Canned chicken is a versatile pantry staple that can save you time and effort in the kitchen. When you’re short on time or don’t want to cook raw chicken, opening a can gives you fully cooked meat ready to use in countless recipes.
From comforting soups and casseroles to quick salads and appetizers, canned chicken offers convenience without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re looking for easy weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or crowd-pleasing party dips, canned chicken recipes can be lifesavers.
The possibilities range from classic comfort foods like chicken pot pie and chicken noodle soup to more creative options such as buffalo chicken dip and dill pickle chicken salad.
1. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is one of the easiest and most popular ways to use canned chicken. It combines creamy ingredients with spicy buffalo sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Mix canned chicken with cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Some recipes include blue cheese for extra tanginess.
Beat the cream cheese with ranch dressing and hot sauce, then fold in your canned chicken. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees until it’s hot and bubbly.
Serve this dip with chips, crackers, or celery sticks for a delicious low-carb option.
2. Chicken Pot Pie with Canned Chicken
Chicken pot pie becomes simple when you use canned chicken. This comfort food classic turns into an easy weeknight meal with just a few ingredients.
Combine canned chicken with mixed vegetables and condensed soup for a “Cheater Pot Pie.” Some recipes need only 4 ingredients to create this satisfying dish.
Try mini pot pies using Pillsbury biscuits stuffed with the chicken mixture for a quicker option. The flaky crust perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Simply mix your canned chicken with vegetables, add soup for creaminess, and top with pie crust for a hearty meal.
3. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Canned chicken makes Alfredo pasta quick and simple. Cook your favorite pasta according to package directions and drain.
In a skillet, warm the chicken and add Alfredo sauce. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Mix in your cooked pasta until everything is well coated. Add garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor.
Try adding colorful bell peppers for a pop of flavor and nutrition. Red, orange, and yellow varieties work best with the creamy sauce.
4. Chicken Noodle Soup
Canned chicken is perfect for making quick and comforting chicken noodle soup. You can have this classic dish ready in under 20 minutes.
Start by sautéing carrots, celery, and onions in butter until soft. Add some flour to thicken the broth slightly if desired.
Pour in chicken broth and add your canned chicken. For a more flavorful soup, use whole grain wide noodles as they hold up better in soup.
Enhance store-bought chicken noodle soup by adding your canned chicken and extra vegetables. This simple addition transforms a basic soup into a heartier meal.
5. Chicken Enchilada Skillet
This one-pan meal transforms canned chicken into a delicious Mexican-inspired dinner. You can prepare it in just 20 minutes with affordable ingredients.
Sauté diced onions in a skillet, then add your canned chicken, enchilada sauce, and seasonings. Mix well and let the flavors combine.
Layer corn tortillas (cut into pieces) throughout the mixture. Sprinkle plenty of cheese on top and cover until melted.
Serve your skillet enchilada with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and green onions.
6. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a perfect way to use canned chicken when you need a quick meal. This soup is incredibly simple, requiring only 6-7 canned ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
You’ll need canned chicken, black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and a few seasonings like taco mix. Just open the cans, combine everything in a pot, and heat.
Customize your soup with toppings like tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado. This filling, flavorful meal comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all day.
7. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting dish that’s easy to make with canned chicken. This classic meal combines creamy textures with simple ingredients for a satisfying dinner.
You’ll need canned chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and your choice of vegetables. Many recipes use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience.
Season your casserole with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the flavor. Some versions add cheese on top for extra richness.
This dish can be ready in under 30 minutes. Even teenagers can prepare it with minimal supervision.
8. Mini Chicken Pot Pies
Mini chicken pot pies are a quick and delicious meal you can make with canned chicken. They require just a few ingredients and come together in minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tin. Drain your canned chicken thoroughly and mix it with frozen mixed vegetables.
Add a can of cream of chicken soup to the mixture along with spices like thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Press refrigerated biscuit dough into each muffin cup.
Fill each cup with your chicken mixture and top with cheese if desired. Bake until the biscuits are golden brown and enjoy these comforting hand-held pot pies.
9. Cheesy Baked Chicken Nuggets
These chicken nuggets made with canned chicken are a game-changer for quick meals. They require just a few ingredients you likely have on hand.
You’ll need canned chicken breast (drained), an egg, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and your favorite seasonings. The two cheeses create the perfect crispy exterior.
Mix the ingredients, form into nugget shapes, and bake until golden brown. They’re naturally low carb and take minimal effort to prepare.
These nuggets make a great snack, appetizer, or main dish when paired with veggies.
10. Seven Can Chicken Casserole
This easy casserole combines the comforts of chicken pot pie with green chili chicken in a simple dump-and-go meal. The recipe relies on seven canned ingredients that you can quickly mix together.
You’ll need canned chicken, cream of chicken soup, and a few other canned goods to create this hearty dish. Just open the cans, mix everything together, and bake.
Customize it by adding different canned vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
11. Chicken Taco Casserole
Chicken Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that transforms canned chicken into a Mexican-inspired dinner. It combines shredded chicken with black beans, corn, and plenty of cheese.
Layer canned chicken with taco seasoning, canned tomatoes and green chiles, and your favorite Mexican ingredients. Many recipes include cream soups for richness and moisture.
Customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the spice level.
12. Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken is an easy, addictive dish that requires minimal prep time. You only need a few ingredients to make this flavorful meal.
Place chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken, then add cream cheese on top.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender. Shred the chicken using two forks and mix in shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions if desired.
Serve this dish on sandwiches, over rice, or wrapped in tortillas.
13. Chicken Spring Rolls
Canned chicken makes spring rolls quick and easy to prepare. Combine drained, diced canned chicken with colorful vegetables like red peppers, carrots, and shredded cabbage.
Use rice spring roll papers or wrappers for a traditional approach. Fill each wrapper with your chicken mixture and roll them up tightly.
Bake these spring rolls for a healthier option instead of frying. Some recipes also include bean thread noodles (rice noodles) for added texture.
These spring rolls make great appetizers or can be part of a main meal.
14. Chicken Salad with Mayo and Celery
Chicken salad with mayo and celery is a quick, versatile dish you can make with canned chicken. This classic combination offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and refreshing crunch.
Drain a can of chicken and break it up with a fork. Mix in mayonnaise, finely diced celery, and chopped red onion for flavor and texture.
Customize your chicken salad by adding extras like pickle relish, chopped apple, or nuts such as pecans or almonds. Some recipes also include raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Serve your chicken salad on bread, with crackers, or over a bed of lettuce.
15. Chicken Quesadillas
Canned chicken makes quesadillas quick and easy to prepare. Drain a can of chicken and mix it with shredded cheese like colby-monterey jack or cheddar.
Add flavor with drained canned tomatoes and green chilies or about 1/3 cup of salsa. Sprinkle chili powder to enhance the taste.
Spread this mixture between flour tortillas and cook until crispy on the outside and melty inside. Use a griddle, skillet, or even bake them in the oven.
These quesadillas are perfect for lunch or a fast dinner.
16. Chicken Pasta Bake
A chicken pasta bake is a simple, comforting dish perfect for using canned chicken. You can create this creamy casserole with just a few ingredients from your pantry.
Mix canned chicken with cooked pasta, cream sauce, and your choice of vegetables like peas or mixed veggies. The recipe is very flexible—swap cheeses, add different spices, or adjust ingredients based on what you have available.
Add bacon or extra cheese on top for extra flavor. The dish bakes into a bubbly, golden meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
17. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers bring spicy, buffalo flavor to the dinner table in a healthy, low-carb way. These colorful peppers combine canned chicken with hot sauce and cheese for a quick meal option.
Using canned chicken makes this recipe especially convenient. You can mix it with Minute Ready to Serve Rice for an even faster preparation.
These stuffed peppers work great as both appetizers and main dishes. Mini peppers make perfect portion-controlled snacks, while larger bell peppers create a satisfying dinner.
The creamy, spicy mixture creates a flavor explosion in every bite. For the authentic buffalo experience, add some blue cheese to your stuffing mixture.
18. BBQ Chicken Sliders
BBQ chicken sliders are a quick and easy meal using canned chicken. Simply mix your canned chicken with barbecue sauce and heat it up.
You can make this dish in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or for game day. Serve the BBQ chicken mixture on soft Hawaiian rolls for the best flavor.
For extra flavor, try adding a layer of ranch dressing on the buns. Some recipes also include cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
These sliders need just three main ingredients: canned chicken, barbecue sauce, and slider buns. This makes them budget-friendly and simple to prepare.
19. Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
Canned chicken transforms into a quick weeknight dinner with this simple stir-fry. Start by mixing cornstarch, chicken broth, soy sauce, and ginger in a bowl until smooth.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini, then stir-fry until slightly tender.
Add the drained canned chicken and your sauce mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Serve your stir-fry over rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. The entire meal comes together in under 20 minutes for a healthy, budget-friendly dinner option.
20. Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a simple and tasty way to use canned chicken. This meal comes together quickly and uses basic ingredients you might already have at home.
You can start with canned chicken, white rice, and frozen vegetables. Add garlic for flavor and use sesame oil or butter to fry everything together.
Eggs are important for authentic fried rice. Just scramble them in the pan before adding your other ingredients.
For the best taste, add soy sauce and a bit of sesame oil at the end. This dish takes less than 15 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast meal.
21. Chicken Enchilada Soup
Chicken Enchilada Soup is a flavorful and easy meal you can make with canned chicken. This soup combines the rich taste of enchilada sauce with the convenience of ready-to-use chicken.
You can prepare this dish in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Mix canned chicken with enchilada sauce, ranch seasoning, and Greek yogurt for a creamy base.
Some recipes use a “7-can” approach for simplicity. Just open, mix, and heat.
For extra flavor, add corn, black beans, and top with cheese when serving. This hearty soup works well for quick weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying with minimal effort.
Tips For Cooking With Canned Chicken
Canned chicken is incredibly versatile when you prepare it correctly. These practical tips will help you transform this pantry staple into delicious meals with optimal texture and flavor.
How To Properly Drain And Shred
Start by opening the can and draining the liquid completely. Place a colander in the sink and empty the contents, pressing gently with a fork to remove excess moisture.
For extra dryness, pat with paper towels. Shredding canned chicken improves its texture and helps it absorb flavors better.
Use two forks to pull the chicken apart for a natural shredded look. For finer shreds, place the chicken in a bowl and use an electric hand mixer on low speed for 10-15 seconds.
This method works well for chicken salads and dips. For chunky textures in soups or casseroles, use a knife to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces rather than shredding.
Seasoning Techniques For Maximum Flavor
Canned chicken benefits greatly from proper seasoning. Start with a dash of salt and pepper, then build flavors with herbs and spices.
For Mexican dishes, mix in cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Italian recipes work well with basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
For Asian-inspired meals, try ginger, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar brighten canned chicken’s flavor.
Add a tablespoon to your recipe to cut through the canned taste. Pre-made seasoning blends save time.
Try ranch seasoning for chicken salad or taco seasoning for enchiladas. For depth of flavor, briefly sauté the drained chicken in butter or olive oil with minced garlic and onions before adding to your recipe.
Nutritional Benefits And Considerations
Canned chicken offers several nutritional advantages, but some important considerations exist. It provides a convenient way to add protein to your diet, but it’s essential to understand how it compares to fresh chicken and its sodium content.
Comparing Canned Vs. Fresh Chicken
Canned chicken is a protein powerhouse, containing approximately 21-24 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. This makes it comparable to fresh chicken in protein content, supporting muscle development and overall bodily functions.
The canning process preserves most of the essential nutrients found in fresh chicken. You’ll still get important B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6, which support energy metabolism.
Some canned chicken varieties contain slightly more fat than their fresh counterparts due to the preservation process. The texture is also different—canned chicken is already cooked and tender, making it immediately ready for use in recipes without additional cooking time.
Understanding Sodium Content
The most significant nutritional concern with canned chicken is its sodium content. A typical 3-ounce serving can contain between 250-400mg of sodium.
This amount is considerably higher than fresh chicken. High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.
If you’re watching your sodium intake, look for “low-sodium” or “reduced-sodium” options. You can also reduce sodium content by rinsing canned chicken under cold water before using it.
Rinsing can remove up to 40% of the added sodium. If you use canned chicken in a recipe, reduce salt in other ingredients to maintain a healthy overall sodium level in your meal.
