Canned chicken is a convenient pantry staple that’s ideal for quick and tasty meals. It’s versatile, economical, and already cooked, making it perfect for busy days when you need to whip up something fast. Canned chicken can be used in salads, casseroles, soups, and even sandwiches, making it a surprisingly adaptable ingredient. Here are several creative recipes that will turn a simple can of chicken into a flavorful dish.
1. Classic Chicken Salad
A chicken salad made with canned chicken is both satisfying and easy to prepare. It's great for lunch on its own or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken (12.5 oz), drained
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 celery stalk, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until the chicken is well coated.
Add in the celery and red onion, stirring until evenly mixed.
Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
Serve on toasted bread, over lettuce, or with crackers.
2. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for parties or game nights. Using canned chicken speeds up the process without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken (12.5 oz), drained
1/2 cup hot sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix together the chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and cream cheese until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Serve warm with tortilla chips or celery sticks.
3. Chicken Caesar Wraps
For a quick lunch, chicken Caesar wraps are a great go-to. Canned chicken adds protein without extra prep, so you can make these in just a few minutes.
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken (12.5 oz), drained and shredded
2 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 cup Caesar dressing
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Large flour tortillas
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan.
Spread the mixture on a flour tortilla and roll up tightly.
Slice in half and serve as is or with additional Caesar dressing on the side.
4. Chicken Quesadillas
These cheesy chicken quesadillas are perfect for a quick dinner or snack, and they come together quickly thanks to canned chicken.
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken (12.5 oz), drained
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
2 flour tortillas
Salsa and sour cream for serving
Instructions:
Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese over it.
Add the chicken and the rest of the cheese, then top with the other tortilla.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
Slice and serve with salsa and sour cream.
5. BBQ Chicken Pizza
A BBQ chicken pizza using canned chicken is not only delicious but can be customized with your favorite toppings. It's a fun and easy way to switch up your pizza routine.
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken (12.5 oz), drained
1 pre-made pizza crust
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven according to the pizza crust package instructions.
Spread BBQ sauce over the crust, then sprinkle the shredded chicken and red onion on top.
Add the mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly.
Bake according to the crust instructions, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
6. Canned Chicken Tacos
These tacos are as quick to make as they are satisfying. Adding canned chicken to tacos means you can have a tasty, protein-packed meal in no time.
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken (12.5 oz), drained
1/2 cup salsa
1 tsp taco seasoning
Corn or flour tortillas
Toppings (lettuce, cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc.)
Instructions:
In a skillet, combine the chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning, stirring until heated through.
Spoon the chicken mixture into tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
Serve with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal.
7. Creamy Chicken Pasta
This creamy chicken pasta is comfort food at its best. Canned chicken blends well with the sauce, creating a flavorful dish that comes together quickly.
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken (12.5 oz), drained
8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Toss the pasta with the sauce until well-coated, and serve with additional Parmesan if desired.
8. ChickenFried Rice
This chicken fried rice recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover rice and canned chicken. It’s packed with flavor and ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken (12.5 oz), drained
2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 egg, beaten
Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil and add the frozen vegetables, cooking until tender.
Push the veggies to the side, add the beaten egg, and scramble until cooked.
Add the rice, chicken, and soy sauce, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
9. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This comforting casserole requires minimal prep, making it ideal for weeknights. The rice absorbs all the flavors, and the canned chicken adds just the right amount of heartiness.
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken (12.5 oz), drained
1 cup uncooked rice
1 can of cream of chicken soup
2 cups chicken broth
Salt, pepper, and herbs of choice (thyme or parsley)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a baking dish, combine the rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth.
Stir in the chicken, then season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Let cool slightly before serving.
10. Chicken Tortilla Soup
This easy chicken tortilla soup can be whipped up quickly and is perfect for cooler days. The canned chicken provides a protein boost and blends well with the spices.
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken (12.5 oz), drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Tortilla chips and shredded cheese for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Serve hot with tortilla chips and shredded cheese for a hearty, flavorful soup.
Final Thoughts
Canned chicken offers a convenient and versatile ingredient for countless recipes. From salads and wraps to casseroles and soups, this pantry staple can help you create satisfying meals in a fraction of the time.
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