More Interesting Canned Chicken Recipes

Canned chicken is a handy pantry staple that can save you time in the kitchen. It’s already cooked and ready to use in many recipes. You can make tasty meals with canned chicken without spending hours in the kitchen.

These 25 canned chicken recipes will give you lots of ideas for quick and easy meals. They include salads, casseroles, soups, and more. You’ll find options for lunch, dinner, and even appetizers. With these recipes, you can turn simple canned chicken into delicious dishes your family will love.

1. Quick Chicken Pot Pie

You can make a tasty chicken pot pie using canned chicken. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, filling meal.

Start by mixing canned chunk chicken with frozen vegetables and creamy soup. Pour the mixture into a pie crust or baking dish.

Top it with another crust, biscuits, or puff pastry. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting dinner on the table. Serve your chicken pot pie with a side salad for a complete meal.

2. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a tasty way to use canned chicken. You can make it easily in your oven or slow cooker.

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing in a bowl. Add canned chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.

Spread the mixture in a baking dish. Top with more cheese if you like. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Serve this dip warm with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks. It’s great for parties or game day snacks.

3. Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Chicken Alfredo Pizza combines two favorite foods into one tasty dish. You can make it using canned chicken for convenience.

Start by spreading Alfredo sauce on your pizza crust. Add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Drain and shred the canned chicken, then sprinkle it over the cheese.

For extra flavor, add some sliced red onions and spinach. Bake the pizza at 425°F for about 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese melts.

This pizza offers a creamy, savory twist on traditional red sauce pizzas. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.

4. Chicken Caesar Wraps

Chicken Caesar wraps make a tasty meal using canned chicken. Start by draining the chicken well. Mix it with crisp romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing in a bowl.

Warm a large tortilla in the microwave for a few seconds. Spoon the chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Add some croutons for extra crunch if you like.

Roll up the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Cut the wrap in half diagonally to serve. You can make these wraps ahead of time for an easy packed lunch.

5. Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas are a tasty way to use canned chicken. You can make this Mexican favorite quickly and easily.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix canned chicken with green chiles, cheese, and some enchilada sauce in a bowl.

Spread a bit of sauce in a baking dish. Fill tortillas with the chicken mixture, roll them up, and place them in the dish.

Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas. Top with more cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Serve your homemade chicken enchiladas hot. Add toppings like sour cream or cilantro if you like.

6. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Canned chicken makes whipping up tasty chicken salad sandwiches quick and easy. You can create a classic version with mayo, celery, and onion. Or try adding grapes and nuts for a sweet crunch.

For a tangy twist, mix in some pickle relish. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread your chicken salad on bread or serve it in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.

You can make chicken salad ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. This makes it perfect for packed lunches or easy weeknight dinners. Serve your sandwiches with chips or a side salad for a complete meal.

7. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Cheesy chicken broccoli rice is a comforting casserole that’s easy to make with canned chicken. You’ll need cooked rice, broccoli florets, canned chicken, and cheese.

Mix the ingredients with cream of chicken soup and milk for a creamy base. Add seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with more shredded cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes at 375°F.

This dish is great for using up leftover rice and veggies. You can customize it by adding different cheeses or vegetables you have on hand.

8. Chicken Tacos

Canned chicken makes whipping up tasty tacos a breeze. You can have a delicious meal ready in minutes with this pantry staple.

Start by heating some oil in a skillet. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft. Toss in your canned chicken and warm it through.

Spice things up with taco seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.

Warm your taco shells or tortillas. Fill them with the seasoned chicken mixture. Top with your favorite ingredients like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.

For extra flavor, squeeze some fresh lime juice over your tacos before serving. Enjoy your quick and easy canned chicken tacos!

9. BBQ Chicken Sliders

BBQ chicken sliders are a tasty and easy way to use canned chicken. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the canned chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl. Add some crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

Cut slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture on the buns and top with more cheese.

Place the top buns on and brush with melted butter. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops are golden brown.

These sliders make a great quick meal or party snack. You can customize them with different sauces or toppings to suit your taste.

10. Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are a quick and tasty meal using canned chicken. Start by draining the canned chicken and mixing it with shredded cheese and canned diced tomatoes with chilies.

Spread this mixture on one half of a tortilla and fold it over. Cook the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and the cheese melts.

You can add extra flavor by mixing taco seasoning into the chicken before cooking. For more veggies, sauté some onions and bell peppers to include in your quesadilla filling.

11. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting dish you can make with canned chicken. It’s quick and easy to prepare on busy weeknights.

To make it, mix cooked rice with canned chicken, cream soup, and seasonings. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with cheese or crushed crackers.

Bake the casserole until it’s hot and bubbly. You can add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.

This dish freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later. Just thaw and reheat when you need a fast meal.

12. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a comforting classic you can easily make with canned chicken. Start by sautéing carrots, celery, and onions in butter until soft.

Add garlic and herbs like thyme for extra flavor. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Toss in egg noodles and let them cook until tender.

Drain and add your canned chicken near the end of cooking. This keeps the meat tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For a creamier version, stir in a bit of milk or cream before serving. You can have a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup ready in about 30 minutes.

13. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are a tasty and simple meal you can make with canned chicken. They’re low-carb, high in protein, and packed with flavor.

To make them, mix canned chicken with buffalo sauce and cheese. Stuff this mixture into bell peppers and bake until the peppers are tender.

You can add ranch dressing to the filling for extra creaminess. Top with more cheese before baking for a gooey, delicious result.

These stuffed peppers are great for a quick weeknight dinner. They’re also perfect if you’re watching your carb intake but still want to enjoy buffalo chicken flavors.

14. Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a tasty way to use canned chicken. Start by mixing the chicken with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian herbs.

Form the mixture into small patties. Pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides.

Top each patty with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

Serve your quick Chicken Parmesan over pasta or with a side salad. This dish gives you the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan in a fraction of the time.

15. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a tasty way to use canned chicken. You’ll need canned chicken, orzo pasta, chicken broth, lemon juice, and vegetables.

Start by heating broth in a pot. Add diced carrots, celery, and onions. Cook until tender. Stir in the canned chicken and orzo pasta.

Let the soup simmer until the orzo is cooked. Add lemon juice and zest for a bright flavor. Toss in some spinach leaves for extra nutrition.

This soup is quick to make and perfect for chilly days. It’s filling and comforting, with a fresh lemon twist. Serve it hot with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

16. Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a tasty way to use canned chicken. You can make this dish quickly and easily at home.

Start by heating oil in a large pan. Add beaten eggs and scramble them. Remove the eggs and set aside.

Next, add canned chicken to the pan. Cook until it’s lightly browned. Then add diced vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions.

Stir in cooked rice and mix well. Pour in soy sauce and garlic powder for flavor. Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan.

Mix everything together and cook for a few more minutes. Your homemade chicken fried rice is now ready to enjoy!

17. Chicken Fajitas

Canned chicken can make quick and easy fajitas. Start by draining the chicken and shredding it with a fork.

Heat oil in a skillet and add sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook until softened. Stir in the chicken and fajita seasoning.

Warm tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle. Fill them with the chicken mixture. Top with your favorite additions like cheese, sour cream, or salsa.

This meal comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or camping trips when you need a fast, tasty dinner.

18. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty way to use canned chicken. You’ll need canned chicken, broth, diced tomatoes, and corn. Add beans, onions, and spices for extra flavor.

Simmer everything in a pot for about 30 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well. You can make it spicy with jalapenos or keep it mild.

Top your soup with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, and sour cream. A squeeze of lime juice adds a nice tang. This soup is filling and perfect for cold days.

19. Chicken Chili

Canned chicken makes a quick and tasty chili. You can whip up this comforting meal in no time.

Start by sautéing onions in a pot. Add canned chicken, beans, diced tomatoes, and broth.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, and garlic for flavor. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to blend the tastes.

Top your chili with cheese, sour cream, or avocado. Serve it with cornbread or tortilla chips for a filling dinner.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights. You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste.

20. Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken spaghetti is a comforting casserole that’s easy to make with canned chicken. You’ll combine shredded chicken with cooked spaghetti noodles and a creamy cheese sauce.

The sauce often includes cream of mushroom soup and melted cheese like Velveeta. Many recipes add diced tomatoes or Rotel for extra flavor and color.

You can customize your chicken spaghetti by adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions. Some people like to spice it up with chili powder or cayenne pepper.

This dish is great for using up leftover chicken or feeding a crowd. You can make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

21. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

You can make tasty chicken lettuce wraps using canned chicken. Start by mixing drained canned chicken with chopped green onions, red bell peppers, and water chestnuts.

Add soy sauce for flavor. You can also include other ingredients like mayonnaise, cilantro, or lime juice to suit your taste.

For extra flavor, try adding hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, or ginger. Sriracha can give your wraps a spicy kick.

Serve the chicken mixture in lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing meal. This dish is quick to make and perfect for a hot day when you don’t want to cook.

22. Chicken Florentine

Chicken Florentine is a tasty dish you can make with canned chicken. It combines creamy sauce, spinach, and tender chicken.

Start by mixing flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat your canned chicken pieces in this mixture.

Heat butter and oil in a pan. Cook the chicken until it’s golden. Set it aside.

In the same pan, cook garlic and add wine, broth, and cream. Let it simmer and thicken.

Add spinach and let it wilt. Stir in some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Put the chicken back in the pan to warm it up. Your quick and easy Chicken Florentine is ready to serve!

23. Chicken Curry

Chicken curry is a tasty and easy meal you can make with canned chicken. Start by sautéing onions in a pan until soft. Add curry powder, garlic, and ginger to bring out their flavors.

Next, stir in your canned chicken and diced tomatoes. Pour in coconut milk or cream for a rich sauce. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes to blend the flavors.

You can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Serve your curry over rice or with naan bread. This dish is quick to make and full of warm, comforting spices.

24. Chicken Burritos

Chicken burritos are a quick and tasty meal you can make with canned chicken. Start by warming up your canned chicken in a skillet with some taco seasoning.

Add corn, black beans, and salsa to the chicken for extra flavor and texture. Heat some tortillas and spoon the chicken mixture into them.

Top with cheese, lettuce, and any other toppings you like. Roll up the tortillas tightly to form burritos.

You can eat them right away or bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes to make them crispy. Chicken burritos are great for lunch or dinner and can be frozen for later.

25. Chicken Lasagna

Chicken lasagna is a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. You can make it using canned chicken for convenience.

Start by mixing the canned chicken with ricotta cheese, eggs, and herbs. Layer this mixture with lasagna noodles and a creamy white sauce in a baking dish.

Add spinach or other veggies for extra nutrition. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese between layers and on top.

Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Benefits of Cooking with Canned Chicken

Canned chicken offers many advantages for your cooking needs. It’s a versatile ingredient that can save you time and money while still providing nutritional value.

Nutritional Advantages

Canned chicken is a good source of protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 21 grams of protein. This helps build and repair your muscles and tissues.

Canned chicken also contains vitamins and minerals. You’ll get B vitamins, which support your energy levels. It also provides iron for healthy blood cells.

Many brands offer low-sodium options. This can help you control your salt intake. Some canned chicken is also packed in water instead of oil, reducing fat content.

Convenience and Storage

Canned chicken is ready to use right out of the can. You don’t need to spend time thawing or cooking raw chicken. This makes meal prep much faster and easier.

It has a long shelf life. You can keep canned chicken in your pantry for months or even years. This reduces food waste and ensures you always have protein on hand.

Canned chicken is pre-cooked. This means you can eat it cold in salads or sandwiches. Or you can quickly heat it up for hot dishes.

Cost-Effective Option

Canned chicken is often cheaper than fresh chicken. The price per serving is usually lower, especially when bought in bulk.

You can stock up when it’s on sale. This helps you save money in the long run. Having a supply on hand also means fewer trips to the store.

There’s no waste with canned chicken. You use the whole can without any bones or fat to trim off. This makes it an economical choice for your meals.

Tips for Using Canned Chicken in Recipes

Canned chicken can be a great ingredient for quick and easy meals. Learn how to choose the right product, prepare it properly, and boost its flavor.

Choosing the Right Canned Chicken

Pick canned chicken packed in water for a healthier option. Look for low-sodium varieties to control salt intake. Check the expiration date and avoid dented or bulging cans.

White meat chicken tends to have a milder flavor and less fat. Dark meat offers more flavor but higher fat content. Some brands offer a mix of both.

Read labels carefully. Choose products with minimal additives for the best taste and nutrition. Organic options are available if you prefer them.

Proper Draining and Rinsing

Open the can and drain the liquid into the sink. Use a colander to rinse the chicken under cool running water. This removes excess sodium and improves texture.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels after rinsing. This step is important for recipes where you want the chicken to brown or crisp up.

For cold dishes like salads, let the chicken cool in the fridge after draining and rinsing. This helps it hold its shape better when mixed with other ingredients.

Flavor Enhancement Techniques

Add spices and herbs to boost flavor. Try garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, or Italian seasoning. Mix these with the chicken before using it in your recipe.

Marinate the drained chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 30 minutes. This works well for salads or wraps.

Toast the chicken in a dry skillet over medium heat. This adds a nice browned flavor and improves texture. It’s great for tacos or quesadillas.

Mix canned chicken with Greek yogurt, mustard, and chopped celery for a quick chicken salad. The yogurt adds protein and a tangy taste.

Creative Culinary Uses for Canned Chicken

Canned chicken offers quick and easy options for meals. You can use it in many tasty dishes beyond basic sandwiches or salads.

Crafting Savory Soups

Canned chicken works great in soups. You can make a fast chicken noodle soup by adding it to broth with veggies and pasta. For a creamy option, try chicken and wild rice soup. Just mix canned chicken with cooked rice, cream, and herbs.

Another idea is white chicken chili. Combine canned chicken with white beans, green chilies, and spices. Let it simmer for a warm, comforting meal.

Don’t forget about chicken tortilla soup. Add canned chicken to tomato broth with corn, beans, and spices. Top with crispy tortilla strips and cheese.

Building Balanced Salads

Canned chicken can boost the protein in your salads. Make a classic chicken Caesar salad by mixing it with romaine, croutons, and dressing. For a sweeter twist, try a chicken waldorf salad with apples, grapes, and walnuts.

A Greek-inspired salad works well too. Combine canned chicken with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

You can also make a hearty cobb salad. Layer canned chicken with bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and blue cheese over greens.

Incorporating into Pasta Dishes

Canned chicken is perfect for quick pasta meals. Toss it with pesto and pasta for an easy dinner. You can also make a simple chicken alfredo by mixing it with creamy sauce and fettuccine.

For a healthier option, try a chicken primavera. Add canned chicken to whole wheat pasta with lots of veggies and a light olive oil sauce.

Baked pasta dishes work great too. Mix canned chicken into mac and cheese for added protein. Or make a chicken tetrazzini with mushrooms, peas, and a creamy sauce.