Want to save time in your kitchen and get creative with canned chicken? Here are 24 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 breakfast 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. To get you started, I’m sharing 24 of best canned chicken recipes below. It’s totally a game-changer!
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.
Pro Tips for Cooking with Canned Chicken
- Drain and rinse the canned chicken thoroughly. This makes your dish extra healthy.
- Use high-quality canned chicken brands for the best results. Check the expiry date before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking canned chicken. As the canned chicken is already cooked, make sure not to cook it for too long.
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 4 most commonly available brands:
- Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast
- HORMEL Premium Chunk Chicken
- Swanson Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast
- Keystone Meats All Natural Canned Chicken
Meals you can make with canned chicken
Although you can eat canned chicken on its own, it tastes so much better when you cook it with other ingredients, taking away that “canned” flavor. From chicken noodle soup to casseroles, you can use canned chicken the same way as the leftover chicken.
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.
Chicken And Dumplings
When you’re craving Southern comfort food, you need a big bowl of Chicken and Dumplings! This nourishing soup needs just 5 minutes of prep time, thanks to pre-cooked shredded chicken.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You May Also Like
- Easy Canned Tuna Recipes
- Best Canned Green Bean Recipes
- Best Canned Corn Recipes
- Best Canned Salmon Recipes
- Best Canned Biscuit Recipes For Quick Meals
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Like
What to Cook with Canned Chicken (Easy Canned Chicken Recipes)
Ingredients
- 2 cans canned chicken (12.5 oz each)
- 1 medium avocado peeled and pitted
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- 1/2 medium red onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onion minced
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese swiss or cheddar
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
- 4-6 flour tortillas 8-inch size
Instructions
- Place the peeled avocado on a plate. Mash with a fork to the desired consistency.
- In a mason jar or medium bowl, add avocado, lime juice, yogurt, salt, and garlic powder. Whisk to mix well (If you use a mason jar, you can cover with the lid and shake to mix.)
- Drain and rinse the canned chicken thoroughly. Then shred them with two forks or using your hands.
- In a large bowl, add shredded chicken, red onion, bell pepper, green onion, parsley, and shredded cheese.
- Add the avocado mixture, and stir to mix until blended.
- Place tortillas on a work surface, one at a time.
- Spread a layer of chicken avocado mixture on top of a tortilla.
- Roll up the tortilla holding it together tightly with your fingertips. Then slice the roll into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife.
- Repeat for remaining tortillas. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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Editor note: Originally published May 7, 2020 and updated Feb 2, 2021.
Monika says
I love those recipes – never thought of using canned chicken. My only experience with it was tasteless cubes of something but it may be good time to try out one of your recipes. Good alternative to when we have no fresh chicken at hand 🙂
izzycooking says
Hi Monika, glad you like this recipe. Thanks for letting me know.
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I would use organic, God knows what they put in cans! But great selection of recipes. you just gave me some ideas!
izzycooking says
Hi Mihaela, you can use the leftover chicken to make these recipes.
jimmy clare says
I love these recipes thanks for sharing