Lazy Microwave Frozen Chicken Tenders & Instant Farro

Craving a hot meal but short on time? This lazy microwave combo delivers crispy chicken tenders and fluffy farro in under 10 minutes—no oven, frying, or dish mountain required.

We’re talking zero prep, minimal cleanup, and zero guilt about using frozen shortcuts. Bonus: instant farro cooks faster than instant rice while packing twice the protein and fiber.

Below, we’ll cover microwave safety hacks, texture tweaks, and how to turn this “lazy” meal into a legit gourmet flex.

Can You Microwave Frozen Chicken Tenders?

Yes—but safety first. Always check your tenders reach 165°F internally with a meat thermometer. We once rushed this step during a chaotic picnic prep with Sarah and Timmy, only to face sad, rubbery tenders (and disappointed kids). Learn from our mistake!

Safety Of Microwaving Frozen Chicken Tenders

Microwave frozen tenders on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Heat 2-3 minutes, flip halfway. Use 50% power to avoid overcooking edges while centers stay icy. Spacing matters: overlap = cold spots.

Texture and Taste Of Microwaved Chicken Tenders

Expect softer crunch versus oven-crisp. Pro hack: Place tenders on a wire rack (like this $8 Amazon Basics model) above a plate. Steam escapes, crust firms up. Sarah calls these “picnic-level crispy” when done right.

Can You Microwave Instant Farro?

Absolutely! Instant farro thrives in microwaves. Our go-to move: 1/2 cup farro + 1 cup water in a 4-cup Pyrex bowl. Microwave 8-10 minutes, stirring twice. Timmy once forgot to stir—resulting in a chewy farro clump he nicknamed “the wheat rock.” It pairs beautifully with lazy microwave canned tuna for a quick and nutritious meal. This simple combination makes for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any busy schedule.

Cooking Instant Farro in the Microwave

Ratio is key: 1:2 farro to liquid. For extra flavor, swap water for broth. Cover bowl tightly with a damp paper towel—traps steam for even cooking. Microwave in 3-minute bursts, stirring between cycles, just like when you cook corn on the cob in the microwave.

Best Practices for Fluffy Farro

• Let rest 2 minutes post-cooking (steam finishes the job)
• Fluff with fork, not spoon (prevents smushing)
• Add 1 tsp olive oil pre-cooking (separates grains)

Ready to assemble your lazy feast? Let’s gather ingredients—including sneaky upgrades that’ll make Sarah and Timmy think you slaved for hours.

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Chicken Tenders and Farro

Grab these staples for your 10-minute feast. Our test kitchen runs on this combo weekly—Timmy once tried substituting gummy bears for farro (do not recommend). If you’re curious about fun ways to enjoy gummy bears, melting them in the microwave is a great option. It’s a simple process that can lead to delicious treats or creative recipes.

• Frozen chicken tenders (4-6 pieces, any brand)
• Instant farro (½ cup dry, like Roland Foods)
• Water or broth (1 cup for farro)
• Olive oil spray (optional crunch booster)

Chicken Tender and Farro Alternatives

No farro? Use microwave quinoa (cooks in 6 minutes) or instant rice. For gluten-free, swap in cauliflower rice—microwave 3 minutes with a squeeze of lemon. Chicken nuggets work if tenders are MIA, but reduce cooking time by 30 seconds. For a quick meal, pair these options with lazy microwave frozen chicken nuggets and instant quinoa flakes for a satisfying and hassle-free dining experience.

Also See: Easy 90-second Quinoa Bread: Quick & Healthy!

How to Make Lazy Microwave Chicken Tenders and Farro

We’ve nailed this routine between soccer practices and work Zooms. Pro tip: start farro first—it takes longer but gives you time to arrange tenders.

Step-by-step Chicken Tender Instructions

1. Arrange tenders in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Microwave 2 minutes at 50% power. Flip, respace, cook 1-2 more minutes.
3. Check temp (165°F!). Let rest 1 minute—steam finishes cooking.

Step-by-step Instant Farro Instructions

1. Combine ½ cup farro and 1 cup water in a 4-cup bowl.
2. Cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave 8 minutes.
3. Stir, recover, cook 2 more minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Pro Tips for Better Results

• Crunch rescue: Spritz cooked tenders with oil, microwave 15 seconds more.
• Farro fluff: Add ¼ tsp salt to cooking water—enhances nutty flavor.
• Speed hack: Microwave both simultaneously (tenders on top rack if using).

Also See: Lazy Microwave Frozen Taquitos Dip – Ready in Minutes!

What Does Lazy Microwave Chicken Tenders and Farro Taste Like?

Imagine buttery farro with toasted oat vibes hugging crispy-edged chicken. The tenders stay juicy inside—like drive-thru quality but without the mystery grease sheen. This meal idea perfectly pairs with lazy microwave canned chicken for a quick and satisfying dinner. Sarah says it’s “weeknight dinner with a side of competence.”

For extra zing, mix 1 tbsp mayo + ½ tsp smoked paprika as a dip. Timmy dunked his farro in it once—unorthodox, but we respect his boldness. A delicious alternative for dipping could be a peanut butter cup dip made in the microwave. This sweet treat combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, creating a perfect blend for any snack time.

But even the best lazy meals can hit snags—let’s tackle common pitfalls before they crash your dinner party. One common issue is having food stuck to containers, which can lead to unnecessary frustration. Try the never struggle stuck food hack to effortlessly release your meals without a mess!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even quick meals have pitfalls. Here’s how to dodge the top blunders we’ve made (so you don’t have to).

Overcrowding the Plate: We once crammed six tenders onto a salad plate during a midnight snack emergency. Result? Half-frozen centers and leathery edges. Always leave space between tenders—they need room for steam to circulate. Use two plates if needed.

Zapping at Full Power: Microwaving tenders on high heat guarantees sad, rubbery bites. Stick to 50% power for even cooking. Our friend Mike learned this the hard way—his “express” tenders turned into chew toys for his dog (who, frankly, wasn’t complaining, especially after microwaving his own dental chews).

Farro Neglect: Forgetting to stir instant farro mid-cook leads to cement-like clumps. Set a timer for 4-minute intervals—we do this religiously since Timmy’s “wheat rock” incident. A quick stir redistributes moisture for fluffy grains every time. For a delicious twist, consider adding summer herbs to a farro salad, which can easily be prepared using a microwave base for a quick and nutritious meal option.

Temp Check Skipping: Assuming your tenders are done because they’re “steaming hot” is risky. Probe multiple spots with a meat thermometer—165°F is non-negotiable. Sarah once hosted a dinner where undercooked chicken stole the spotlight (not in a good way). Undercooked chicken can be a serious health risk, especially when cooked in the microwave, where hot spots might leave parts of it still pink and unsafe to eat.

No Post-Cook Patience: Dive straight into farro? It’ll clump like last year’s glitter glue. Let it rest 2 minutes post-microwave. Those grains need to reabsorb steam—like a mini spa session for your farro. To enjoy your farro even more, consider pairing it with cheap microwave canned soup for a quick meal. Instant farro combined with flavorful soup makes for a hearty and satisfying dish that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle.

Mastered these fixes? Let’s tackle keeping leftovers edible (because even lazy chefs have standards). Elevating last night’s meals can be as easy as using the microwave creatively. It’s amazing how 7 microwave tricks can transform leftovers into gourmet meals.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from food safety to flavor hacks for this lazy microwave meal. Frozen chicken tenders and instant farro make a surprisingly satisfying combo when you’re short on time but still want something hearty.

Give this method a shot next time hunger strikes – just don’t forget to let us know if you discover any brilliant personal twists on this quick-fix dinner!