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The microwave is often thought of as an easy way to reheat leftovers, or the main cooking tool for college students. But you can actually create delicious and impressive meals straight out of this handy appliance, all you need is a little creativity and some microwave-safe dishes. Our collection of recipes includes classic choices, like omelette in a mug or microwave "baked" potatoes, but also gives options for branching out such as prawn biriyani and microwave chicken Parmesan. Click through the learn that there are little limits on what you can make in the microwave.
Ranch Chicken Tacos
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Photo by Deb C
This is the perfect recipe for using up leftover roasted or store-bought rotisserie chicken. Skip toasting the tortillas and give them a quick zap in the microwave with a damp paper towel to soften them up.
Omelet in a Mug
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Photo by lutzflcat
Sticking this in the microwave is faster to than working your way through the drive-thru for an Egg McMuffin. Enjoy as-is or load it up into a breakfast sandwich with cheese and an English muffin.
Prawn Biryani
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Photo by Saurabh Ahuja
Skip takeout and make this flavorful meal at home instead. "This spicy rice dish cooked in mouth-watering prawn curry is extremely easy to make in a microwave oven," says recipe creator Celestial.
Loga's Microwave Chicken
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Photo by Scotdog
A coating of curry- and cayenne-seasoned ketchup amps up the flavor of these chicken legs. Reviewer Eddrena Audu assures, "When I first put this together I started to wonder if it was a joke of a recipe. Mixing all that curry with ketchup was just seemed bizarre. But my hubby really likes it! SO easy."
Dan's Meat Wrap
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Photo by bellepepper
This deli-style wrap is packed with roast beef, cheese, veggies, and tangy Italian dressing. Simply microwave it until the Cheddar-Monterey Jack blend gets gooey and you're ready to serve.
Basic Microwave Risotto
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Photo by superminthi
Constantly stirring risotto is what makes many home cooks hesitant to making it, but this easy microwave version requires much less work. If you're uncomfortable using white wine, apple or white grape juice can be swapped in.
Romano Chicken
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Photo by mkstevens09
No one will ever guess this main dish came from the microwave. Pounded chicken breasts are rolled up with ham and Swiss cheese, then coated with Parmesan and seasonings for a wow-worthy recipe.
Microwave Baked Potato
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Photo by France C
Infinitely quicker than actually turning on the oven, microwaving a "baked" potato makes for a simple meal. Top with options like cheese, broccoli, sour cream, and bacon to create a filling dish.
Spanish Rice (Microwave)
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Photo by Soup Loving Nicole
This kid-friendly spin on Spanish rice is dotted with bacon, tomatoes, and green bell peppers for a trio of flavor. Make it a more hearty meal by mixing in a drained can of black beans at the end of cooking.
Cindy's Microwave Chicken Parmesan
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Photo by Deb C
Recipe creator Cindy Henderson Foster describes, "It's easy and not much mess to clean up. My family loves it! The chicken stays very moist and leftovers are yummy!" Use a pack or two of microwave-ready pasta to complete the meal.
Couscous Salad with Tomato and Basil
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Photo by Margaret Brogden Petre
Couscous is perfect for the microwave, only needing a hot liquid to reconstitute and be ready to serve. Here, it's dressing up with a tangy balsamic dressing and tossed with feta, tomatoes, and basil.
Shelby's Microwave Meat Loaf
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Photo by cdwinn86
You'd never guess from one bite of this mouth-watering meatloaf that it came from the microwave. No tomato sauce on hand? Many reviewers have subbed in ketchup for the topping and had delicious success.
Quick and Easy Stuffed Peppers
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Photo by
The trio of kidney beans, quick-cooking brown rice, and stewed tomatoes make up the base for these stuffed peppers. Customize with your favorite veggies and cheeses for a delicious dinner.
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
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Photo by Krista
If you've got leftover chicken in the fridge, you're mere minutes from making this delicious salad. Simply nuke the chicken strips in barbeque sauce and toss with the remaining ingredients for a refreshing dish.
Tuna, Avocado, and Bacon Sandwich
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Photo by Jessica
This isn't your boring, basic tuna sandwich. The fish is dressed up with Dijon mustard, horseradish, and sweet relish, then tucked into bread with microwaved bacon, avocado, and tomatoes for an irresistible sandwich.
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