What to Make with Canned Chicken: Quick and Delicious Recipes

Canned chicken might not be the star of fancy meals, but when you’re pressed for time, it’s a lifesaver. It’s one of those pantry staples that can really come to the rescue on busy days when cooking from scratch just isn’t in the cards. Whether you’re craving something easy or looking to get a meal ready in under 30 minutes, canned chicken is a solid option: versatile, budget-friendly, and super quick. So, let’s jump into some fun recipes that’ll help you make the most of that sitting in your kitchen.

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Why Canned Chicken?

Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about why canned chicken deserves a spot in your kitchen. It’s already cooked, can sit in your pantry for a while, and saves you loads of time. This makes it perfect for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or even just adding some protein to a salad, wrap, or casserole. And let’s not forget – it’s budget-friendly, too. No need to break the bank for a tasty, easy meal.

What You Can Make with Canned Chicken

Canned chicken is one of those ingredients that can help you whip up a meal without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re getting ready for a busy week or need something quick for dinner, it’s a versatile choice. From comforting casseroles to fun finger foods, there’s a ton you can do with it. Here are some quick, tasty ideas that’ll have your family asking for more.

1. Buffalo Chicken Dip

A party favorite that never disappoints, buffalo chicken dip is super easy to make with canned chicken. All you need is some cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, and a can of chicken. Throw it all together, heat it up, and you’ve got a tasty dip to serve with chips, veggies, or crackers. It’s creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly.
3. Serve hot with chips or veggies.

2. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

For a lighter, easy lunch, chicken salad sandwiches are a classic. Canned chicken makes this a breeze since the protein is already cooked. Just mix the chicken with mayonnaise, celery, and a few seasonings, and you’ve got yourself a quick meal. Serve it on whole-grain bread, in a wrap, or even on a bed of lettuce for a low-carb twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp celery, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Drain and shred the chicken.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Spread the chicken salad onto your bread or wrap.

3. Chicken Quesadillas

Looking for a quick dinner that the whole family will love? Chicken quesadillas are an easy go-to. With canned chicken, you can skip the cooking step and dive right into assembling your quesadilla. Load up tortillas with chicken, cheese, and a few veggies, then grill them until golden and crispy.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 2 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Salsa, for dipping

Directions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese and chicken, then top with the second tortilla.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden.
4. Slice and serve with salsa.

4. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

When you want a hearty, comforting meal without all the effort, canned chicken is a great shortcut for chicken alfredo pasta. Toss your canned chicken into a pot with cooked pasta, and top it off with creamy alfredo sauce. Add some spinach or broccoli to sneak in some veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup alfredo sauce
• ½ cup spinach or broccoli (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat the chicken and sauce in a pan.
2. Toss in the cooked pasta and veggies.
3. Stir until heated through and serve.

5. Chicken Tacos

Tacos don’t need to be elaborate to be satisfying. Canned chicken can be spiced up and transformed into taco filling in minutes. Add some taco seasoning, heat it through, and pile it into soft tortillas with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 small tortillas
• Toppings: cheese, lettuce, salsa

Directions:

1. Heat the chicken and seasoning in a skillet.
2. Warm tortillas and fill with the chicken mixture.
3. Top with your favorite taco toppings.

6. Chicken and Rice Casserole

This one’s a classic. Mix chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings, bake it all together, and you’ve got a comforting casserole everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a baking dish.
2. Top with cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

7. Chicken Stir Fry

Need a quick, healthy dinner? A chicken stir fry made with canned chicken is the way to go. Toss the chicken with some stir fry vegetables (fresh or frozen), soy sauce, and a little sesame oil, and you’ll have a colorful, flavorful dish ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 2 cups stir-fry vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Directions:

1. Heat the sesame oil in a skillet.
2. Add the chicken and vegetables, stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce and stir well.

8. Chicken Pinwheels

Perfect for a party or snack, chicken pinwheels are super easy to make with canned chicken. Just mix it with cream cheese, roll it in tortillas, slice, and serve.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 flour tortillas
• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix the chicken and cream cheese in a bowl.
2. Spread the mixture onto tortillas and roll them up tightly.
3. Slice into pinwheels and serve.

9. Chicken Fried Rice

If you love takeout-style fried rice but don’t have time to cook from scratch, canned chicken makes this recipe a breeze. Combine rice, chicken, peas, and scrambled eggs in a skillet for a quick and filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 2 cups cooked rice
• ½ cup peas
• 2 eggs, scrambled

Directions:

1. Heat the chicken in a skillet.
2. Add the rice, peas, and scrambled eggs.
3. Stir and cook until everything is heated through.

10. Chicken Caesar Wraps

For an easy lunch or dinner, chicken Caesar wraps are a winner. Mix canned chicken with Caesar dressing and romaine lettuce, wrap it all up, and enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 2 tbsp Caesar dressing
• 2 cups romaine lettuce
• 2 tortillas

Directions:

1. Toss the chicken with dressing and lettuce.
2. Place the mixture on tortillas, roll up, and enjoy.

11. Chicken Chili

Chili is the ultimate comfort food, and with canned chicken, you can make a lighter, quicker version that’s just as satisfying. Combine the chicken with beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning, then let it simmer for a flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 1 can beans (black, kidney, or pinto)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Chili seasoning

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot.
2. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
3. Serve hot with cornbread or crackers.

12. Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is another classic dish that’s easy to make with canned chicken. Use pre-made pie crusts and a can of cream of chicken soup, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 pie crusts

Directions:

1. Combine chicken, soup, and vegetables.
2. Pour into a pie crust and top with another crust.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes.

How to Choose the Best Canned Chicken

Canned chicken is a convenient pantry staple, but not all options are created equal. Whether you’re stocking up for quick dinners or meal prepping, it’s important to choose the right canned chicken for your needs. Here are some key things to keep in mind when selecting the best canned chicken.

Look for No Additives

When shopping for canned chicken, you want to pick a brand that focuses on simplicity and quality. Look for options that don’t include unnecessary preservatives, artificial flavors, or extra sodium. The more natural, the better. While canned chicken is convenient, you don’t need all those extra chemicals in your meal. Choosing a product with fewer additives means you’ll get all the protein without worrying about the extra, unwanted ingredients.

White Meat vs. Dark Meat

When it comes to taste and texture, white meat and dark meat canned chicken are different. White meat, typically from the breast, is leaner, with a milder flavor and firmer texture. It’s great for dishes where you want the chicken to take on the flavors of the recipe without overwhelming it, think chicken salad or quesadillas.

On the other hand, dark meat, usually from the thighs or legs, is juicier and richer in flavor due to the higher fat content. If you prefer a more savory, hearty dish, dark meat canned chicken is your go-to. It works well in soups, stews, or casseroles where the flavor can shine through.

Popular Brands

There are a few canned chicken brands that stand out for their quality and reliability. Here’s a quick look at some popular choices:

• Swanson: Known for its chicken products, Swanson offers a variety of canned chicken options that are widely available and trusted for their consistency. Their chicken is tender and flavorful, with a good balance of lean and dark meat options.
• Kirkland (Costco): If you’re looking for bulk options, Kirkland’s canned chicken is a great choice. It’s known for being both affordable and high-quality, with a clean, natural taste.
  Hormel: Hormel is another brand that makes convenient, high-quality canned chicken. Their products are known for being versatile and easy to use in a variety of recipes, from sandwiches to soups.
• Canned Chicken from Trader Joe’s: For those who love a more unique option, Trader Joe’s offers a tasty canned chicken that stands out for its natural flavor and minimal ingredients.

Conclusion

Canned chicken is truly a kitchen MVP. It’s convenient, versatile, and can help you put a satisfying meal on the table without breaking a sweat. From a comforting bowl of chicken chili to crispy quesadillas, canned chicken can be transformed into a variety of dishes that are both quick and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or just need something simple for yourself, this pantry staple offers endless possibilities.

Next time you’re staring at your pantry wondering what to make for dinner, remember: that can of chicken can become the base of a meal that’s just as flavorful and satisfying as any dish made from fresh chicken. With the right seasonings and a little creativity, you’ll have dinner ready in no time. So go ahead, stock up on canned chicken, and enjoy the convenience of having a tasty meal ready when you need it most.

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