32 Canned Chicken Recipes for Delicious Meals You'll Use Time and Again (2024)

Do you like to cook with canned chicken? I’ll be honest in telling you that I didn’t use to. I thought that the store bought canned chicken had a weird taste.

However, I learned to can my own chicken (using a recipe like this) and have since found that using canned chicken in a recipe can save a lot of time when preparing a meal.

So for those of you that like canned chicken, or like to can their own chicken, I’ve picked out a few recipes from the internet to help you use more of it.

Now, not all of the recipes call for canned chicken, but I picked recipes that you could easily sub canned chicken in for regular cooked chicken.

32 Canned Chicken Recipes for Delicious Meals You'll Use Time and Again (1)

Canned Chicken Recipes

Here are the recipes I came up with:

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

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Winter time is approaching and soups will slowly make their way back to our menu on a regular basis. They are easy and stretch for days with only having to cook one time.

However, this recipe is even better because it can even be made in a crock pot. So if you love chicken noodle soup and want an easy recipe, then toss in your canned chicken and you will have a super easy one here.

Try this canned chicken recipe

2. Skillet Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Rice

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This recipe is one of my favorite on this list because it is healthy, cheesy, and works for those with food allergies.

So if you have a problem with gluten, then you’ll love the fact that this recipe is actually riced broccoli and cauliflower, which makes for a delicious and gluten free meal.

Try this canned chicken recipe

3. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

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This is another soup recipe that could easily save you time by tossing in canned chicken for the chicken part of the recipe.

Plus, it is also a unique recipe as many people aren’t accustomed to eating a lot of Greek foods. However, this delicious soup looks like a great place to start.

Try this canned chicken recipe

4. White Chicken Poblano Chili

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Do you love white chicken chili? If so, then you’ll really love this recipe because it is your basic white chicken chili with a little added spice.

So they add a poblano pepper to give this recipe a kick. But don’t forget, you can save even more time making it if you add your canned chicken to the recipe.

Try this canned chicken recipe

5. Chicken Salad with Grapes

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I had never heard of people actually using their canned chicken until I met my mother-in-law. Maybe that is why I’m so weird about canned chicken.

Anyway, she used canned chicken to make chicken salad. So when I saw this recipe for chicken salad with grapes, I thought that it would be a great recipe to use your canned chicken with in order to save time and still have great flavor.

Try this canned chicken recipe

6. Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole

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If you haven’t guessed already, casseroles are a great way to utilize canned chicken. It has so many other flavors going on that people don’t realize that the chicken is canned.

So if you love chicken and spaghetti squash, then you’ll definitely want to try out this casserole. It could become a quick weeknight meal for you and your family to enjoy.

Try this canned chicken recipe

7. Mayo Free Chicken Salad

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Do you love chicken salad? Are you looking for a way to make it a little healthier? Well, then you’ll want to check out this recipe.

Not only is it a good way to utilize canned chicken, but it is also mayo free for a healthier chicken salad. Hopefully, you can enjoy your chicken salad a little more frequently now.

Try this canned chicken recipe

8. Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad

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Well, this is another chicken salad recipe that would be great to utilize canned chicken with. But this recipe is for those who like spice.

So if you fall into that category, then you’ll want to try this buffalo chicken salad. It would be great with bread or on crackers. You could even put it over a bed of greens or veggies if you like.

Try this canned chicken recipe

9. Chicken Baked Ziti

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I love baked ziti, but I really love chicken baked ziti. The chicken is great as a good source of protein. Plus, I love all of the cheesy flavors as well.

But the next time you want to make this, don’t think you have to use only fresh chicken. In fact, you can toss canned chicken in there and it will be snappy to make and so delicious.

Try this canned chicken recipe

10. Pesto Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms

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I love all of the flavors of this dish. You have pesto, chicken, and mushrooms all in one feeling and warming dish.

So the next time you desire comfort food, then open up a can of chicken and throw this recipe together quickly.

Try this canned chicken recipe

11. Tuscan Chicken with Penne Pasta

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If you are a big pasta person, then you’ll want to check out this particular dish. It has a delicious and very rich sauce.

But don’t let the dish fool you. The title says it should only take you around 20 minutes. Add canned chicken, and you might have it faster than that.

Try this canned chicken recipe

12. Low Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

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I love this recipe because it contains no pasta. In its place is cauliflower. Then you make this delicious cream sauce.

From there you add the shredded meat. That is why canned chicken would be a great addition to this recipe because any time you see shredded chicken is needed in a recipe, then you can easily just open a can and add it to the dish.

Try this canned chicken recipe

13. Chicken, Cranberry, Pecan Salad Wrap

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This is another delicious version of chicken salad. Obviously, you can add canned chicken in the place of freshly cooked chicken to the recipe.

Then you just wrap the mixture up, and you have a healthy and delicious meal in no time flat. That is my favorite kind of meal…healthy and fast.

Try this canned chicken recipe

14. Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder

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This recipe looks like one that would be delicious on a cold winter’s day. It has a creamy chicken base with lots of delicious flavors.

Then they add the corn to the mix to give the soup a little more texture. As always, save time and add your canned chicken.

Try this canned chicken recipe

15. Cheesy Chicken Corn and Quinoa Casserole

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I’m having to learn how to cook and utilize quinoa these days since I’ve been diagnosed with a gluten allergy.

However, it is not easy to find ways to use it always that my family will enjoy. So when I saw this recipe I knew it would be great to slip in quinoa and canned chicken. It’s a win, win.

Try this canned chicken recipe

16. Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

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This is another casserole that I love for busy weeknights. You can actually make this casserole ahead and cook them when you like.

Then you cover them with foil and pop them in the oven to bake or reheat when you are ready to enjoy. Since it is a casserole, canned chicken would be a great time-saving option for this recipe.

Try this canned chicken recipe

17. Fettuccini with Roasted Pepper Sauce

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Though I have a gluten allergy, I love pasta. I can’t help it, but I don’t get to enjoy it like I once did. Though after seeing this recipe, I think it would be a great recipe to try.

So you just prepare your fettuccini and add some canned chicken in the mix. Then you toss it in a very flavorful pepper sauce to boot. It looks so good!

Try this canned chicken recipe

18. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

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This is another great casserole that you could make ahead and enjoy on a busy weeknight with minimal effort.

Again, make prep work a little easier by adding canned chicken into all of the delicious flavors. You could have quite the winner on your hands.

Try this canned chicken recipe

19. One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice

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This is a tasty dish, I’m sure. It has many delicious flavors from the freshness of cilantro, the crispy lime flavoring, and then the chicken with rice and beans.

But you can definitely take a shortcut with canned chicken in this recipe as well. That way you can have a fresh meal on the table a little quicker.

Try this canned chicken recipe

20. Quick Chicken Salad

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I’m all about recipes that claim to be quick right out of the gate. I get it. I’m a busy mom. I have a career, a home to run, and a busy schedule.

So I need fast recipes that are also fresh, delicious, and barely processed. This recipe could fit into that category, I believe.

Try this canned chicken recipe

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32 Canned Chicken Recipes for Delicious Meals You'll Use Time and Again (2024)

FAQs

How to jazz up canned chicken? ›

In order to improve the taste of this canned protein, you need to add texture to it. For example, add cranberries and pecans to your next chicken salad for a textural boost. Toss your drained canned chicken in a bowl with mayonnaise, dried cranberries, pecans, and a scant amount of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

What to use canned chicken for? ›

31 Easy and Delicious Canned Chicken Recipes
  1. Buffalo chicken dip. Serve this easy-to-make buffalo chicken dip for any occasion. ...
  2. Chicken pot pie. ...
  3. Chicken alfredo. ...
  4. Chicken noodle soup. ...
  5. Chicken enchiladas. ...
  6. Chicken tortilla soup. ...
  7. Chicken and rice bowls. ...
  8. Chicken curry.
Sep 7, 2023

How long does canned chicken last? ›

How Long is Canned Chicken Good For? Canned chicken is safe to sit on your pantry shelf as long as the lid stays sealed (that can be 2-10 years). However, if you want the best taste and nutritional value, you will want to eat it within one year.

How many cans of chicken equal 1 cup? ›

Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water

A: I would guess about 1 cup (8 ounces) of chicken per 12.5 ounce can (if you drain the liquid).

Should you rinse canned chicken? ›

Canned chicken is often used as a convenient substitute for fresh chicken in a variety of recipes but it's important to know how to cook with it to maximize flavor and texture. For instance, one common mistake is not draining or rinsing the chicken before use, which can result in a more processed taste.

Are you supposed to cooked canned chicken? ›

Whether you're working through canned food in your pantry or you want to get dinner on the table fast, canned chicken is a fantastic ingredient. Since it's already cooked, simply drain it and add it to casseroles, dips, soups, or pasta for a quick protein boost.

What is the juice in canned chicken? ›

The liquid in canned chicken is essentially the chicken's cooking liquid, which has been flavored with salt and other seasonings. If you're in a pinch and need to use the liquid in canned chicken as broth, it can work in a pinch.

Can you pan fry canned chicken? ›

The best method to fry canned chicken is to use a shallow pan or skillet filled with enough oil to submerge the chicken. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C) and then carefully add the chicken pieces. Fry until golden brown and crispy, usually for about 2-3 minutes per side.

What liquid is in canned chicken? ›

The fluids are mostly water and salt that are used to preserve the chicken and keep it moist. They don't add much flavor or nutrition to your dish, and they may make it too watery or salty.

Can you eat 20 year old canned meat? ›

Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling).

Is eating canned chicken healthy? ›

For the most part, yes. As quick-prep meals go, canned chicken is healthier than most pre-packaged options that tend to be loaded with junk. “Canned chicken is an excellent and convenient source of high-quality protein,” registered dietitian Jessica Levinson, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. explains.

How to tell if canned chicken has gone bad? ›

Discard any cans that are dented, rusted or leaking, along with any cans that contain black or brown contents. Storage: Keep canned goods stored in a clean, dry area, where the temperature is kept at or below 75 degrees F. Store unopened 2-5 years. Cans generally have a “best by” rather than an “expiration date.”

Does canned chicken taste like tuna? ›

A lot of canned chicken is very dry and flavorless—there's no chicken flavor. No chicken fat. Just meat that's been sitting in briny water. Tuna still tastes like tuna after it's been packaged that way; chicken, not so much.

Can you freeze canned chicken? ›

Transfer the contents of the can to an airtight container or freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and then store it in the freezer. However, the texture of the food may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

How do you make canned chicken taste better? ›

However, I like to doctor it up with a few extras like lemon juice, pepper, Parmesan and garlic. With the canned chicken and the kicked up salad dressing, it's the perfect way to enjoy a quick and easy Caesar salad.

How do you make canned meat taste good? ›

To bring out the taste of more full-flavored canned meat like Spam, your best move is to brown it in a frying pan or oven. This caramelizes the meat and intensifies the distinctive taste.

How do I give chicken the best flavor? ›

Add a touch of spice to your chicken breast by combining paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic and olive oil to create a paste. Then cover your chicken breast with the paste and pat down to secure.

How do you elevate canned food? ›

For a silky-smooth bowl of canned goodness, try pureeing veggies with dairy or nondairy milk and aromatics or spices. You get all the flavor and nutrition without the mushy texture that some people find unappealing. Milne likes making a simple corn chowder using canned corn, stock, milk, a potato, and bay leaves.

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