Who says lazy meals can’t be satisfying? This five-minute microwave combo turns frozen chicken nuggets and instant farro into a legit meal with zero stovetop drama.
No pans, no oven, no guilt. The salty crunch of nuggets pairs perfectly with farro’s nutty chew for a balance even your inner adult will approve of.
We’ll walk you through nuking nuggets safely, cooking instant farro without mush, and leveling up your lazy meal with sauces and swaps.
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Lazy Microwave Frozen Chicken Nuggets with Instant Farro
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DinnerCuisine: American2
5
minutes10
minutes350
kcal15
minutesThis simple recipe takes the fuss out of cooking dinner. With just a microwave and minimal prep time, you can whip up a meal that the whole family will love. The frozen chicken nuggets provide crunch and protein, while instant farro offers a hearty and nutritious side dish. It's an uncomplicated yet flavorful dinner option!
Ingredients
of frozen chicken nuggets
of instant farro
of water
salt and pepper to taste
oil optional
favorite dipping sauce . optional
Directions
- Place the frozen chicken nuggets on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
- Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking until crispy and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in 1 cup of instant farro, cover, and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- After the farro is cooked, let it sit for 2 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Season the farro with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Serve the chicken nuggets alongside the instant farro, adding your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick..
Notes
- Feel free to customize your chicken nuggets with different sauces or seasonings. For added flavor, you can sauté some vegetables in the microwave to mix with the farro. This recipe is perfect for busy nights or when you need a quick meal!
What is Instant Farro?
Instant farro is the pre-cooked, dried version of the ancient whole grain. Unlike traditional farro (which simmers for 30+ minutes), it microwaves in 10-12 minutes. We get the same nutty flavor and chewy texture without the wait.
My grandpa introduced me to instant farro at summer camp when I complained about cooking time. “Life’s too short for stirring grains,” he’d say, tossing me a pouch. Turns out, even 10-year-olds can nuke farro without burning down a cabin.
What Do Chicken Nuggets and Instant Farro Taste Like Together?
Imagine salty, crispy nuggets meeting earthy, chewy farro. It’s like a textural high-five with every bite. The nuggets’ savory crunch balances farro’s subtle sweetness for a meal that’s oddly sophisticated.
At camp, we’d top ours with ketchup and call it “gourmet.” Grandpa would smirk, but he’d always finish his plate. Pro tip: A drizzle of honey or hot sauce takes this combo from lazy to legit.
Ready to raid your freezer and pantry? Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Chicken Nuggets and Farro
You need four frozen chicken nuggets and ½ cup instant farro per serving. That’s it. But let’s talk upgrades: grab hot sauce, grated parmesan, or frozen peas if you’re feeling fancy. We once raided a camp kitchen and found pickled jalapeños—game changer. For a quick and satisfying meal, consider tossing those chicken nuggets on a salad for a lazy microwave frozen chicken nugget salad. It’s an effortless way to turn a snack into a complete dish while still enjoying your favorite flavors.
Frozen Chicken Nugget Alternatives
Not all nuggets are created equal. Gluten-free, plant-based, or air-fried varieties work here. Brands like Tyson, Gardein, or Dino Buddies (yes, we see you, parents) microwave well. Avoid extra-thick breading—it turns gummy faster than melted crayons in July. For a quick meal, cooking chicken nuggets in the microwave is a great option. It’s not only convenient but also retains their crispy texture when done right.
Instant Farro Substitutes
Out of instant farro? Quick-cook quinoa, couscous, or minute rice save the day. Adjust liquid ratios: use 1:1.5 grain-to-water for quinoa vs. farro’s 1:2. My camp bunkmate once used ramen seasoning on couscous—surprisingly decent. For an even quicker option, consider cooking quinoa in the microwave. It’s a simple and efficient method that makes meal prep a breeze.
Also See: Quick Microwave Honey Mustard Chicken: A Fast Dinner!
How to Microwave Frozen Chicken Nuggets and Instant Farro
This isn’t rocket science, but timing matters. We’ll nuke the nuggets first since farro needs steaming time. Pro tip: Use two microwave-safe dishes. Yes, even paper plates work—we’ve tested this during a 2 a.m. snack emergency.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Nuggets
Arrange 4-6 nuggets on a microwave-safe plate. Space them out like awkward middle school dancers. Microwave on high for 1.5-2 minutes. Flip halfway if you’re ambitious. They won’t be crispy, but they’ll hit that nostalgic “cafeteria lunch” vibe. For a quick meal option, combine these nuggets with rice for a lazy microwave frozen chicken nugget rice bowl. It’s an easy way to satisfy hunger without much fuss in the kitchen.
Step 2: Cook the Instant Farro
Combine ½ cup farro and 1 cup water in a bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel—it traps steam better than foil hats. Microwave for 10-12 minutes. Let it sit 2 minutes post-cooking. Stir with a fork to fluff. If it’s still crunchy, blame the microwave, not us. Just be cautious, as microwaves can sometimes lead to unexpected results, like when food explodes or burns. Understanding how different items react can help prevent a messy situation.
Step 3: Combine and Customize
Dump nuggets atop farro. Drizzle, sprinkle, or toss with sauces (bbq, honey mustard), veggies (frozen peas thaw in seconds), or cheese. My camp crew swore by crushed Cheetos as garnish. No judgment. For a quick and easy meal, consider pairing frozen chicken nuggets with instant quinoa flakes for a simple yet satisfying dish.
Also See: Cheap Microwave Tortilla and Cheese Melt – Ready in Minutes!

Microwave Safety for Frozen Chicken Nuggets and Instant Farro
We’ve all nuked questionable things (RIP that metal-trimmed plate). But let’s avoid foodborne illnesses and grain grenades.
Is Microwaving Frozen Chicken Nuggets Safe?
Yes—if they reach 165°F internally. Check with a meat thermometer. If you don’t own one (we get it), cut open a nugget. No pink centers. That one time at camp, Derek ate undercooked nuggets? Let’s just say the canoe trip got…eventful. When it comes to quicker meals, microwave frozen chickenless nuggets offer a great alternative for those seeking a meatless option. These nuggets are not only convenient but also perfect for a snack or meal on the go.
Avoiding Overcooked Farro in the Microwave
Instant farro needs plenty of water—it’s not a cactus. Use the 1:2 ratio. If your microwave runs hot, pause at 8 minutes to check. Stirring halfway helps. Mushy farro makes decent “porridge” with honey, though. Silver linings! For a quick and inexpensive meal option, consider pairing it with cheap microwave canned lentil instant farro, which provides a nutritious and flavorful twist.
Now that we’ve nailed the basics, let’s tackle those “oops” moments—like when your nuggets emerge soggier than a marshmallow in hot cocoa. If you’re looking for a quick fix for a busy day, frozen chicken nuggets microwaved with instant sorghum can make a satisfying meal in no time.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
We’ve all had microwave mishaps—like that time my college roommate nuked nuggets so long they fused to the plate. Let’s tackle two classic fails head-on.
Soggy Nuggets? Crisp Them Up!
Microwaves steam food from all angles, which turns nugget breading into a sad sponge. Fix it fast: place cooked nuggets on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb moisture. For extra crunch, finish them in a toaster oven (2-3 minutes at 400°F) or air fryer.
No extra appliances? Try this hack: microwave nuggets on a microwave-safe rack instead of a flat plate. Elevation lets steam escape, preventing sogginess. Works 60% of the time, every time. For a similar simple trick, microwaving corn cobs can also yield perfectly cooked results without much effort. Just cover the corn with a damp paper towel and microwave for a few minutes to enjoy a delicious snack.
Farro Too Chewy? Adjust Liquid Ratios
Instant farro needs twice as much water as grain (1:2 ratio). If yours still feels like chewing gravel, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and microwave 1-2 more minutes. Let it sit covered—steam finishes the job. For a quick and satisfying meal, consider pairing instant farro with lazy microwave canned chicken. This combination not only saves time but also delivers a nutritious boost to your meal.
Pro tip: Older farro absorbs slower. If your pouch’s been buried since last Thanksgiving, increase water by ¼ cup. My camp counselor swore by this after our “science experiment” farro incident. We don’t talk about it.
Now that your nuggets are crisp and farro’s perfectly tender, let’s jazz things up with sauces and swaps that’ll make this lazy meal feel luxurious. For an even quicker option, consider pairing them with lazy microwave canned tuna and instant farro. This combination not only saves time but also boosts the meal with added protein and flavor.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve covered everything from microwave safety to flavor hacks for your lazy chicken nugget and farro meal. The best part? This combo takes under 10 minutes and requires zero culinary skills. Just nuke, toss, and enjoy.
Got a favorite sauce or seasoning blend? Throw it in the mix! The beauty of this meal lies in its adaptability. Let us know how your microwave masterpiece turns out—we’re always hungry for new lazy-cooking inspo.


