Cheap Microwave Ramen With Canned Chicken – Quick Meal!

Who says broke college student meals can’t taste like a chef’s kiss? This microwave ramen with canned chicken cooks in 5 minutes flat—no sad, soggy noodles or bland broth allowed.

We’ve cracked the code on turning a basic packet and pantry staples into something that’ll make your taste buds (and wallet) happy. Total cost? Under $2.

In this guide, we’ll break down ingredient swaps, microwave tricks, and flavor upgrades that transform instant ramen from ‘meh’ to ‘more, please!’

Can You Microwave Ramen and Canned Chicken Together?

Yes – but only if your bowl is microwave-safe. We learned this the hard way when my mom Linda tried microwaving ramen in a vintage cereal bowl during my 12th birthday party. Let’s just say glittery ceramic shards don’t pair well with chicken flavor packets.

Canned chicken is already cooked, so we’re just warming it. Combine it with raw ramen noodles and water, then microwave 3-4 minutes. Use glass or ceramic dishes labeled “microwave-safe” (check the bottom). Plastic takeout containers? Skip those – warping risks and chemical leaching aren’t worth the $2 savings.

What Does Canned Chicken Taste Like in Ramen?

Imagine shredded chicken breast that’s been gently seasoned and pressure-cooked. Canned chicken has a softer texture than fresh – think “pulled” rather than “grilled.” It won’t win a James Beard award, but blends beautifully with ramen’s salty broth.

Mom’s hack? Rinse the chicken under cold water for 10 seconds to reduce sodium by up to 30%. You’ll still get protein without overwhelming the broth. For a flavor boost, sprinkle garlic powder or chili flakes directly onto the chicken before microwaving. To take your meals to the next level, consider trying out a new chicken breast recipe that incorporates these tips for maximum flavor.

Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need…

Ingredients for Microwave Ramen With Canned Chicken

Our $1.78 miracle meal starts with 4 basics: ramen noodles (any brand), canned chicken, water, and seasoning packets. Need substitutes? Swap canned chicken for drained tuna or rinsed canned beans. Ramen alternatives? Instant rice noodles work if you extend microwaving by 90 seconds. For an even quicker meal, lazy microwave canned chicken instant noodles can be a great option when you’re short on time but still want a filling dish.

Essential Components and Budget Substitutes

My broke college self once used expired ramen (don’t recommend) and gas station mayo packets (do recommend). Stick to these fresh upgrades: Adding some protein and veggies can elevate your two-minute microwave ramen to a whole new level. Simple ingredients like cooked chicken or mixed vegetables can transform your meal into a balanced dish.

• Canned chicken: 5oz can (Great Value $1.12) or bulk Costco pack ($0.89/can)
• Ramen seasoning: Use ½ packet to cut sodium by 920mg
• Liquid: Swap water with free cafeteria coffee (desperate times) or better – low-sodium broth

Vegetable Add-in Alternatives

Frozen peas transformed my ramen game freshman year. Microwave them with the noodles! Other dorm-friendly picks: Adding canned peas to cheap microwave instant noodles not only boosts nutrition but also enhances flavor and texture. This simple combination creates a quick meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.

Veggie	Prep	Cost
Canned corn	Drain & stir in	$0.50/can
Baby spinach	Wilt in broth	$2.99/lb
Pickled ginger	Top after cooking	$3.29/jar

Seasoning Adjustments for Better Flavor

That orange seasoning packet isn’t law. For depth without MSG headaches:

• Add ¼ tsp rice vinegar + ½ tsp brown sugar
• Mix in 1 tsp peanut butter + sriracha (trust us)
• Crushed Doritos as topping (thanks, roommate Chad)

Also See: Microwave Fish Fillet Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

How to Make Cheap Microwave Ramen With Canned Chicken

We’ve all nuked ramen into mushy oblivion. Follow these steps to avoid tragedy:

Preparing the Ramen Noodles Safely

Break noodles into quarters before adding water – they’ll cook evenly. Use 1.5 cups water per brick. Microwave 2 minutes, stir, then 1 more minute. No ceramic explosions since 2012, promise. Cooking noodles in the microwave is a quick and easy method for a fast meal. This technique provides a convenient way to prepare your favorite pasta without needing a stove.

Heating and Draining Canned Chicken Properly

Drain that can like your GPA depends on it. Rinse chicken under cold water for 15 seconds to slash sodium. Microwave 30 seconds with 1 tsp water to prevent Sahara-dryness. Fluff with fork – texture matters! For a quick meal, adding some lazy microwave canned chicken to instant freekeh can elevate your dish. This combination is not only convenient but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for busy days.

Combining Ingredients in Microwave-safe Bowls

1. Layer noodles, chicken, seasoning in bowl
2. Add hot broth/water until just submerged
3. Microwave 1 minute – watch for boil-overs!
4. Let sit 60 seconds (noodles absorb flavor)

Also See: How to Microwave Frozen Edamame in Pods

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

I once created ramen so salty it could preserve a mummy. Learn from our errors:

Preventing Soggy Noodles

Overcooking = mush. Microwave in 30-second bursts after initial 3 minutes. Perfect noodles should spring back when poked, not disintegrate.

Balancing Sodium Levels

Canned chicken + full seasoning packet = 1,870mg sodium – 80% of your daily limit. Always rinse chicken and use max ½ packet. Add low-sodium soy sauce to taste. Cooking with canned chicken can simplify meal prep, especially when creating quick chicken recipes that are both delicious and easy to make.

Avoiding Overheating Canned Chicken

Zapping chicken longer than 45 seconds turns it rubbery. Microwave separate from broth, and only until warm (internal 165°F). Use a food thermometer – they’re $5 at Walmart. One effective method for reheating chicken is using the microwave, allowing it to heat evenly without overcooking. This can help preserve the chicken’s texture and flavor, ensuring a more enjoyable meal.

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk about keeping your ramen edible beyond the first serving. To keep ramen fresh for later enjoyment, reheating it in a microwave can be a quick and effective option. Just be sure to add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out while heating.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from avoiding soggy noodles to spicing up your broth with pantry staples. This cheap microwave ramen with canned chicken proves you don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Give it a whirl and tweak the flavors to your taste—maybe add that extra dash of chili flakes or a squeeze of lime. Let us know how your quick microwave ramen creation turns out!