There are so many reasons to love canned chicken. It's quick, it's affordable, and you can use it in all kinds of recipes. For busy families, that's a huge win! These easy Canned Chicken Recipes are a convenient way to get dinner on the table quickly.
I don't know about you, but we always have canned chicken in our pantry. It's a great protein to eat, and it's so versatile! We love using this easy pantry item because it saves time and money.
Chicken from a can is a time saver in our kitchen. We can pull a can out of the pantry and use it to make dinner in about 20 minutes. And it is much quicker than cooking from scratch or taking the time to thaw and cook a whole bird.
In fact, even rotisserie meat from the grocery store has a longer prep time. Pulling everything off the bones takes so much time. It may already be cooked, but sometimes you just don't want to deal with all the mess.
Why We Love These Recipes
Canned chunk chicken breast can be used in almost any recipe that calls for cooked shredded meat. We love to use it in soups and casseroles because it makes them so quick to throw together.
You can also use this canned meat for sandwiches or wraps and to top salads and pasta dishes. It's a great way to add protein to your meal when you don't have time to cook something from scratch.
Canned Chicken vs Rotisserie Chicken
Often people say that a rotisserie is just as quick and easy to use in recipes as a can of chicken. This is true in some ways, but not in others. Here are some pros to both types.
Chicken in a Can
- Precooked and canned.
- Already boneless, skinless, and shredded.
- Shelf life of 3 years.
- Best when added to a recipe.
- Super convenient.
- Not as salty as rotisserie.
- Always able to find at your local grocery store.
Rotisserie Chicken
- Precooked at your local grocery store.
- Needs to be taken off the bone and shredded.
- Use within 3 days or freeze for 3-4 months.
- Great stand alone protein.
- Fairly convenient.
- Pre-seasoned and can make recipes pretty salty.
- Not available at all grocery stores.
These two popular choices can be used in just about every recipe that calls for shredded chicken. Really, it comes down to what you prefer and what you have on hand. For us, a can of chunk chicken provides the nutrition and convenience for our busy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is canned chicken real meat?
Of course. This is usually white chicken that has simply been sealed in a can like tuna. This can be a more affordable way to eat protein, and it works great in recipes calling for chicken.
Do I need to cook chicken from a can?
No, it is actually already cooked. You could eat it right out of the can or add it to your favorite recipes. This is a time saver since you do not need to precook the meat.
Is chicken from a can good for you?
All chicken is high in protein and has zero carbs. This a great choice for low carb diet plans or for building lean muscle.
How long does it last?
If the can is not opened it has a shelf life of a few years. Once it is opened it can be stored in the refrigerator in a different container for 3-4 days.
How do I reduce the sodium content?
Chunk white meat is generally a little higher in sodium than raw or uncooked meat. If you were to cook your own chicken breast you could control the amount of sodium you put on it. Rotisserie chickens usually contain a lot of sodium in the flavors and seasoning as well.
One trick to reduce the sodium is to drain and rinse it. Rinsing it with clean water will reduce the amount of sodium. Once it is rinsed, you can add it to your favorite recipe.
Canned Chicken Recipes
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is an easy meal that you can make in under 30 minutes. Gooey cheese, pasta, and chicken will have everyone licking their plates clean.
BBQ Chicken & Avocado Quesadillas
Cheese quesadillas filled with barbecue chicken and avocado chunks makes a great easy dinner recipe. This meal always disappears in our house.
Easy Nacho Chicken Ravioli Skillet
This Easy Nacho Chicken Ravioli Skillet is made with 5 ingredients and is ready to eat in 30 minutes. It is an easy skillet recipe that will get two thumbs up from everyone.
Cheesy Chicken Sliders
Need a quick and easy meal or appetizer? Add these Cheesy Chicken Sliders to your menu and watch everyone devour the chicken sliders when you place them on the table. These easy rolls come together quickly with a chicken and veggie mixture, Hawaiian rolls, and lots of gooey cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls
A pan of these Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls are the perfect appetizer to make for weekend snacking or game day parties. These little pizza bites are spicy, cheesy, and so easy to make.
BLT Chicken Braid
This BLT Chicken Braid is a great lunch or easy dinner idea for busy days. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato always gets smiles around our dinner table.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Grab a box of crackers or a bag of celery and get ready to dig into this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip. Chunks of chicken in a creamy, cheesy dip will have everyone going back for more.
Chicken BLT Ranch Pizza Recipe
Tomatoes, bacon, and lettuce add a fun summer flair to this easy Chicken BLT Ranch Pizza. It's a great appetizer or dinner for summer picnics.
Cheesy Chicken Soup
A pot of this Cheesy Chicken Soup can be on your dinner table in under 40 minutes. This easy soup recipe is loaded with noodles, chicken, and veggies. It is the perfect meal on a cold, winter night.
Chicken Alfredo Calzones
These easy Chicken Alfredo Calzones are great for dinner time with soup or for snacking on during the big game.
Fiesta Nacho Chicken Casserole
Spicy cheese soup and tomatoes give this Fiesta Nacho Chicken Bake a new and delicious flavor. It's a great comfort food dinner to warm you up on cold days.
Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup
This easy Spicy Chicken and Rice Soup is loaded with meat, veggies, and rice. Great 30 minute dinner recipe for cold busy nights!
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Biscuits
Spinach artichoke dip made with chicken and baked in a biscuit for an easy and filling dinner.
Buffalo Chicken Chips - Disney Copycat Recipe
A plate of these Buffalo Chicken Chips is the perfect snack to munch on. Crunchy kettle chips topped with buffalo chicken, veggies, and bleu cheese crumbles makes a great "build your own appetizer" for game days or movie nights.
Chicken and Broccoli Pizza Rolls
Chicken, cheese, and broccoli wrapped in an easy pizza crust makes a great snack after school or an easy dinner on busy nights.
Buffalo Chicken Pepper Nachos
Make a sheet pan of these Buffalo Chicken Pepper Nachos and dig in while you enjoy your favorite show or sports team. This easy low carb appetizer comes together in minutes and tastes amazing.
Chicken Noodle Soup
This easy Chicken Noodle Soup is great for those cooler days. It is easy to have on the dinner table in 30 minutes.
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Salad Crescent Bites
Chicken salad and melted cheese inside a little Pillsbury Crescent Roll cup makes a delicious little appetizer. These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Salad Crescent Bites will disappear in a hurry when you bring them to game day parties.
Buffalo Chicken Totchos
Combine your love for tater tots with your favorite buffalo chicken dip. These Buffalo Chicken Totchos are a delicious and satisfying appetizer. Perfect for game day parties.
BLT Chicken Alfredo French Bread Pizza
This easy BLT Chicken Alfredo French Bread Pizza is loaded with meat, cheese, and veggies and can be on the table in under 20 minutes. Perfect dinner for busy nights.
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