Craving a hearty meal but short on time? This lazy microwave boxed rice with canned chicken takes just 5 minutes from pantry to plate.
No pots, no chopping—just dump, zap, and devour. Perfect for dorm rooms, late-night cravings, or when adulting feels too hard.
We’ll cover microwave-safe ingredients, step-by-step hacks, and creative twists to keep your taste buds entertained.
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Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice with Canned Chicken
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American2
2
minutes10
minutes350
kcal12
minutesThis recipe is all about simplicity. If you find yourself short on time but craving a hearty meal, this microwave boxed rice with canned chicken is your answer. With minimal prep and cook time, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss of traditional cooking.
Ingredients
of microwaveable rice flavor of your choice
of chicken drained
of frozen mixed vegetables
soy sauce optional
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder optional
green onions for garnish . optional
Directions
- Start by placing the microwaveable rice pouch in the microwave and cook according to package instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the drained canned chicken and frozen mixed vegetables
- Microwave the mixture on high for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the cooked rice
- Add the soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, then mix everything together until well combined
- If desired, top with chopped green onions for garnish before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by using different flavors of boxed rice or adding other canned vegetables. You can also substitute the canned chicken with canned tuna or beans for a different protein choice. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a lazy dinner when you want something quick and easy!
What is Boxed Rice?
Boxed rice is our kitchen superhero – dehydrated rice mixed with seasonings and sometimes tiny pasta bits, all vacuum-sealed for maximum laziness. Brands like Rice-A-Roni or Zatarain’s let us skip measuring spices. Just add water (or broth) and microwave.
My grandpa swore by boxed rice during fishing trips – “add hot water and patience” – but we’ve upgraded his method. Today’s versions cook in 5-7 minutes with zero stirring. It’s the ultimate base for dumping canned chicken straight into the mix.
Can You Microwave Canned Chicken?
Yes, but with one rule: always drain it first. That salty brine turns into a soggy tsunami if microwaved straight from the can. John learned this the hard way during his “bachelor chow” phase – our kitchen smelled like wet dog food for days.
Canned chicken (think brands like Swanson or Kirkland) is already cooked, so we’re just reheating. Flake it with a fork post-zapping to mimic shredded texture. While fresh chicken tastes…well, fresher, canned gives us 12g of protein in 2 minutes flat. Priorities! For a quick and easy meal, consider using canned chicken in a cheap microwave canned chicken quesadilla. It’s a simple and budget-friendly way to enjoy a delicious dish in no time.
Now that we’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk about building flavors without burning down the dorm…
Microwave-safe Ingredients for Lazy Boxed Rice With Canned Chicken
Let’s raid the pantry! Our MVP here is boxed rice – Rice-A-Roni’s chicken flavor or Zatarain’s yellow rice work beautifully. These contain pre-measured spices and vermicelli for zero guesswork when making lazy microwave boxed rice.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutes
Canned chicken (drained!) is non-negotiable. Swanson’s chunk version stays tender, but Kirkland’s shredded style blends seamlessly. For a quick meal solution, consider pairing it with lazy microwave canned chicken stuffing for added flavor and ease. Forgot to shop? Swap in canned turkey or plant-based “chick’n” crumbles (MorningStar Farms works).
Boost flavor with mix-ins:
- Shredded cheddar (30 secs melts it into gooey bliss)
- Frozen peas (toss ’em in frozen – they thaw while cooking)
- Cholula hot sauce (2 dashes = instant zing)
My roommate once added dry ramen seasoning – “gourmet” on a gas-station budget. We don’t recommend it, but desperation breeds innovation. If you’re looking for an easy meal solution, try combining cheap microwave ramen with canned chicken for a hearty dish. This simple addition can turn an otherwise basic meal into something filling and satisfying.
Also See: 2-minute Microwave Shakshuka in a Mug (Vegetarian)
How to Make Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Chicken
This isn’t cooking – it’s edible assembly. Grab a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl (we’ve all melted Tupperware – learn from our mistakes). When using plastics in the microwave, it’s essential to choose ones labeled as microwave-safe to avoid any health risks. This ensures that your meal is heated safely without leaching harmful substances into your food.
Step-by-step Microwave Instructions
- Nuke the rice: Combine boxed rice + water per package. Microwave 5 mins (1200W) until fluffy. Stir halfway – yes, even lazy chefs must move once.
- Flake & mix: Drain chicken (seriously – John’s “soup incident” still haunts us). Fork-shred into rice. Add butter/oil from the box instructions.
- Zap again: Microwave 1-2 mins until steaming. Let sit 60 secs – patience prevents tongue burns.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Cooking
Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel – stops rice grenades. Lower wattage? Add 15-30 sec intervals. Our test kitchen found: Microwave cooking can yield delicious meals in minutes, like a tasty microwave egg fried rice bowl. This simple dish combines the flavors of fried rice with the richness of eggs, making it a perfect quick meal option.
| Microwave Wattage | Total Time |
|---|---|
| 700-900W | 7-8 mins |
| 1000-1200W | 5-6 mins |
Stir in cheese post-cooking unless you enjoy scrubbing dairy cement. Speaking from experience. Melting cheese in the microwave can be a quick and easy solution to avoid that cleanup. It helps achieve a creamy texture without the hassle of pots and pans.
Also See: 3 Incredible Microwave Recipes Using Store-bought Dough
What Does Lazy Microwave Boxed Rice With Canned Chicken Taste Like?
Imagine your college cafeteria’s chicken fried rice – but actually good. Savory, slightly salty (thank you, canned chicken), with fluffy grains. The canned chicken has a milder flavor than fresh – think “blank canvas” for your hot sauce art. For a quick meal, pairing this with microwave-ready instant rice makes for an effortless dining option. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights when you crave something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Texture-wise? The rice stays pleasantly chewy if you don’t overcook it. Canned chicken softens into shreds that mimic slow-cooked pulled chicken. Add frozen peas for crunch or sriracha mayo for creaminess. This makes it a perfect option for lazy microwave canned chicken rice, where convenience meets home-cooked flavor.
Last week, I ate this while binge-watching Netflix – it’s the culinary equivalent of sweatpants. Not glamorous, but 100% comfort. Now, let’s talk about resurrecting leftovers without the rubbery aftermath. With the right techniques, even the simplest meals can be elevated. Discovering how to use the microwave can transform those leftovers into gourmet meals, ensuring they taste fresh and delicious.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers? We’ve all stared at that sad container wondering “is this still edible?” Fear not – our lazy rice bowl resurrects beautifully. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. It stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge or 2 months frozen (though the texture gets mushy post-thaw).
Freezing pro tip: Portion single servings in muffin tins. Pop out frozen rice pucks and microwave straight from freezer – no defrosting needed. My roommate once labeled these “mystery meat discs.” They’re less mysterious with a Sharpie.
Reheating Without Rubberization
- Moisture is key: Add 1 tsp water per cup of rice. Cover with a damp paper towel – this steams it back to life.
- Zap smart: Microwave on 50% power for 2 minutes. Stir, then blast 30 seconds full power. Check internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Revive textures: Mix in fresh herbs or a butter pat post-reheat. Canned chicken gets chewy? Fluff with a fork.
| Appliance | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1000W Microwave | 2.5 mins | Steamy perfection |
| Oven (350°F) | 12-15 mins | Crispy edges |
I once nuked leftovers dry – the chicken chunks turned into bouncy rubber balls. Learn from my tragedy: always add water. Now go forth and reheat fearlessly! If you’re looking for an easy meal option, consider using lazy microwave canned chicken with instant freekeh. This simple combination makes for a quick and satisfying dish without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
Speaking of kitchen disasters, let’s tackle those “why does my rice look possessed?” moments next…
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Quick Meal!
We’ve walked through everything from microwave safety to flavor tweaks for your lazy boxed rice and canned chicken combo. The best part? You can customize it endlessly with spices, veggies, or sauces—no culinary degree required.
Give this 5-minute microwave hack a spin next time hunger strikes. We bet you’ll be surprised how something so simple tastes this satisfying. Just don’t blame us when it becomes your new go-to lazy dinner!
