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

32 Canned Chicken Recipes for Delicious Meals You'll Use Time and Again (2)

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

32 Canned Chicken Recipes for Delicious Meals You'll Use Time and Again (20)

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

32 Canned Chicken Recipes for Delicious Meals You'll Use Time and Again (21)

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 do you make canned chicken taste better? ›

15 Ways To Elevate Canned Chicken
  1. Pair It With Textured Ingredients In Chicken Salad. ...
  2. Smother It With Cheese And Seasonings For A Perfect Dip. ...
  3. Fry It To Give It Extra Texture. ...
  4. Mix It With Other Fillings For A Flavorful Chicken Pot Pie. ...
  5. Pair It With Fresh Herbs. ...
  6. Make A High-Protein Pizza Crust.
Jan 9, 2024

Should you rinse canned chicken? ›

For instance, one common mistake is not draining or rinsing the chicken before use, which can result in a more processed taste.

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.

How do restaurants make chicken taste good? ›

So there we have it; either brining or marinading your chicken breast, cooking it a lower temp for longer, and letting it rest after it's done can all make the cut as juicy, tender, and delicious as your favourite restaurants do.

What can I add to chicken to give it more flavor? ›

Rub a whole chicken with olive oil, garlic, and this traditional mix of spices from southern France: savory, rosemary, marjoram, and thyme. Lavender, fennel, sage, tarragon, and even citrus zest are sometimes added.

Is it safe to eat canned chicken out of the can? ›

Canned chicken is typically cooked and preserved using high temperatures during the canning process, which helps to kill bacteria and pathogens, ensuring it's safe for consumption.

What is the shelf life of home canned chicken? ›

As long as the can is in good shape, the contents should be safe to eat, although the taste, texture and nutritional value of the food can diminish over time. Home canned foods should be used within 1 year.

Why is canned chicken so pink? ›

Nitrates and nitrites. These chemicals exist naturally in water and are also common food preservatives. Under high temperatures during the cooking process, they can react with chemicals in the meat, leading to that rosy hue. So, that pink hue is not cause for alarm.

Is canned chicken healthier than tuna? ›

As you can see, chicken is higher in calories, protein and fat (which includes saturated fat) than a can of tuna calories, but they're still pretty comparable. The real differences lie in the rest of their nutrients.

Why do people eat canned chicken? ›

Nutrition: Excellent source of shelf-stable protein. Canned chicken can be like using canned tuna. It has less of distinct flavor, so it is more flexible than tuna. It tastes best in recipes where minimum cooking time is required, like cold salads or dishes that are quickly reheated with added spices.

Can you eat expired canned chicken? ›

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). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.

Do you drain canned chicken before using? ›

Drain the liquid from the canned chicken breast and rinse it under cold water to remove any residue. Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will ensure better browning and flavor.

How do you eat canned chicken at home? ›

Having home-canned chicken on your pantry shelf means you have easy last-minute meals at your fingertips. Use this chicken for a yummy chicken salad sandwich, season it up for chicken tacos, or even toss it with sauce and homemade egg noodles for a yummy pasta dish.

What liquid is in canned chicken? ›

Chunk chicken, water, contains 2% or less of the following: chicken broth, flavorings, modified food starch, salt, sodium phosphates.

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 you make store-bought chicken taste better? ›

Just because the chicken is already cooked doesn't mean it can't benefit from a rub. Before reheating, make a custom blend of your favorite spices like paprika, cayenne, onion or garlic powder. Mix in dried herbs or a bit of sugar for beautiful caramelization, then sprinkle it evenly over the skin.

How do you make canned chicken broth taste better? ›

11 Ways to Fancy Up a Box of Store-Bought Broth
  1. Add spices. Whole spices are a fast and easy way to doctor up homemade broth. ...
  2. Add aromatics. ...
  3. Simmer with fresh herbs. ...
  4. Throw in a cheese rind. ...
  5. Simmer with fruit peels. ...
  6. Add a sprinkle of smoked salt. ...
  7. Add a sauce. ...
  8. Stir in miso paste.

How do you get the can taste out of canned food? ›

Depending on the canned product, the answer can be simple. I'd suggest adding lemon, lime, or vinegar to counter the bitterness associated with that unpleasant flavor. Of course, a bold spice mix can also help. If making a casserole, soup, or stew, add the meat at the beginning, just as one would canned vegetables.

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