Craving comfort food but short on time? Our lazy microwave canned chicken and noodles delivers a warm, satisfying meal in just 5 minutes.
No pots, no chopping, and zero patience required—this recipe transforms pantry staples into a creamy, savory dish faster than you can say “takeout.”
We’ll walk you through choosing microwave-safe noodles, avoiding soggy disasters, and even upgrading flavors with pantry staples.
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Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Noodles
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American2
5
minutes10
minutes350
kcal15
minutesThis lazy microwave canned chicken and noodles recipe is perfect for busy individuals or families looking for a quick, satisfying meal. With only a few ingredients and a microwave, you can whip up a filling dish that retains flavor and comfort without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.
Ingredients
of chicken 12.5 oz
of egg noodles
of chicken broth
of frozen mixed vegetables
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil optional
Parmesan cheese for serving . optional
Directions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the canned chicken, chicken broth, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir to mix well.
- Add the egg noodles to the bowl and stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the broth, Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
- Microwave on high for 7-8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, as it will be hot.
- Let it sit for a minute to cool slightly, Fluff the noodles and chicken mixture with a fork.
- If desired, drizzle with olive oil and mix well.
- Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if you like..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite seasonings or vegetables. You can substitute canned chicken with tuna or another type of protein if preferred. This dish can be easily scaled up for larger servings by adjusting the ingredient quantities. It's an ideal recipe for beginners and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on busy days.
Why Microwave Canned Chicken and Noodles?
We’ve all had those days where even boiling water feels like a marathon. Microwaving canned chicken and noodles cuts cooking time to 5 minutes flat—your hunger doesn’t stand a chance. Plus, you’ll dodge the dreaded dish mountain since everything happens in one microwave-safe bowl.
My dad George once made this during a sudden rainstorm that canceled our picnic. He grabbed a thermos, microwaved the ingredients, and voilà—we had warm “picnic” chicken noodles in the car. Sometimes lazy cooking saves the day (and the mood).
What Does Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Noodles Taste Like?
Imagine canned soup’s cozy cousin with more oomph. The broth turns velvety from starchy noodles, while the chicken stays tender (not rubbery—we promise). It’s savory with a gentle salty kick, like a hug from your microwave. Whether it’s a quick meal after a long day or a comforting snack, cheap microwave canned soup and instant noodles offer a convenient solution for anyone looking to satisfy their hunger without breaking the bank.
Craving depth? A dash of garlic powder or dried thyme bridges the gap between “quick fix” and homemade. The texture? Think soft noodles cuddling shredded chicken—no crunch, all comfort. It won’t rival grandma’s simmered stew, but it’ll outshine takeout every time. For an even quicker and equally satisfying dish, consider whipping up some easy 2-minute garlic noodles, which combine the rich flavor of garlic with the comforting texture of noodles in just a flash.
Hungry yet? Let’s raid your pantry and build this microwave masterpiece together.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Noodles
Grab a 12-ounce can of chunk chicken (we like Kirkland or Swanson), 1 cup dried egg noodles, and 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Optional upgrades: garlic powder, black pepper, or frozen peas for color. For a quick and satisfying meal, this combination can be easily transformed into a lazy microwave canned chicken noodle soup. Just mix everything in a microwave-safe bowl and you’ll have a warm dinner ready in no time.
Canned Chicken Alternatives and Substitutes
Out of canned chicken? We’ve microwaved shredded rotisserie chicken (30 seconds) or even Tyson frozen grilled chicken strips (90 seconds). For vegetarians, rinsed canned chickpeas add protein but require 1 extra microwave minute. If you’re looking for a quick meal option, lazy microwave canned chicken can easily be paired with instant freekeh for a nutritious dish. This combination not only saves time but also packs in flavor and protein for a satisfying meal.
Once, mid-recipe, I discovered an empty pantry. Improvised with Spam (don’t tell George)—chopped small, nuked 45 seconds. It worked shockingly well. Cooking with a microwave can lead to delicious surprises, especially when you explore 15 microwave recipes that not only save time but also offer a taste adventure better than your usual food delivery.
Noodle Options and Microwave-safe Varieties
Stick to thin noodles that cook fast: egg noodles, ramen bricks (discard seasoning), or angel hair pasta. Avoid dense options like udon—they turn gummy. Cooking egg noodles in the microwave can be a quick and easy option. Microwave pro tip: Break spaghetti into 1-inch pieces before cooking to fit your bowl.
Our 1100-watt microwave cooks 1/2 cup dry egg noodles in 3 minutes with 1 cup broth. Adjust by 30-second increments if your wattage differs. For a delicious and quick addition, cheap microwave instant noodles paired with an egg can elevate your meal. This simple combination provides a satisfying and comforting dish in no time.
Also See: 2-minute Microwave Raspberry Chocolate Mug Brownie
How to Make Lazy Microwave Canned Chicken and Noodles
You’ll need a 4-cup microwave-safe bowl (ceramic or glass) and a fork for fluffing. No colander needed—we’re lazy, remember? For a delicious meal that’s both quick and easy, try an easy mug falafel bowl to make the most of your microwave experience. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that combines healthy ingredients into one convenient serving.
Step 1: Microwave the Canned Chicken Safely
Drain the chicken but don’t rinse—that liquid gold adds flavor. Microwave uncovered for 45 seconds to kill any lingering bacteria. Stir in 1 teaspoon broth to prevent drying. It’s just lazy microwave canned chicken and noodles, but smell that? Dinner’s happening.
Step 2: Cook Noodles in the Microwave
Combine noodles and broth in your bowl. Microwave 3 minutes, then stir. Continue in 1-minute bursts until noodles bend freely (test at 4 minutes). Microwaving is a great way to cook noodles quickly and efficiently. saving you time in the kitchen. Cover with a paper towel if your microwave tends to splatter.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Adjust Consistency
Fold chicken into noodles. Too thick? Add hot water 1 tablespoon at a time. Too watery? Microwave 30 seconds uncovered. Finish with a pepper grind or parsley flake if you’re feeling fancy. For a quick meal option, lazy microwave canned chicken instant noodles can be a delicious alternative that requires minimal effort and time.
My roommate once added a Kraft Single here—it melted into gooey bliss. We don’t judge. Lazy cooking means embracing happy accidents.
Also See: Lazy Microwave Canned Ravioli & Garlic Bread: Easy Meal
Ingredient Substitutes and Recipe Variations
This recipe bends like a yoga instructor. Swap, skip, or splurge based on your fridge’s mood.
Broth Alternatives for Enhanced Flavor
No broth? Use 1 bouillon cube + 1.5 cups water. For umami magic, whisk in 1/2 teaspoon miso paste or soy sauce. Vegetarian? Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base works wonders.
Quick Add-ins for Texture and Nutrition
Toss in frozen peas (microwave 30 seconds first) or matchstick carrots. Crumble crackers on top for crunch. Feeling lavish? A dollop of cream cheese makes it luxuriously creamy. For an even easier option, consider adding lazy microwave boxed mac cheese along with those peas for a quick meal. This combination creates a simple, satisfying dish that requires minimal effort.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s tackle storing leftovers without turning them into noodle cement…
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve covered everything from choosing the right canned chicken to avoiding mushy noodles—your lazy microwave canned chicken and noodles adventure starts here. With just a few minutes and minimal effort, you’ll have a comforting bowl ready to enjoy.
Tag us on social media if you give this a spin! We’d love to see your lazy (but delicious) creations and hear your tweaks to the recipe. Happy microwaving!
