Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Barley: Quick Meal

Hungry but short on time? Our lazy microwave canned chicken and instant barley recipe delivers a satisfying meal in under 10 minutes—with almost zero cleanup. Perfect for dorm rooms, office lunches, or those nights when even takeout feels like too much effort.

All you need are pantry staples: canned chicken (yes, it’s safe to microwave!) and instant barley. No chopping, preheating, or fancy gadgets required—just a microwave and a bowl.

We’ll answer whether microwaving canned chicken is safe, break down the flavor profile, and walk through each step to nail this lazy-but-tasty dish.

Can You Microwave Canned Chicken?

Yes—microwaving canned chicken is safe and shockingly simple. We do this weekly when testing recipes (and during desperation dinners). Just drain the liquid first—it splatters like an overexcited toddler with a water gun.

My uncle Peter once tried microwaving it straight from the can during a family camping trip. Let’s just say his “chicken geyser” became legendary. Learn from his mistake: transfer the chicken to a microwave-safe bowl first. Stir halfway through heating (15-30 seconds total) to avoid rubbery bits.

What Does Canned Chicken and Instant Barley Taste Like?

Think cozy, not gourmet. Canned chicken has a milder flavor and softer texture than fresh—closer to shredded rotisserie chicken. Instant barley adds a nutty, chewy backbone. Together, they’re like a hug from your favorite flannel shirt. For a quick and satisfying meal, combining canned chicken with instant rice in the microwave is a game changer. This lazy approach saves time and still delivers comfort food that hits the spot.

At a chaotic family potluck, Uncle Peter brought a version with smoked paprika. We teased him until we tasted it—the barley’s earthiness balanced the chicken’s subtle saltiness perfectly. Add broth or herbs, and it transforms into something unapologetically comforting. It’s a far cry from those lazy microwave canned chicken and instant barley dishes.

Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s break down the ingredients and substitutions.

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Barley

You’ll need just four core ingredients: one 12.5oz can of chicken (drained), ½ cup instant barley, 1 cup water or broth, and your favorite seasoning blend. My go-to is garlic powder + smoked paprika—it’s the dynamic duo that rescued Aunt Linda’s infamous “bland surprise” casserole last Thanksgiving. Chicken can be the star of many delicious recipes, offering versatile flavors and textures. From stir-fries to casseroles, chicken recipes can turn simple ingredients into a delightful meal.

Canned Chicken Substitutes and Alternatives

Out of canned chicken? We’ve all been there. Try these swaps:

• Canned turkey (nearly identical texture)
• 2 pouches (2.6oz each) shelf-stable chicken – pricier but richer flavor
• 1 cup cooked lentils + ¼ tsp chicken bouillon (vegetarian hack)

During a pantry raid last winter, I subbed in canned salmon. The result? Surprisingly tasty, but stick to chicken unless you’re feeling adventurous. Canned salmon can actually be a great ingredient for quick and easy meals. A simple salmon recipe can elevate your dish, making it delicious and nutritious.

Instant Barley Swaps and Variations

Instant barley cooks in 5-7 minutes—regular barley takes 45. No patience? Try lazy microwave frozen chicken nuggets instead. Pairing these quick-cook nuggets with instant barley makes for a convenient meal in no time.

• ½ cup quick-cooking quinoa (cooks in 4 minutes)
• ⅓ cup couscous (fluff with fork after 3 minutes)
• ⅔ cup frozen riced cauliflower (microwave 3 minutes)

Pro tip: Cook grains in broth instead of water. It adds depth without extra effort—like upgrading from sweatpants to “fancy” joggers. One great way to enjoy this is by pairing it with lazy microwave canned chicken and instant buckwheat for a quick and satisfying meal.

Also See: Quick Microwave Honey Mustard Broccoli: Ready in Minutes!

How to Make Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Barley

This isn’t just dumping cans into a bowl—though we appreciate the enthusiasm. Follow these steps for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. For an even easier meal option, consider lazy microwave canned soup dumplings. These convenient delights provide a tasty treat without the hassle of elaborate preparation.

Step 1: Preparing the Canned Chicken

1. Drain chicken thoroughly (save juice for pet food—my cat goes wild for it).
2. Flake into microwave-safe bowl with fork.
3. Microwave 15 seconds, stir, then 10 more seconds.

Why? Canned chicken retains moisture like a sponge. Quick bursts prevent that dreaded rubbery texture Uncle Peter’s infamous “bouncy chicken” incident taught us. To make a quick meal, combining canned chicken with lazy microwave boxed rice is a great option. This simple combination ensures a tasty and hassle-free dinner in no time.

Step 2: Cooking Instant Barley in the Microwave

1. Combine ½ cup barley + 1 cup water in large bowl.
2. Microwave 5 minutes uncovered.
3. Stir, then microwave 2-3 more minutes until tender.

Barley triples in volume—use a 2-quart bowl minimum. I learned this the hard way during a microwave cleanup marathon. Preparing barley in the microwave can be a fantastic option, especially for a quick summer power lunch. Just imagine enjoying a nourishing barley bowl packed with your favorite veggies and proteins in no time.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients

1. Mix chicken into cooked barley.
2. Add ¼ tsp seasoning blend + 1 tbsp butter/oil.
3. Microwave 30 seconds to fuse flavors.

Want restaurant-level magic? Stir in 1 tsp lemon juice after heating. It’s like flipping a brightness switch. This simple microwave trick adds a gourmet touch to your vegetables, elevating their flavor and freshness. With a quick zap in the microwave, you can make your veggies taste like they came straight from a high-end restaurant.

Tips for Better Texture and Flavor

• Let it rest 1 minute post-microwave—steam finishes cooking
• Add frozen peas during final 30 seconds (color + crunch)
• Crushed red pepper flakes > hot sauce (avoids sogginess)

Also See: Edamame Salad – Summer Fresh (Microwave Beans)

Common Mistakes When Microwaving Canned Chicken and Barley

We’ve made every error so you don’t have to. Here’s how to avoid the classics.

How to Avoid Overcooking

Microwaves vary—my 900W office model cooks faster than my home 1100W. Always heat in 30-second intervals after initial cook time. If barley looks dry, add 1 tbsp water before continuing.

Chicken should feel warm but still tender. If it resembles pencil erasers, you’ve gone too far. It’s important to ensure that chicken is cooked properly, whether using an oven or a microwave. Microwaving chicken can be a quick and efficient method to achieve a perfectly tender meal.

Fixing Underseasoned Mixtures

Taste after combining—if it’s blah, add:

• ½ tsp soy sauce (umami boost)
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (salty richness)
• ¼ tsp apple cider vinegar (brightens flavors)

At a college potluck, my roommate added pickle juice. Shockingly good—though I’ll deny saying that publicly.

Mastered the basics? Let’s explore how to keep leftovers tasting fresh (because even lazy meals deserve proper storage). With the right techniques, even your leftover dishes can be transformed into gourmet meals. Simple microwave tricks that can elevate your leftovers into something special.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from canned chicken safety to instant barley hacks—your lazy microwave meal is just minutes away. Whether you stick to the basics or jazz it up with spices and veggies, this combo delivers comfort without the fuss.

Give it a whirl and let us know how your microwave masterpiece turns out! Got a twist? We’re all ears (and maybe a little hungry).