Eating healthy and being short on time doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. The good news is, you don’t need to be a 5-star chef with tons of fancy equipment and time to make a healthy meal. You just need a handful of ingredients, a microwave, and a few easy microwave meals.
If you’re rushed for time but still want a healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack, try one of these quick and easy microwave meals. In five minutes or less, you’ll have a tasty meal that will fill you up and leave you with enough time to relax and savor life.
Easy-Peasy Microwave Parmesan Chicken
Serves 2.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 4 tsps low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp butter
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions:
Step 1: In a microwave-safe baking dish, place chicken, soy sauce, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Add butter, cover, and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until done.
Step 3: Slice or shred chicken with a fork. Cover with cheese and microwave for 30 seconds.
5-Minute Microwave Mac & Cheese
Makes one serving.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup macaroni, any shape
- 1 pinch of salt
- ½ cup water
- 3 tbsps milk
- Dash of pepper
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
Directions:
Step 1: In a microwaveable mug or dish, mix the macaroni, salt, and water.
Step 2: Microwave for 2-3 minutes, then stir.
Step 3: Add the milk, cheese, and pepper, then stir.
Step 4: Microwave for 30 seconds, stir and serve.
Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Nachos
Serves 2.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 tbsps BBQ sauce
- 20 corn tortilla chips
- ¼ cup pico de gallo
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
Directions:
Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix together shredded chicken and BBQ sauce.
Step 2: Place tortilla chips on a microwave-safe plate, spread chicken evenly over chips.
Step 3: Microwave for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted.
Step 4: Serve with guacamole and sour cream.
Easy Chipotle Ranch Chicken Tacos
Serves 4.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups corn
- ¼ cup pico de gallo
- 8 taco shells or lettuce cups
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 6 radishes, sliced
- ½ cup chipotle ranch dressing
- 2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced and seeded
Directions:
Step 1: In a small microwave-safe dish, mix together shredded chicken, corn, and pico de gallo.
Step 2: Cover and microwave for approximately 1-2 minutes on high, or until heated.
Step 3: Fill taco shells or lettuce cups with chicken mixture.
Step 4: Add remaining ingredients on top.
5-Minute Microwave Cheesecake
Serves 1.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 sheets graham cracker, crumbled
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tbsps sugar
- 3 drops vanilla extract
- 5 fresh berries, for garnish
- 1 scoop sorbet (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Melt the butter in a small microwaveable ramekin, about 20 seconds. Tilt the ramekin to coat the sides.
Step 2: Add crushed graham crackers and mix well. Using your fingers or a spoon, tightly press the crust against the bottom of the dish.
Step 3: Combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl, stir until well-mixed, and no lumps remain.
Step 4: Pour the filling into the ramekin on top of the graham cracker crust.
Step 5: Microwave on high, 45 seconds at a time for at least 4 minutes total. Do not let the cheesecake bubble over.
Step 5: Place in freezer for approximately 30 minutes or until cheesecake is completely cool.
Step 6: Loosen the edges with a knife, loosen the edges of the cheesecake, and invert onto a plate. Or, if you prefer, serve in the ramekin. Top with fresh berries and add a scoop of sorbet, if desired.
Name Your Own Microwave Omelet
Makes one serving.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Dash pepper
- 1 tsp butter
- 1/3 to ½ cup filling, such as shredded cheese, finely chopped ham, bacon, chopped veggies, whatever you like in your omelet.
Directions:
Step 1: In a small bowl, beat eggs, water, salt, and pepper until blended.
Step 2: In a 9-inch glass pie plate, microwave butter on high for about 45 seconds or until melted. Swirl the butter around to coat the bottom of the pie plate.
Step 3: Add the egg mixture to the hot pie plate. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Step 4: Microwave on high 2-3 minutes, rotating a quarter turn every 30 seconds, without stirring.
Step 5: When eggs are firm, and no visible liquid remains, place the filling on one side of the omelet.
Step 6: Fold the omelet over to cover the filling. Serve immediately.
So if you are strapped for time , try one of these easy microwave meals that you will absolutely love.