Microwave Vs. Stovetop)

Microwave method: Wrap tortilla in damp paper towel. Nuke 10 seconds — softens without crispiness. Right for a quick cheap microwave tortilla, especially when paired with canned chicken for a burrito. Stovetop option: Heat skillet medium-high 30 seconds per side. Adds toasty spots but requires actual pans. Choose your adventure.

Step 3: Assemble the Burrito

Layer chicken mixture, cheese, and remaining salsa 1 inch from tortilla edge. Avoid overstuffing—this isn’t a grocery bag. Fold sides inward, then roll tightly away from you. If it bursts, call it a “deconstructed burrito bowl.” For a quick meal solution, consider using cheap microwave tortillas and canned chicken. This combination allows you to create delicious wraps in just minutes.

Step 4: Microwave the Burrito (Timing and Safety Tips)

Wrap burrito in parchment paper or damp paper towel. Microwave 30-45 seconds—cheese should melt, not erupt. Caution: Let it sit 1 minute. Escaping steam burns more than your ex’s texts. When microwaving any frozen burrito, time it carefully to ensure even heating.

Step 5: Serving Suggestions

Slice diagonally to impress yourself. Dip in leftover salsa, guac (if avocado hasn’t gone rogue), or more hot sauce. Pair with tortilla chips for crunch—or eat straight from the mug. We don’t judge. For a quick and budget-friendly option, try adding cheap microwave canned black bean salsa to your dish. It adds a flavorful twist and complements your snacks perfectly.

Also See: 4 Ways to Cook Your Favorite Greens in the Microwave

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Burritos

Wrap cooled burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They’ll keep 3 days in the fridge—perfect for meal prep amnesia. To reheat, remove foil (sparks aren’t festive), wrap in a paper towel, and microwave 45-60 seconds. Pro move: Add fresh salsa after reheating to combat sogginess.

Now that your burrito game is strong, let’s tackle common pitfalls—because nobody deserves a leaky, sad wrap.

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip It Up!

With just a few pantry staples and a microwave, you’ve got a tasty, budget-friendly canned chicken burrito in minutes. No fancy skills needed—just follow our steps for a quick, satisfying meal.

Give it a try and let us know how your microwave burrito adventure goes! Got a twist on the recipe? We’d love to hear your creative spins.