Want to save time in your kitchen and get creative with this life-saving pantry staple? Here are 27 easy Canned Chicken Recipes to turn this popular protein into something amazing! These recipes include options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner such as hearty soups, cheesy casseroles, and refreshing salads.

If canned chicken isn’t already in your pantry, I suggest adding it to the list as it’s versatile, delicious, and affordable. Best of all, it cuts your cooking time in half.  Low in fat and high in protein, canned chicken is great for recipes from fresh and colorful salads to dinner delights and delicious quesadillas. 

There are endless ways to enjoy these canned chicken chunks. Simple ingredients can mix and match into healthy and delicious recipes. It’s totally a game-changer!

Quick And Easy Canned Chicken Recipes

Chicken Noodle Soup

When you need something nourishing and warm, chicken noodle soup is always a great choice. Each spoonful is loaded with hearty noodles, chunks of chicken and tons of veggies for a meal that soothes your stomach and your soul.

Chicken Alfredo

For this classic Italian-inspired dish, fettuccine, linguine or spaghetti is tossed in a creamy, Alfredo sauce along with tender pieces of chicken. When you use pre-cooked chicken, this meal comes together in twenty minutes or less.

Chicken Sliders

These tasty Chicken Sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd and couldn’t be easier to make. Shredded chicken is seasoned with Buffalo Wings seasoning for a little bit of heat and a whole lot of flavor.

Chicken Casserole

Here’s an easy weeknight dinner that can feed the entire family with minimal effort. Or, if you live alone, this creamy Chicken Casserole is perfect for meal prep and tasty enough to enjoy night after night. 

Chicken Fried Rice

Grab some cans from your pantry and make this healthy and satisfying Chicken Fried Rice. Since it’s a one pot meal that requires minimal cooking, it’s the ideal dish when you’re feeling lazy but you’re craving something wholesome. 

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for parties or family game night. It’s super easy to make and it’s ready to serve in under 30 minutes. If you love spicy dips, this one’s for you! 

7-Can Chicken Taco Soup

This recipe has all the flavors of your favorite Mexican dishes in a rich, hearty soup. Enjoy it straight out of the pot, or add tasty toppings like tortilla chips or sliced avocados.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

There’s never been an easier way to make tasty enchiladas at home! When you use canned Premium White Chicken Chunk, you get all of the flavor and none of the work. Top them with lots of cheese and salsa for a restaurant quality meal in minutes.

Canned Chicken Sandwich

Hosting a last minute get-together? Your guests will be raving after they’ve tried these yummy chicken sandwich melts! They’re ready to eat in 15 minutes using a handful of ingredients.

Slow Cooker Canned Chicken And Dumplings

There’s nothing quite like cozy and comforting chicken dumplings. This crock pot version made with canned chicken is hands down one of the easiest chicken and dumplings! Pop it in your slow cooker today for a no-fuss meal.

Low-Carb Canned Chicken Salad For Weight Loss

You can whip up this canned chicken salad in no time, yet it tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen for hours! It’ll soon become your go-to low-carb salad for those hot summer days.

You can enjoy it as a low-carb lunch option or a quick afternoon snack. It’s also great for meal prep – making life so much easier!

Healthy Canned Chicken Tacos

Simply toss everything in a pot, heat it up, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a healthy and delicious meal in no time.

Canned Chicken Quesadillas

You can quickly whip up these kid-friendly quesadillas as it’s made with canned chicken, canned refried beans, and loads of cheesy goodness. 

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Jazz up a can of chicken with homemade teriyaki sauce for a surprisingly tasty Asian-style dinner. Serve on top of a bed of white or brown rice for a meal that’ll leave you totally satisfied. 

Chicken Macaroni Salad

Bring your Chicken Macaroni Salad to the potluck and it’ll be gone in minutes! Everyone will love this creamy, meaty side dish that’s especially delicious alongside BBQ chicken or pork chops.

15 Minute Canned Chicken Burritos

Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that’s anything but boring? These burritos are ready in 15 minutes using canned, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken. Customize them with your favorite fillings! 

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Skip the delivery and give this easy recipe a go! Whether you use a premade crust or you make one from scratch, you won’t regret trying this spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza. 

Chicken And Rice Casserole

Requiring 5 minutes of prep time and a handful of simple ingredients, this casserole is perfect for a no-fuss dinner the whole family will love. Serve on its own or with a side salad. 

Southern Canned Chicken Salad

Here’s a quick and tasty chicken salad that’s delicious on toast or inside a wrap. Enjoy this recipe as a simple weekend lunch when you’re craving something light, yet satisfying. 

Bbq Chicken Burritos

By using canned chicken or leftover grilled chicken, you can make homemade burritos in a flash! They’re full of flavor and loaded with juicy BBQ chicken with all your favorite fillings.  

Chicken Pot Pie

This homemade pot pie is comforting and nourishing, complete with a flaky crust, bits of chicken and tons of veggies. Best of all, it requires just five minutes of work before it’s ready for the oven.

Enchilada Chicken Skillet

Quick, easy and super cheesy, these enchiladas are a Mexican-inspired dish the entire family will love. Whether you like it spicy or mild, this skillet dinner is flavorful, filling and budget-friendly. 

Bbq Chicken Sandwiches

Here’s the cheat code for feeding a hungry crowd on short notice. By using canned chicken and a flavorful BBQ sauce, these scrumptious sandwiches can be ready in no time! 

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wrap

This easy copycat recipe allows you to recreate P.F. Chang’s Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps in about 30 minutes. They’re equal parts tasty and healthy, not to mention perfect for a low carb or gluten-free diet.

8 Can Chicken Chili

When you taste this hearty and wholesome chili, you’ll find it hard to believe that all the ingredients came from a can. Enjoy it with all the classic toppings like diced avocados, sour cream or crumbled tortilla chips.

Lemon Chicken Pasta

Looking for a lazy pasta dish that doesn’t skimp on taste? This zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta is made using canned or rotisserie chicken, so only the pasta and sauce are made from scratch. It’s the perfect recipe for students, working moms or anyone with a busy schedule.

Crispy Chicken Fritters

These crispy fritters are like an upgraded version of chicken nuggets. Enjoy them with your favorite dip or in between a dinner roll for quick and easy chicken sliders.

Best Canned Chicken Brands

There are a number of brands of canned chicken available in the U.S. Some have higher quality than others. My favorite is Kirkland brand which is very high quality. You can buy them at your local supermarket or order online from Amazon. Here are the most popular brands:

• Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast     
• HORMEL Premium Chunk Chicken
• Swanson Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast       
• Keystone Meats All Natural Canned Chicken
• Wild Planet Chicken Breast Organic
• Members’s Mark Premium
• Wellsley Farms Premium

How To Store Canned Chicken

Keep your unopened canned chicken in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Once you open a can of chicken, transfer the leftover to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. You should use them within a few days after opening.

Always check the expiration date on the can. Canned chicken can last a long time, but it’s important to use it before it expires.

FAQs

Can you eat canned chicken without cooking?

Yes, canned chicken is fully cooked and you can add it to your plate directly. It’s best to add some seasonings such as taco seasoning to get rid of the canned taste.

Should I rinse canned chicken?

There’s no need to rinse canned chicken and doing so can actually make your meal less tasty. Remember that the chicken is fully cooked and ready to eat straight out of the can. Simply drain off the liquid and incorporate it into any of these delicious recipes.

Is canned chicken healthy?

Yes! Canned chicken is comparable to freshly cooked chicken in nutritional value as the protein was not lost during the canning process. So choose the one with low sodium for the healthiest option. 

Can I use the juice from canned chicken?

For most recipes, you’ll need to drain and rinse the chicken chunks but you can save the juice and dilute it with water as a substitute for chicken broth. 

With all these canned chicken recipes, you’ll find yourself getting the delicious meal on the table in no time. 

Can canned chicken be cooked?

Absolutely! You can add them to many dishes, from soups and casseroles to sandwiches and tacos. Cooking canned chicken can enhance its taste and versatility, making it a convenient protein source.

How do you add flavor to canned chicken?

• Seasoning: Use your favorite herbs and spices such as garlic, paprika, thyme, or rosemary to add flavor to your canned chicken.
• Sauces: Mix canned chicken with delicious sauces like barbecue, teriyaki, or buffalo sauce for a flavor boost.
• Vegetables: Add vegetables like onions and bell peppers to add flavor to your canned chicken recipes.
• Cheese: Melted cheese can be a delicious addition to dishes like canned chicken quesadillas or casseroles.

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Editor note: Originally published May 7, 2020 and updated Feb 2, 2021.