These easy Canned Chicken Recipes are a convenient way to get dinner on the table quickly. Chicken in a can is quick, affordable, and you can use it in all kinds of recipes. For busy families, that's a huge win!
Why Use Chicken in a Can
Chicken from a container is a great protein option. It tastes just as good as fresh chicken, and it's so versatile! It is a great item to keep in your pantry at all times because it saves time and money.
This chunk chicken breast is a great substitute for cooked shredded chicken and can be used in almost any quick and easy dinner recipe. We love using it to make this cheesy chicken soup and this chicken ravioli in minutes.
- Great Protein Source. You can use this meat in sandwiches, wraps, buffalo chicken dip, or to top salads and pasta recipes. It's a great way to add protein to your dinner recipes when you don't have time to cook something from scratch.
- Saves Time. You can pull it out of the pantry and make an easy dinner in 20 minutes. This is much quicker than cooking from scratch or taking the time to thaw and cook a whole bird.
- Short Prep Time. All you have to do is open and drain the meat before using. Rotisserie meat from the grocery store may already be cooked, but it takes time to pull everything off the bones. And sometimes you don't want to deal with that mess when making an easy meal.
- Saves You Money. It is a cheap pantry item to keep stocked. Plus, one of the best ways to save money is by making dinner at home using ingredients from your pantry instead of going out to eat.
Chicken Comparisons
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.
- Already boneless, skinless, and shredded.
- Shelf life of 3 years.
- Best when added to a recipe.
- Extremely 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, this easy protein provides the nutrition and convenience for our busy lifestyle.
FAQs
Yes this is real meat. 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.
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.
All chicken is high in protein and has zero carbs. This a great choice for low carb diet plans or for building lean muscle.
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.
Chunk white meat is generally a little higher in sodium than raw or uncooked meat. One way to reduce the sodium from the can is to drain and rinse it before adding it to your favorite recipes.
What to Make
Here are some of our tried and true recipes using chicken from a can that will help you get dinner on the table faster. You will find everything from appetizers to casseroles, to soups, plus so many delicious ideas.
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!
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.
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Biscuits
Spinach artichoke dip made with chicken and baked in a biscuit for an easy and filling dinner.
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.
ann
Just wanted you to know, today i discovered sooooo many things to do with canned chicken!!!! Thanks to finding your awesome site i plan on shopping for tons of things for your recipes. I have to make some changes, ONLY because of type 1 diabetes.....but the recipes look perfect, just like they are.....