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25 Quick and Easy Canned Chicken Recipes

Quick and easy canned chicken recipes for weeknight dinners, from buffalo dip to chicken pot pie. Healthy, convenient meals the whole family will love!

These easy canned chicken recipes make for quick and easy dinners! From buffalo chicken dip to chicken pot pie and chicken taquitos, we’ve got a little of everything.

Can of chicken on countertopPin

Canned chicken is so convenient to cook with, but it’s also a healthy, real food item you can feel good about serving. Keep some in the pantry at all times, and you will always have some options to make a quick home cooked weeknight dinner recipe.

And of course you can also use leftover chicken. Just pull it or dice it, and it will work in any recipe that tells you to use canned chicken.

This list has a lot of one-pot meals and soups that make a complete dinner. You can always add a side, but it’s not necessary.

Why Choose Canned Chicken for Your Recipes?

Canned chicken is a great pantry staple because it’s already cooked, which saves you time when preparing meals. It’s also affordable, easy to store, and has a long shelf life, making it a smart backup for busy weeknights.

Unlike freshly cooked chicken, canned chicken can be grabbed from the pantry and added directly to your dish without any extra cooking needed. This convenience makes it a handy ingredient for quick meals, snacks, or appetizers.

Besides saving time, canned chicken is also a good source of protein with minimal fat. It’s a versatile ingredient that works well in many different types of dishes, from salads and soups to casseroles and dips. Plus, it pairs well with many flavors, so you can get creative without spending too much time or effort.

Tips for Using Canned Chicken

Here are a few tips to get the best results when cooking with canned chicken:

  • Drain or keep the liquid: Sometimes recipes call for draining the liquid from the can, but in some recipes, you can use the liquid for extra flavor or moisture. For example, adding the liquid to soups or casseroles can help keep the dish juicy.
  • Flake or chop: Depending on the recipe, you may want to flake the chicken into smaller pieces or chop it more finely. This works well in salads or spreads where you want the chicken evenly distributed.
  • Add seasoning: Since canned chicken is usually lightly salted and cooked plain, adding your own herbs, spices, and sauces can really boost the flavor.
  • Combine with fresh ingredients: Mixing canned chicken with fresh vegetables, herbs, or fruits like avocado or grapes adds texture and taste variety to your dishes.

Benefits of Using Canned Chicken in Meal Prep

Canned chicken is perfect for meal prep because it saves you time during busy weeks. You can prepare several dishes ahead of time using canned chicken as your protein base. For example:

  • Make a batch of chicken salad sandwiches or wraps for lunch.
  • Prepare casseroles or pasta bakes that can be frozen and reheated.
  • Cook soups or chili that taste even better after sitting overnight.

Meal prepping with canned chicken means fewer last-minute trips to the grocery store or less time spent cooking every day.

Nutritional Information About Canned Chicken

Canned chicken is a lean protein source that fits well into many diets. Here’s what you typically get in one serving (about 3 ounces):

  • Calories: 90-100
  • Protein: 15-20 grams
  • Fat: 1-2 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 0 grams

It’s low in fat and carbs but high in protein, making it good for weight management or muscle-building diets. Be mindful of sodium content; some canned chicken can be salty, so look for low-sodium options if you’re watching salt intake.

Pairing Canned Chicken with Other Ingredients

To get the most flavor out of your dishes, consider pairing canned chicken with these ingredients:

  • Creamy bases: Cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, Greek yogurt
  • Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder
  • Fresh herbs: Cilantro, parsley, basil
  • Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, celery, carrots
  • Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan
  • Sauces: Barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, pesto

These combinations help add texture and taste that complement the mild flavor of canned chicken.

Safety Tips for Using Canned Chicken

Always check the expiration date on your canned chicken before use. Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer any unused chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Consume leftovers within a few days to ensure freshness.

If you notice any off smell, discoloration, or bulging cans before opening, discard immediately.

Canned Chicken Recipes

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Last Updated:

July 2, 2025

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