Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken & Instant Sorghum in Minutes

Hungry but too lazy to cook? This recipe turns pantry staples into a satisfying meal in minutes.

Under 10 minutes, minimal cleanup, and no fancy skills needed—just a microwave and a craving for something hearty.

We’ll walk you through safe microwaving techniques, flavor hacks, and even how to swap ingredients based on what’s lurking in your cupboard.

What is Canned Chicken?

Picture this: My sister Candice once saved a family reunion potluck by whipping up chicken salad with canned chicken when the grill malfunctioned. Canned chicken is pre-cooked, shredded poultry preserved in water or broth, ready to eat straight from the tin. It’s shelf-stable for up to 2-3 years, making it a pantry hero for lazy days.

While fresh chicken demands prep work, canned versions skip the raw handling. Just drain the liquid (pro tip: save it for seasoning soups!) and fluff the meat with a fork. We’ve found brands like Tyson and Kirkland offer firmer textures, while cheaper options can feel mushy—choose based on your chew preference.

What is Instant Sorghum?

At that same reunion, Candice swapped out quinoa for instant sorghum in her infamous “grain salad that actually tastes good.” Instant sorghum is a pre-steamed whole grain that cooks in 5-8 minutes versus the usual 50-60 minutes. It’s gluten-free, packs 6g fiber per ¼ cup dry, and has a nutty flavor reminiscent of barley. For a refreshing twist in your meal prep, consider using quinoa as a base for a vibrant spring salad. Quinoa salad adds color and nutrients, making it a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a light meal straight from the microwave.

Unlike rice or couscous, sorghum retains a pleasant pop when microwaved. Brands like Mini Pantry or ZNaturales work best here—their kernels stay separate rather than clumping. For every ½ cup dry sorghum, you’ll get about 1.5 cups cooked, making portion control a breeze.

Now that we’ve met our main players, let’s tackle the big question: Can you safely microwave canned chicken without summoning the food safety grim reaper?

Is Microwaving Canned Chicken Safe?

Yes, but let’s nix the “lazy” part here. Canned chicken is pre-cooked during preservation, so we’re just reheating, not cooking raw meat. The USDA confirms reheating to 165°F (74°C) ensures safety, which microwaves handle easily. When it comes to reheating options, using a microwave is often the quickest and most convenient method for getting chicken back to a safe temperature. Just remember to cover it to retain moisture and heat it in short intervals for even warming.

Key Safety Considerations

Never microwave the can. Aluminum cans can spark, and some liners contain BPA. Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe bowl first. We learned this the hard way after a roommate tried “time-saving” mac and cheese-in-can escapades. Fire alarms don’t appreciate shortcuts when heating canned food. Spoiler: Fire alarms don’t appreciate shortcuts.

Drain all liquid to avoid uneven heating. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel—soggy meat heats poorly. If substituting with canned tuna or beans, same rules apply. Check for dents or bulges in cans, which signal spoilage. When it comes to quick meals, consider adding lazy microwave canned chicken to your dishes. This simple addition pairs well with instant buckwheat for a warm, hearty meal in minutes.

Also See: Cheap Microwave Canned Soup With Rice in Minutes!

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Sorghum

This isn’t a gourmet grocery list. Raid your pantry and embrace substitutions—we’ve all used hot sauce packets from last Tuesday’s takeout. For a quick meal, consider mixing in some hot sauce with your lazy microwave boxed mac cheese. It adds an exciting kick that elevates the simple dish into something memorable.

Canned Chicken (and Protein Substitutes)

One 12.5oz can yields ~1.5 cups shredded chicken. For texture snobs, rinse the chicken first to reduce sodium by 30-40%. For those looking to create delicious meals, shredded chicken is a versatile ingredient many chicken recipes rely on. Whether it’s tacos, salads, or casseroles, having shredded chicken ready makes cooking easier and more flavorful.

• Canned tuna (in water)
• Pre-cooked lentils (½ cup)
• Black beans (drained, 1 cup)

Instant Sorghum (and Grain Alternatives)

Instant sorghum cooks in 5 minutes versus 50. No instant sorghum? These work at 1:1 ratios:

• Instant couscous (3 minutes)
• Quick-cooking quinoa (4 minutes)
• Minute Rice (5 minutes)

Flavor Boosters &Amp; Seasoning Options

We once revived bland sorghum with a ketchup-mustard mix. No judgment here. Elevate your bowl with:

• Acids: Lemon juice, vinegar (1 tsp)
• Heat: Sriracha, cayenne (¼ tsp)
• Umami: Soy sauce, nutritional yeast (½ tsp)

Also See: Cheap Microwave Canned Soup With Instant Kamut

How to Make Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Instant Sorghum

This isn’t MasterChef—your microwave does the heavy lifting. Total active time: 7 minutes.

Step 1: Draining and Prepping Canned Chicken

Dump the can into a colander. Press with a spoon to squeeze out 2-3 tbsp liquid. For less “tinny” taste, rinse under cold water. Fluff with a fork—clumped chicken heats unevenly.

Step 2: Microwaving Instant Sorghum

Combine ½ cup instant sorghum and 1 cup water in a large bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high (1000W) for 5 minutes. Let sit 1 minute—steam finishes the cooking. Fluff with a fork; it should be al dente, not mushy. Once ready, you can mix it with any microwaved canned soup for a quick meal.

Step 3: Combining and Customizing Flavors

Toss chicken and sorghum together. Add 1 tbsp olive oil or broth to prevent dryness. Season aggressively—canned proteins need help. My go-to: ½ tsp garlic powder + ¼ tsp smoked paprika + 5 shakes of Cholula. Stir, then microwave 30 seconds to meld flavors. For an even quicker meal option, try pairing lazy microwave canned tuna with instant sorghum. This combination is not only simple but also offers a healthy, protein-packed meal in no time.

Step 4: Resting and Serving Tips

Let the bowl sit 1 minute. Microwaves create hot spots that could burn your tongue (ask my cousin’s toddler). It’s essential to be mindful of how hot microwaves get when heating food to avoid accidents. Garnish with parsley or crushed chips for crunch. Serve in the bowl—you’ve earned zero dishes today.

Now that your lazy feast is ready, let’s explore how to dodge common microwave mishaps (because nobody likes sorghum shrapnel).

What Does Microwave Chicken and Sorghum Taste Like?

Imagine cozying up with a bowl of buttery popcorn crossed with a hearty grain salad. The sorghum brings a mild, nutty chew—think barley’s chill cousin who’s into mindfulness. Canned chicken, when seasoned right, mimics the tenderness of rotisserie leftovers without the grocery store parking lot rage. It’s a perfect base for lazy microwave canned chicken and instant sorghum.

During a Netflix marathon last winter, I accidentally discovered this combo’s secret superpower: it’s endlessly adaptable. Bland? Squeeze a lime wedge over it. Boring? Crush some BBQ chips on top. The base flavors are neutral canvases waiting for your lazy culinary artistry.

How to Store Microwave-prepared Chicken and Sorghum

Confession: I once kept a sorghum bowl in my fridge for six days. On day seven, it developed a mysterious fuzz mustache—don’t be me. Proper storage keeps your lazy meal edible (and fuzz-free).

Refrigeration Best Practices

Separate components if possible. Store sorghum in an airtight container (we use takeout soup containers) for up to 4 days at 40°F or below. Chicken should be tightly wrapped in foil or sealed in a zip-top bag—moisture is the enemy here. Combined bowls last 3 days max.

Freezing? Not ideal. Sorghum turns mushy upon thawing, and canned chicken’s texture goes from “tender” to “suspicious sponge.” Trust us—this recipe’s too quick to merit freezer hoarding. For a hassle-free meal solution, try pairing lazy microwave frozen chicken tenders with instant sorghum. This combination offers a quick yet satisfying dinner option without compromising taste or texture.

Reheating Without Drying Out

Microwave revenge is real. To avoid rubbery chicken or cement-like sorghum, add 1 tsp water or broth before reheating. Cover with a damp paper towel and nuke at 50% power for 90 seconds. Stir, then blast at full power for 30 seconds. The gradual heat-up keeps textures intact. This method not only revives your chicken and grains but can also work wonders on leftover fries. A simple trick to make microwaved fries taste fried again is to toss them in a small amount of oil before reheating, which helps restore that crispy texture.

For single-serving leftovers, mix in a ice cube before microwaving. Sounds weird, but the slow melt adds moisture without dilution. Works 73% of the time (our lab-rat roommate’s success rate).

Now that your leftovers are sorted, let’s explore how to transform this basic bowl into a flavor chameleon…

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from safety tips to flavor hacks for your lazy microwave canned chicken and instant sorghum. This 5-minute meal proves convenience doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Experiment with different seasonings or mix-ins like lemon zest or chili flakes. Let us know which variation becomes your go-to lazy dinner!