Hungry but can’t handle the effort? This recipe transforms pantry staples into a meal in 5 minutes—no chopping, stirring, or stovetop required. Microwaving does all the heavy lifting here, folks.
We’re talking canned chicken (yes, it’s safe!) and instant kamut, a chewy ancient grain that cooks faster than your microwave popcorn. Perfect for dorm rooms, late-night cravings, or days when even takeout feels like too much work.
Below, we’ll cover microwave safety, flavor hacks, and how to avoid turning your kamut into a crunchy science experiment. Let’s nuke this.
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Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Kamut
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Main CourseCuisine: American2
5
minutes10
minutes350
kcal15
minutesThis lazy microwave recipe takes advantage of convenient canned chicken and instant kamut for a wholesome meal without the fuss. In just a few minutes, you can prepare a hearty dish that tastes great and fills you up. Ideal for anyone looking for a quick lunch or dinner option!
Ingredients
of chicken 12.5 oz
instant kamut
water
olive oil
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
herbs optional for garnish
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the instant kamut and water, and stir to combine.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- After the cooking time is up, let the kamut sit covered for an additional 3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, open the can of chicken and drain any excess liquid.
- In another microwave-safe bowl, add the canned chicken, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Microwave the chicken mixture on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Once the kamut is ready, fluff it with a fork and serve it on plates.
- Top the kamut with the heated chicken mixture and garnish with fresh herbs if desired..
Notes
- Feel free to add your choice of vegetables for added nutrition, such as microwaved spinach or peas. This recipe is perfect for quick lunches and can be easily adapted based on your pantry staples. You can also experiment with different seasonings to suit your palate, making it a versatile dish that you'll want to come back to!
What is Canned Chicken?
Canned chicken is pre-cooked, shredded chicken preserved in water or broth inside a sealed tin. It’s shelf-stable for 2-5 years, making it a pantry hero for last-minute meals. Think of it as your culinary backup singer—always ready to step in when fresh chicken isn’t an option.
My dad George once forgot to pack lunch for a family picnic. Guess what saved the day? A can of chicken stashed in his trunk! Sarah and Timmy devoured chicken wraps made with crackers and grapes. Not gourmet, but it proved canned chicken’s “emergency meal” superpowers.
Can You Microwave Canned Chicken Safely?
Yes—but ditch the can first! Microwaving metal containers risks sparks (not the romantic kind). Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe bowl and drain excess liquid to prevent sogginess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts for even warmth. For a quick meal, consider pairing this chicken with lazy microwave canned chicken instant freekeh, which offers a nutritious and convenient side dish that perfectly complements your main course.
Canned chicken is already cooked, so we’re just reheating it. Watch for hotspots—those uneven zones microwaves love to create. If your chicken looks drier than a desert hike, sprinkle a teaspoon of water or broth before nuking. Pro tip: Check cans for BPA-free liners if you’re health-conscious. When reheating chicken in the microwave, it’s essential to cover it to retain moisture and ensure even heating. This way, you can enjoy delicious and tender chicken without the risk of drying it out.
Ready to meet kamut, the ancient grain that cooks faster than you can say “picnic panic”? Let’s explore its nutty charm next.
What is Instant Kamut?
Instant kamut is pre-cooked, dried kamut—a plump ancient grain with origins in Egypt. Trademarked as “KAMUT®,” this khorasan wheat variety cooks in minutes versus traditional kamut’s 50-minute simmer. Its nutty, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with quick meals.
I once mistook kamut for rice in my grocery app during a midnight snack run. Best accidental swap ever! The chewy texture and mild sweetness made me forget I was eating a 4,000-year-old grain. Bonus: 8g protein and 7g fiber per cooked cup—more than quinoa. Speaking of grains, have you tried a quick and easy microwave rice recipe? It’s a simple way to prepare rice that complements the flavors of kamut perfectly.
Also See: Chicken Breast Recipe in Microwave – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
What Does Microwave Canned Chicken and Kamut Taste Like?
Imagine savory meets cozy. Tender chicken shreds (slightly salty from the can) cling to toothsome kamut grains. It’s like a hug for your taste buds—mild but satisfying. Add a garlic powder sprinkle or lemon zest for zing. For a delightful twist, consider pairing it with your favorite chicken recipe that brings out those cozy flavors even more.
My roommate calls this “blank canvas food.” One night, we tossed in sriracha and peanut butter for a Thai twist. Another time, Parmesan and dried basil channeled Italian vibes. The base recipe? Think chicken noodle soup’s chill cousin who owns a microwave. With just a few extra ingredients, a simple can of chicken noodle soup can easily transform into a comforting meal. This versatility is perfect for those lazy days when cooking feels like too much effort.
Also See: Microwave Tofu Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Kamut
Grab these staples:
- Canned chicken (5oz can, drained)
- Instant kamut (1/2 cup dry)
- Broth or water (1 cup)
- Olive oil or butter (1 tsp)
- Salt + pepper
Key Ingredients and Pantry Substitutes
No kamut? Instant barley or quinoa work. Swap canned chicken for canned tuna or rinsed beans. Out of broth? Use water + 1/4 tsp bouillon. Hate washing measuring spoons? A glug of oil and a three-finger pinch of salt will do. For quick meal options, consider using lazy microwave canned chicken paired with instant barley for a nutritious and easy dish. This combination not only saves time but also offers a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
My college survival kit included ramen seasoning packets. Guess what? Half a packet jazzes up cheap microwave ramen beautifully. Forgot butter? A dollop of cream cheese adds richness while microwaving.
With our pantry raid complete, let’s tackle the microwave magic. (Spoiler: It involves more “start” button presses than rocket science.) When it comes to microwaving, it’s good to remember that reheating leftovers not only makes them enjoyable again but also helps kill pesky germs that may have developed. Ensuring your food is heated thoroughly can keep you and your family safe from foodborne illnesses.
How to Make Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Kamut
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple, I once made it during a Zoom meeting’s “unexpected hold” screen. Total active time: 4 minutes—less than waiting for a text back.
Step-by-step Microwave Instructions
- Nuke the kamut: Combine ½ cup instant kamut + 1 cup broth in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes. Watch for bubbling—it’s done when liquid absorbs.
- Fluff & fold: Stir kamut with a fork. Mix in drained canned chicken and 1 tsp oil. Microwave 1 minute more. Kamut plumps while chicken warms through.
- Season smart: Add salt, pepper, or spices. Let sit 1 minute (prevents tongue burns from overeager tasting).
My first attempt ended with kamut volcanoes erupting in the microwave. Lesson learned: use a bowl twice the volume of your ingredients. Ancient grains need personal space too. Mishaps like this are a reminder of how easily things can go wrong in a microwave. From my experience, it’s not just food that can explode; some household items can do the same if microwaved incorrectly.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Cooking
- Broth > water for kamut—adds depth without extra effort
- Cover bowl with a paper towel if your microwave tends to splatter
- Stir after reheating chicken to distribute heat evenly (no cold pockets!)
My roommate swears by adding frozen peas pre-microwave. They thaw perfectly while everything heats. Genius? Yes. Lazy? Also yes. This method echoes the simplicity of using lazy microwave pre-cooked sausage with canned peas for a quick meal.
Microwave Cooking Time and Common Mistakes to Avoid
3 minutes kamut + 1 minute chicken = 4 minutes total. But wattages vary! If your microwave is older than TikTok, reduce power to 70% or add 30-second increments.
Avoid these oops moments:
- Overcrowding the bowl leads to uneven cooking (kamut needs room to absorb liquid)
- Not draining chicken enough creates a soggy grain situation
- Overcooking turns chicken rubbery—stop at warm, not hot
I learned the hard way: kamut left too long becomes chewable gravel. Set a timer! Your future teeth will thank you. For a safer and tastier alternative, consider giving your dog microwave yak chews. These chews are made from natural ingredients and provide a satisfying, long-lasting treat without the risk of overcooking.
Now that we’ve mastered the microwave dance, let’s talk about keeping leftovers fresh (because even lazy cooks deserve next-day deliciousness), especially when preparing easy meals like microwaved canned chicken and instant kamut.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
Microwaving canned chicken with instant kamut is one of the laziest yet tastiest meals you’ll whip up in under 10 minutes. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this combo proves quick meals don’t have to be boring.
Give it a shot—tweak the spices, toss in some veggies, or drizzle hot sauce for your own spin. Let us know how your lazy microwave masterpiece turns out!


