When time is tight, the best recipes are the ones you’ll actually repeat. These three microwave-friendly meals are designed for busy breakfasts and quick lunches—and they’re built around one simple workflow:
Prep in a bag → chill or freeze → microwave → fewer dishes.
This post includes:
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast (quick lunch protein)
- Garlic Veggie Steam Pack (easy microwave side)
- Microwave Oats Breakfast Bag (no-bowl breakfast)
Made for busy days: These recipes are designed for our DeliOne Silicone Fresh Food Bags, so you can go from prep → freezer → microwave in one bag—no extra bowls needed.
Before You Start: Microwave & Food Safety (Quick Guide)
To keep results consistent and safe, follow these basics:
- Always vent the bag before microwaving (leave a small opening). This helps release steam and reduces overflow.
- Heat in short bursts, then stir/shake to avoid hot spots.
- Chicken safety: Cook chicken until the thickest part reaches 165°F / 74°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the center is no longer pink and juices run clear.
- Handle hot steam carefully: Let the bag rest for 30–60 seconds before opening fully.
Note: Always follow your product’s specific use instructions for microwave heating and temperature limits.
1) Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast (Quick Lunch Protein)
Why you’ll love it: 5-minute prep, freezer-ready, and works for salads, wraps, bowls, and meal prep boxes.
Ingredients (1–2 servings)
- 1 chicken breast (6–8 oz / 180–220 g)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt + pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp olive oil
- Optional flavor boosts: dried oregano, chili flakes, paprika
Step-by-step (fast + beginner-friendly)
- Bag it: Add chicken + lemon juice + garlic + seasoning into the bag.
- Mix: Seal and massage 10 seconds to coat evenly.
- Meal prep option:
- Chill overnight for next-day cooking, or
- Freeze flat for later (saves space and thaws faster).
Cook (microwave):
- Thaw overnight in the fridge (best texture).
- Vent the bag (leave a small opening).
- Microwave in short bursts, flipping the chicken once halfway, until fully cooked.
- Rest 1 minute, then slice.
Quick serve ideas
- Slice over salad + extra lemon
- Add to rice with steamed veggies
- Wrap with greens + sauce
- Toss into noodles for a fast lunch bowl
Quick tips (better texture, less guesswork)
- Even thickness = even cooking: If the chicken is very thick, lightly pound to even thickness.
- Avoid dryness: Use shorter microwave bursts and rest after heating.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 220–320 (depends on portion size and oil)
- Protein: 35–55 g
- Carbs: 0–2 g
- Fat: 3–10 g
2) Garlic Veggie Steam Pack (1-Bag Microwave Side)
Why you’ll love it: This is the easiest way to add vegetables to any lunch or dinner—fresh or frozen.
Ingredients (1–2 servings)
- 2–3 cups vegetables (fresh or frozen)
easiest: broccoli florets, green beans, mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp minced garlic (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- Salt + pepper
- Optional: lemon squeeze after heating
- Optional: 1 tsp olive oil for richer flavor
Step-by-step (fast + flexible)
- Bag it: Add veggies + garlic + seasoning into the bag.
- Meal prep option: Freeze flat, or chill for same-day.
- Microwave-steam:
- Vent the bag (leave a small opening).
- Microwave in short bursts, shaking once between bursts.
- Finish: Add lemon, pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes.
Quick tips (better texture)
- Tender-crisp goal: Short bursts help prevent soggy veggies.
- Frozen veg trick: If it releases a lot of water, drain carefully after heating (or season after heating).
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 60–140 (depends on veg mix and oil)
- Fiber: 3–7 g
- Protein: 2–5 g
- Carbs: 8–18 g
3) Microwave Oats Breakfast Bag (No Bowl Needed)
Why you’ll love it: A true “wake up and eat” breakfast. Mix the night before, microwave in the morning.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2–3/4 cup milk (or plant milk)
- Optional: honey/maple syrup, cinnamon
- Optional: frozen berries or banana slices
- Optional: 1 tsp chia seeds (more filling)
Step-by-step (fast breakfast)
- Bag it: Add oats + milk + any add-ins into the bag.
- Chill: 10 minutes minimum (or overnight).
- Microwave:
- Vent the bag (small opening).
- Microwave in short bursts, kneading/stirring once.
- Finish: Add fruit or nut butter and eat.
Quick tips (avoid overflow)
- Use enough liquid: Too little liquid can make oats thicken fast and bubble up.
- Short bursts: Reduces boil-over and hot spots.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 250–450 (depends on milk and add-ins)
- Protein: 8–18 g
- Carbs: 35–60 g
- Fiber: 4–10 g
Why These Bag Recipes Are So Fast (and Realistic)
- Prep + store + heat in one place
- Freeze → microwave for busy days
- Fewer dishes (often just one thing to wash)
If you’re building a simple routine, here’s a practical weekly setup:
A quick 20-minute meal prep plan
- 2–3 bags: lemon garlic chicken
- 3–5 bags: garlic veggie steam packs
- 3 bags: breakfast oats
That’s several breakfasts and lunches ready to go with minimal cleanup.
Disclaimer
Nutritional values are estimated and will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Always follow microwave safety guidance and ensure chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Author Note (for E-E-A-T)
Tested by the DeliOne team in a home kitchen setting. For best results, follow your microwave’s power settings and always vent the bag before heating.