Lazy Microwave Frozen Chicken Tenders & Instant Kamut

Craving crispy chicken tenders but dreading the oven preheat? This 15-minute meal transforms frozen tenders and nutty Kamut into a satisfying plate with zero active cooking. Your microwave does the heavy lifting while you kick back.

We’re pairing juicy tenders with Kamut—an ancient grain packing 7g of protein per cooked cup. It’s the lazy chef’s hack for a balanced meal that skips dishes, not flavor. Even your microwave deserves a high-five here.

Ready to turn “lazy” into “legendary”? Let’s zap those tenders, fluff that Kamut, and drench it all in honey mustard.

What is Instant Kamut?

Instant Kamut is pre-cooked Khorasan wheat—an ancient grain twice the size of modern wheat with a buttery, nutty flavor. Think of it as quinoa’s bulkier cousin who secretly does CrossFit: one cooked cup delivers 7g protein and 5g fiber while cooking in 10 microwave minutes. This quick preparation makes it a great addition to lazy microwave meals. Pairing it with pre-cooked sausage or instant rice can create a hearty and satisfying dish in no time.

Kamut’s Nutritional Benefits and Microwave Suitability

Beyond protein, Kamut boasts selenium (supports immunity) and magnesium (hello, muscle recovery). Microwaving preserves these nutrients better than boiling since steam stays trapped—no leaching into water. My aunt Clarice swears by it: she’d prep Kamut at summer camp using a dented microwave, declaring it “the only grain that survives 12-year-olds and 90% humidity.”

Instant Kamut’s porous structure absorbs broth or spices beautifully. We’ve tossed it with lemon zest, garlic powder, even a dash of smoked paprika mid-zap. It’s forgiving—undercook it slightly for al dente chew, or let it go full mush mode for risotto vibes.

Can You Microwave Frozen Chicken Tenders?

Absolutely, but texture is a trade-off. Microwaving frozen tenders skips the oven’s crisp but delivers juicy meat in 4-6 minutes. Safety-wise, ensure they reach 165°F internally—use a $12 digital thermometer. I learned this after a lazy lunch incident involving rubbery tenders and a mortified Clarice (“Honey, even camp food has standards!”). For a quick and satisfying meal, pairing those chicken tenders with instant couscous makes preparation even easier. The couscous cooks in just minutes, turning your lazy lunch into a delicious and filling dish.

Safety and Texture Considerations

Arrange tenders in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent Sahara-level dryness. Flip halfway—this redistributes heat, minimizing cold spots where bacteria party. For crispier edges, finish with a 60-second air fryer blast (we’ve all got one gathering dust). It’s a similar concept to when you microwave fries to make them taste fried again.

Plant-based tenders? Check labels: some soy-based varieties dry out faster. Add 1 tsp water beneath the paper towel to mimic steam. Gluten-free? Most frozen tenders use rice flour coatings—just verify the brand.

Once your Kamut is prepped and your tenders are safely heated, it’s time to assemble your lazy gourmet plate. Let’s talk ingredients…

Ingredients for Microwave Chicken Tenders and Kamut

Grab these staples from your freezer and pantry. Our lazy meal requires zero chopping—just assembly-line efficiency. Bonus points if your microwave has a “reheat” button. Cooking corn on the cob is one of those quick tasks that can be easily done using your microwave. With a simple trick, you can microwave corn on the cob perfectly, maintaining its flavor and texture.

Chicken Tender Alternatives (Plant-based, Gluten-free)

• Frozen chicken tenders: 4-6 pieces (we dig Tyson or Gardein)
• Plant-based swap: Quorn or Impossible nuggets (add 30 sec cook time)
• Gluten-free: Applegate Naturals or Caulipower (check coatings)

Kamut Substitutes (Quinoa, Couscous)

• Instant Kamut: ½ cup dry + 1 cup water/broth
• Quinoa: ⅓ cup dry + ⅔ cup liquid (cooks in 6 mins)
• Couscous: ½ cup dry + ¾ cup boiling water (steam 5 mins)

My college roommate once subbed Kamut with popcorn kernels. Don’t be my roommate. Stick to grains that actually cook. Microwave popcorn kernels are specially designed for even heating and popping, making them a reliable choice for a quick snack. The science behind microwave popcorn ensures that each kernel has the right moisture level to achieve that perfect pop.

Also See: 6 Essential Microwave How-tos for Beginners

How to Microwave Frozen Chicken Tenders

We’ve all nuked sad, rubbery tenders. Follow these steps to avoid poultry purgatory:

Step 1: Arrange Tenders on Microwave-safe Plate

Space tenders 1 inch apart—no overlapping! Use a ceramic plate, not plastic. Why? Plastic warps, and nobody wants melted toxins with their honey mustard. When considering alternatives for microwaving, it’s important to know which plastic plates are safe to use. Some plastics can withstand microwave heating without causing harm, so always check labels before use.

Step 2: Cover to Retain Moisture

Drape a damp paper towel over the tenders. Pro tip: Sprinkle ½ tsp water on the plate first for extra steam. It’s like a spa day for your chicken. In just a few minutes, you can indulge in a lazy microwave frozen chicken tender wrap that’s both quick and delicious.

Step 3: Microwave in 2-minute Intervals (Flip Midway)

Zap on high for 2 minutes. Flip each tender like you’re handling rare Pokémon cards. Repeat until total cook time hits 4-6 minutes (thicker tenders need more love).

Step 4: Check Internal Temperature

Jam a meat thermometer into the thickest tender. 165°F or bust. If it’s 160°F, microwave another 30 seconds. No thermometer? Cut one open—no pink, no problem.

Tips for Crispier Results

• Post-microwave, air fry at 400°F for 90 seconds
• Place tenders on a wire rack (not plate) while microwaving
• Spritz with avocado oil before zapping

Once, I forgot to flip and created a tender-shaped ice cube. Flip them. Just do it.

Also See: Quick Microwave Garlic Butter Carrots in 5 Minutes!

How to Prepare Instant Kamut in the Microwave

Kamut’s like that friend who’s low-maintenance but impressive. Here’s how to not ruin it:

Step 1: Combine Kamut and Water/broth in Bowl

Use a 2:1 liquid-to-Kamut ratio. Example: ½ cup Kamut + 1 cup broth. Add a garlic clove or bay leaf if you’re feeling fancy. Fancy is optional. If you enjoy quick and easy meals, try a microwave broccoli recipe as a nutritious side dish. It’s a simple way to add a burst of flavor and health to your meals.

Step 2: Microwave on High for 8–10 Minutes

Cover with a vented lid or paper towel. Microwave until liquid absorbs—check at 8 minutes. Watch for volcano bubbles (but don’t worry, microwaves won’t blow up). Stir halfway if your microwave has cold spots.

Step 3: Fluff and Season After Resting

Let Kamut sit 2 minutes post-zapping. Fluff with a fork—aggressively. Seasoning ideas: Lemon pepper, Parmesan, or a drizzle of tahini. I’ve added sriracha. No regrets. For a quick and simple side dish, try making microwave honey sriracha carrots. They add a sweet and spicy kick that pairs well with various meals.

Avoiding Overcooking or Undercooking

• Too chewy? Add 2 tbsp water, microwave 1 more minute
• Mushy? Next time reduce liquid by ¼ cup
• Burned edges? Stir every 3 minutes

Now that your Kamut’s fluffy and tenders are (mostly) crispy, let’s talk about turning this into a meal that’ll make your Uber Eats driver jealous…

What Does This Meal Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a juicy, savory chicken tender paired with Kamut’s nutty, almost buttery chew. It’s like comfort food did a collab with ancient grains—rustic meets convenience. The tenders bring salty crunch (okay, semi-crunch) while Kamut adds earthy depth. Together? A lazy-day symphony.

Balancing Flavors With Seasonings/sauces

Kamut’s mild flavor is a blank canvas. We’ve dumped everything from truffle salt to everything bagel seasoning into ours. Pro move: Stir a spoonful of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste into Kamut post-microwave. It’s like upgrading from sweatpants to “business casual” sweatpants.

For tenders, dunkability is key. Our fridge door has 7 sauces minimum—honey mustard for tang, buffalo for heat, ranch for cool-downs. Once, my brother used Kamut as a sauce sponge, declaring it “the edible napkin.” We don’t endorse that. But do endorse Sriracha mayo drizzles. Quick microwave honey mustard chicken makes for an easy and delicious option, perfect for satisfying those dunking cravings.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

Even lazy meals have pitfalls. Here’s how to dodge the big ones—no oven required.

Soggy Chicken Tenders? Use a Paper Towel Layer

Steam is a tender’s frenemy. Microwaving traps moisture, turning crisp coatings into sad, damp sleeves. Fix: Place a dry paper towel under tenders to absorb excess liquid. Flip halfway and replace the towel if it’s soaked. My college dorm microwave once produced tenders so soggy, we dubbed them “chicken soup lollipops.” Learn from our trauma.

Kamut Too Chewy? Adjust Liquid Ratios

Instant Kamut needs precise hydration. Too firm? Add 2-3 tbsp water and microwave 1 more minute. Still toothsome? Next time, use a 2.5:1 liquid-to-Kamut ratio. We tested this after a kamut-induced jaw workout—trust us, your molars will thank you. Microwaving can also be used for other purposes, such as softening dental chews for dogs, making them easier to chew and digest.

Now that your taste buds are prepped and pitfalls avoided, let’s tackle keeping leftovers edible beyond today’s lazy feast…

Now It’s Your Turn!

With just 15 minutes and minimal effort, you’ve got a balanced meal of juicy chicken tenders and nutty Kamut—no oven required. We love how the microwave transforms frozen staples into something warm and satisfying without the usual kitchen chaos.

Give this lazy hack a spin and tweak the seasonings to match your mood. Whether you drown those tenders in buffalo sauce or sprinkle za’atar on your Kamut, this combo adapts to whatever you’re craving. Let us know your favorite twist!