Cheap Microwave Tortilla Tacos With Canned Chicken

Craving tacos but short on time and cash? Our microwave canned chicken taco delivers hot, savory flavor in under 5 minutes using pantry staples you likely already own. No chopping, no pans, no regrets.

At under $2 per serving, this recipe is cheaper than drive-thru and faster than delivery. We’ll show you how to turn that canned chicken into a legit taco filling without sacrificing texture or taste.

Below, you’ll get microwave hacks for crispy tortillas, seasoning fixes for canned meat, and budget toppings that punch above their weight class. Let’s tackle those emergency taco cravings.

What is Canned Chicken?

Canned chicken is pre-cooked shredded or chunk chicken preserved in water or broth. It’s shelf-stable, affordable (often under $2 per can), and ready to use straight from the pantry. While texture differs from fresh chicken, it’s a protein powerhouse when time or funds are tight.

At my aunt Clarice’s 50th birthday party, Uncle Peter accidentally grilled three times more chicken than needed. The next day? He canned the leftovers. While our recipe uses store-bought, his thrifty spirit lives on here. Just drain it well—unless you want taco soup!

Can You Microwave Tortillas for Tacos?

Absolutely! Microwaving softens tortillas quickly, but technique matters. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat for 15-20 seconds. This mimics steaming without the sogginess. Flour tortillas handle microwaves better than corn, but both work.

Uncle Peter once nuked corn tortillas solo at that same party. They turned into edible frisbees. Learn from his oversight: moisture and short bursts are key. Even when using cheap microwave tortillas with canned chicken for tacos, we’ll balance speed and texture so your tacos stay intact, not brittle.

Next up: raiding your pantry for the 5 essential ingredients that transform canned chicken into legit tacos. Spoiler—your spice rack is about to shine.

Ingredients for Microwave Canned Chicken Taco

You need just 5 core ingredients to build these tacos. Grab a can of chicken (12.5 oz), flour tortillas, shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and a lime. That’s it! My college roommate once made these with crushed Doritos instead of cheese—desperate times call for delicious measures. For a fun twist, try using cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes as a filling. It adds a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy tacos.

Canned Chicken Substitutes and Alternatives

No canned chicken? No panic. Use rotisserie chicken leftovers (shredded) or rinsed canned turkey. For vegetarian twists, mashed beans or seasoned tofu crumbles work. Budget bonus: swap taco seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder mixed 1:1:1. Make sure to properly reheat the rotisserie chicken before using it in your tacos.

Need gluten-free? Corn tortillas handle microwaving if wrapped tightly. Dairy-free? Skip cheese or use nutritional yeast. We’ve even used leftover spaghetti sauce as “taco sauce” in a pinch—judge us later, feed yourself now.

Also See: Microwave Coconut Vanilla Cake: Quick & Tasty Treat!

How to Make a Microwave Canned Chicken Taco

This is where we turn pantry scraps into glory. Total time: 4 minutes 37 seconds (yes, we timed it). You’ll need a microwave-safe plate and paper towels. Pro tip: wear oven mitts—steam burns are not part of the recipe.

Step 1: Preparing and Draining Canned Chicken

Open that can and drain aggressively. Press the chicken against the lid with a fork until it stops dripping. Residual liquid = soggy taco tragedy. My cousin once skipped this step—we called it “chicken soup taco night.” Don’t be my cousin.

Flake the chicken into a microwave-safe bowl. Mix in 1 tsp taco seasoning per ½ cup chicken. For extra zing, add a squeeze of lime juice. Stir like you mean it.

Step 2: Microwaving the Chicken and Tortilla

Nuke the seasoned chicken for 45 seconds on high. Meanwhile, wrap your tortilla in a damp paper towel. When the microwave beeps, move the chicken aside and add the wrapped tortilla. Heat together for 15 seconds.

This dual-heating method softens the tortilla while keeping the chicken hot. For crispier shells, layer cheese directly on the tortilla before adding chicken—it melts into a glue-like barrier against sogginess. Learn more about using cheap microwave tortillas and cheese.

Step 3: Assembling and Seasoning the Taco

Layer chicken onto the tortilla first, then cheese (it melts better this way). Top with diced onion, cilantro, or pickled jalapeños if available. Squeeze that lime wedge over everything—acidity cuts through the canned chicken’s richness. For a quick and tasty meal, consider making a cheap microwave canned chicken quesadilla, perfect for busy evenings. It’s an easy way to elevate your quesadilla game while keeping costs low.

No fresh garnishes? Use 1 tsp salsa or hot sauce per taco. My go-to: ketchup mixed with cayenne when the fridge is empty. We don’t gatekeep survival tactics here.

Also See: Cheap Microwave Tortilla With Canned Chicken Wrap

What Does a Canned Chicken Taco Taste Like?

Imagine a classic chicken taco with slightly softer texture. Properly seasoned canned chicken has a mild, savory flavor similar to rotisserie meat but saltier. The microwave-toasted tortilla adds warmth without the charred notes of grilling. For a quick meal option, consider transforming those ingredients into a cheap microwave tortilla canned chicken wrap. It’s a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a hearty dish without spending much time or money.

Texture tip: If you dislike the “canned” mouthfeel, mix in 1 Tbsp breadcrumbs per taco. It adds bite, like the time I added crushed crackers to impress a date. Spoiler: they married me anyway.

Ready to troubleshoot common pitfalls? Let’s tackle soggy tortillas and seasoning fails before they sabotage your taco triumph. A great solution for achieving soft and warm tortillas is using a microwave. Microwave corn tortillas quickly and easily retain their flavor and texture, making them perfect for your next meal.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

We’ve all been there—excitement for tacos crushed by a floppy tortilla or bland chicken. Let’s troubleshoot two biggies so your microwave magic never fizzles.

Avoiding Soggy Tortillas

Sogginess strikes when moisture attacks. Drain canned chicken like it owes you money—press with a fork until no liquid remains. Microwaving tortillas? Never skip the damp paper towel wrap. It steams them pliable, not waterlogged. For a quick meal, consider using those tortillas to make wraps with your tasty canned chicken. Cheap microwave tortilla and canned chicken combinations make for easy and satisfying meals any time of day.

If your tortilla still feels limp, try this hack: sprinkle cheese directly on it before adding chicken. The melted dairy acts as a moisture barrier. My roommate once used a tortilla chip as a base—crunchy genius we still replicate. For a quick and satisfying snack, consider using cheap microwave tortilla chips topped with melted cheese for that perfect crunch and gooey flavor.

Balancing Seasoning for Canned Chicken

Canned chicken’s sodium content varies wildly. Taste before seasoning! Start with ½ tsp taco seasoning per taco, then adjust. Too salty? Add 1 tsp lime juice or plain Greek yogurt to neutralize. For a quick meal solution, try using canned chicken wrapped in a cheap microwave tortilla. It makes for a fast and flavorful taco option that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Bland chicken? Boost flavor without salt: ¼ tsp smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder. I once accidentally used cinnamon instead of cumin—let’s just say our “dessert tacos” weren’t a hit. Learn from my spice cabinet chaos when you’re making your cheap microwave tortilla with canned chicken tacos.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Tacos

Store components separately to prevent mush-ification. Keep chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tortillas? Freeze them in a ziplock with parchment paper between each—they’ll last 2 months.

Reheating pro-tips:

• Chicken: Microwave in 15-second bursts with 1 tsp water to prevent dryness
• Tortillas: Re-wrap in damp paper towel, heat 10 seconds
• Assembled tacos: Remove cold toppings first (lettuce, sour cream), then nuke 20 seconds

Proven fact: Day-old tacos taste better with fresh garnishes. My midnight snack move? Reheat chicken, slap it on chips with cheese, and make nachos. Taco metamorphosis achieved. For a quick and easy twist, experimenting with a microwave nachos recipe makes the perfect late-night treat. Just layer the ingredients and watch them melt into a cheesy masterpiece in no time!

Now that we’ve nailed the basics, let’s get wild with flavor twists…

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

With just a few pantry staples and a microwave, you’ve got a flavor-packed, budget-friendly meal ready in minutes. Whether you’re craving something spicy with sriracha or cheesy with a melty twist, this canned chicken taco adapts to your taste.

Give it a try and let us know how your microwave taco adventure turns out—no fancy kitchen skills required, just quick, tasty satisfaction!