50 Easy Canned Chicken Recipes 🥗 Easy Dinner Ideas with Canned Chicken (2024)

Table of Contents
Want to save this to your inbox? Easy Canned Chicken Recipes for Weeknight Dinners 1. Old Fashioned Canned Chicken Salad Recipe 2. Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe 3. Mini Chicken Pot Pies for Easy Dinner 4. Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole 5. Buffalo Chicken Dip 6. Salsa Ranch Chicken Wraps 7. Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole 8. 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup 9. Mexican Chicken Enchiladas 10. Creamy Chicken Flautas 11. Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice 12. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Dinner Recipe 13. Gluten Free Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe 14. Pantry Chicken Noodle Soup 15. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches 16. Chicken Pizza Crust 17. BBQ Chicken Pizza 18. Thai Chicken Salad 19. Canned Chicken Pasta Salad 20. Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad 21. Chicken Caesar Wraps for Easy Meal 22. Mayo-Free Avocado Chicken Salad 23. Pesto Chicken Pasta 24. Canned Chicken Patties 25. Quick and Easy Chicken Quesadillas with Canned Chicken 26. Keto Canned Chicken Nuggets 27. Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole 28. Easy Recipe Using Chicken and Rice Soup 29. White Cheddar Mac & Chicken Bake 30. Leftover Chicken Cakes and Remoulade Sauce 31. Chicken Taco Casserole with Orzo 32. Easy to Make White Chicken Chili 33. Chicken Calzones 34. Shredded Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans 35. BBQ Chicken Roll-Ups 36. Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Chicken 37. Chicken Sandwich Melts 38. Chicken Tortilla Soup 39. Chicken With Wide Noodles And Alfredo Sauce 40. Crispy Chicken Fritters 41. Chicken Curry Bowl 42. Easy Chicken Tetrazzini 43. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup 44. Chicken and Prosciutto Grilled Cheese 45. Chicken and Black Bean Burritos 46. Canned Chicken Fajita 47. Chicken Empanadas Recipe 48. Chicken Stuffed Pepper 49. Quick Chicken Stir Fry 50. Nacho Chicken Ravioli Easy Canned Chicken Recipes Ingredients Instructions Nutrition Disclosure FAQs

Jump to Recipe

Canned chicken? It's not just emergency food. From casseroles and dips to soups and salads, there's so much you can whip up with a can of shredded chicken breast!

50 Easy Canned Chicken Recipes 🥗 Easy Dinner Ideas with Canned Chicken (1)

Want to save this to your inbox?

I'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

(Be sure your email address is correct)

Your pantry is a treasure trove. All it takes is a dash of creativity (and a can opener) to make weeknight dinners exciting again!

Jump to:
  • Easy Canned Chicken Recipes for Weeknight Dinners
  • 1. Old Fashioned Canned Chicken Salad Recipe
  • 2. Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
  • 3. Mini Chicken Pot Pies for Easy Dinner
  • 4. Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
  • 5. Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • 6. Salsa Ranch Chicken Wraps
  • 7. Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole
  • 8. 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
  • 9. Mexican Chicken Enchiladas
  • 10. Creamy Chicken Flautas
  • 11. Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
  • 12. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Dinner Recipe
  • 13. Gluten Free Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
  • 14. Pantry Chicken Noodle Soup
  • 15. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
  • 16. Chicken Pizza Crust
  • 17. BBQ Chicken Pizza
  • 18. Thai Chicken Salad
  • 19. Canned Chicken Pasta Salad
  • 20. Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad
  • 21. Chicken Caesar Wraps for Easy Meal
  • 22. Mayo-Free Avocado Chicken Salad
  • 23. Pesto Chicken Pasta
  • 24. Canned Chicken Patties
  • 25. Quick and Easy Chicken Quesadillas with Canned Chicken
  • 26. Keto Canned Chicken Nuggets
  • 27. Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole
  • 28. Easy Recipe Using Chicken and Rice Soup
  • 30. Leftover Chicken Cakes and Remoulade Sauce
  • 31. Chicken Taco Casserole with Orzo
  • 32. Easy to Make White Chicken Chili
  • 33. Chicken Calzones
  • 34. Shredded Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
  • 35. BBQ Chicken Roll-Ups
  • 36. Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Chicken
  • 37. Chicken Sandwich Melts
  • 38. Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • 39. Chicken With Wide Noodles And Alfredo Sauce
  • 40. Crispy Chicken Fritters
  • 41. Chicken Curry Bowl
  • 42. Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
  • 43. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
  • 44. Chicken and Prosciutto Grilled Cheese
  • 45. Chicken and Black Bean Burritos
  • 46. Canned Chicken Fajita
  • 47. Chicken Empanadas Recipe
  • 48. Chicken Stuffed Pepper
  • 49. Quick Chicken Stir Fry
  • 50. Nacho Chicken Ravioli
  • Easy Canned Chicken Recipes
  • Comments

Easy Canned Chicken Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

Check out these super quick, easy, and mouth-watering canned chicken recipes that'll make weeknight dinners a breeze.

With these recipes up your sleeve, canned chicken is no longer the overlooked item in your pantry. Whether you're cooking for one or hosting a dinner party, these canned chicken recipes promise flavor, convenience, and creativity.

1. Old Fashioned Canned Chicken Salad Recipe

Combine your canned chicken with some mayo, mustard, chopped celery, and seasonings. Toss it on fresh greens, and voila - an old-fashioned classic.

2. Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Stir fry canned chicken, add in cooked pasta, and smother with your favorite cheese sauce. Dinner's ready faster than you can say "cheesy goodness."

3. Mini Chicken Pot Pies for Easy Dinner

Canned chicken, veggies, and creamy goodness snuggled in mini pie crusts. If you enjoy eating pie for dinner, check out my Turkey Shepherd's Pie and Ham Pot Pie!

4. Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Think comforting chicken noodle soup, but in a casserole form. Mix canned chicken with pasta, cream, and your fave veggies, and dive into the nostalgia.

5. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Love buffalo wings? This one’s for you! Creamy chicken meets hot sauce, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of ranch. Dip in and set your taste buds on fire.

6. Salsa Ranch Chicken Wraps

Chicken, zesty salsa, ranch dressing, and cheese wrapped up in tortilla goodness. Quick, messy, delicious.

7. Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole

Canned chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce - that’s all you need! Layer them in a dish and bake until bubbly and delicious.

Get The Recipe

8. 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup

Dump seven cans including beans, corn, tomatoes, and of course, chicken, into a pot. Heat and eat!

9. Mexican Chicken Enchiladas

Rolled tortillas stuffed with a spicy canned chicken mixture, doused in enchilada sauce, and baked. Your homemade Mexican fiesta is served!

10. Creamy Chicken Flautas

Creamy chicken mix rolled in tortillas, crisped to perfection. Don’t forget the salsa!

11. Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice

Sauté canned chicken in teriyaki sauce, toss in leftover rice and veggies. A quick trip to flavor town.

12. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Dinner Recipe

Imagine spaghetti in a creamy chicken sauce, sprinkled with cheese. Sounds divine, doesn’t it?

For more yummy casserole recipes, check out my Cheesy Chicken Casserole and Dorito Chicken Casserole.

13. Gluten Free Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

Craving for a delicious chicken soup minus the grains? You’ll love this one.

Blend canned chicken, broth, and your gluten-free thickener for a warm and comforting appetizer.

14. Pantry Chicken Noodle Soup

Just when you thought soups take forever. Canned chicken, stock, noodles, and a handful of veggies. Hot soup in 30!

15. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Mix canned chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce, pile it onto buns. Add slaw on the side and you've got a winner!

16. Chicken Pizza Crust

Who says pizza needs flour? Mash canned chicken, cheese, and egg for a crust, top with your faves, and munch away! Healthy and delish!

17. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Spread BBQ sauce on your pizza dough, add canned chicken, red onion slices, and cheese. A smoky, tangy treat for your taste buds!

18. Thai Chicken Salad

Give your canned chicken a Thai twist! Toss it with veggies, herbs, and a spicy peanut dressing. It’s like a trip to Bangkok in a bowl.

Pair it with Thai Iced Tea and Mahi Mahi with Thai Coconut Curry Sauce for an awesome Thai experience.

19. Canned Chicken Pasta Salad

Boil some pasta, throw in canned chicken, veggies, and your go-to dressing. Refreshing and hearty at the same time.

20. Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad

A creamy mix of macaroni, canned chicken, mayo, and crunchy veggies. Perfect for picnics and potlucks!

21. Chicken Caesar Wraps for Easy Meal

Fill tortilla wraps with a mix of canned chicken, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and parmesan. It’s like Caesar went on a roll. Literally.

Be sure to check out Chicken Wrap Recipes for more tasty leftover chicken wrap ideas.

22. Mayo-Free Avocado Chicken Salad

Ditch the mayo, mash some avocado. Mix with canned chicken and you've got a creamy, dreamy, healthy salad.

23. Pesto Chicken Pasta

Pasta, canned chicken, and a dollop of pesto. Sometimes, the simplest things bring the most joy.

24. Canned Chicken Patties

Shape canned chicken into patties, season, fry, and indulge. Who knew canned chicken could look (and taste) this fancy?

25. Quick and Easy Chicken Quesadillas with Canned Chicken

Tortilla + cheesy canned chicken mixture + pan-frying = Quesadilla heaven. Serve with a side of salsa!

26. Keto Canned Chicken Nuggets

Craving nuggets but watching carbs? Mix canned chicken with almond flour and spices, then air fry. Crunchy, keto-friendly goodness!

27. Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Layers of tortilla, creamy chicken, and sour cream sauce baked to perfection. Oh, and did I mention cheese?

28. Easy Recipe Using Chicken and Rice Soup

Sometimes, all you need is a bowl of warm chicken and rice soup. With canned chicken, it's quicker and just as heartening.

29. White Cheddar Mac & Chicken Bake

Creamy white cheddar macaroni, mixed with canned chicken and baked. Yum!

30. Leftover Chicken Cakes and Remoulade Sauce

In this recipe, chicken is shaped into cakes and fried until golden. Dip in a tangy remoulade for a lunch like no other.

31. Chicken Taco Casserole with Orzo

Combine orzo and chicken with a hint of taco flair. Your taste buds will thank you!

32. Easy to Make White Chicken Chili

Chicken meets beans and peppers for the coziest chili ever. Seriously, it's like a warm hug in a bowl.

33. Chicken Calzones

Golden pockets of dough, filled with a spicy chicken blend. Dunk them in marinara and you’re in for a treat!

34. Shredded Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

The juiciness of the grapes, the crunch of pecans, and the creamy backdrop of chicken come together for a mouth-party you'll RSVP 'yes' to every time.

35. BBQ Chicken Roll-Ups

Roll it, bake it, love it. Tortillas wrap around BBQ chicken, creating a finger food that’s not just delicious but irresistibly fun.

36. Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Chicken

Angel hair pasta paired with the hearty canned chicken makes for a meal that's both light and fulfilling.

37. Chicken Sandwich Melts

Imagine gooey cheese, succulent canned chicken, sandwiched between perfectly toasted slices. Heaven!

38. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Another comforting soup, this one screams "hug me" with every sip. Perfect for cold weather!

39. Chicken With Wide Noodles And Alfredo Sauce

Wide noodles? Check. Creamy Alfredo? Check. Mix them up with your canned chicken, and you've got a plate of creamy dreamy perfection.

40. Crispy Chicken Fritters

Dip, fry, devour. Take that can of chicken out of your fridge, combine with your fave veggies, and fry. Bite-sized delights ready to party!

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my Zucchini Fritters and Crab Corn Fritters.

41. Chicken Curry Bowl

You know what spices up life? Curry! Toss your canned chicken in a fragrant mix of spices, serve over rice, and garnish with cilantro.

42. Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

This is pasta’s risqué cousin from Italy. Combine canned chicken, spaghetti, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce together. Bake until bubbly.

43. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Whisk yourself away to an Italian villa. Canned chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and creamy broth come together for a meal that’s molto delizioso!

44. Chicken and Prosciutto Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese's older, fancier sibling. Layer chicken, prosciutto, and cheese and grill it to golden perfection.

45. Chicken and Black Bean Burritos

Spice up dinner nights with Chicken and Black Bean Burritos! Roll chicken, beans, cheese, and salsa into tortillas. Roll, eat, repeat!

46. Canned Chicken Fajita

Bring the sizzle to your dinner table. Quickly sauté peppers and onions, throw in the chicken, and serve it up. Add some fiesta vibes with salsa and guacamole on the side.

47. Chicken Empanadas Recipe

This isn't your average pastry. Gently unfold your pastry sheets, spoon in a spicy chicken mixture, and bake to a crispy golden brown.

48. Chicken Stuffed Pepper

Take a vibrant bell pepper, generously stuff it with a zesty chicken mix, and bake until it's meltingly tender.

49. Quick Chicken Stir Fry

Got veggies? Got chicken? Toss 'em in a pan, add soy sauce, and bam - dinner's ready!

50. Nacho Chicken Ravioli

Where Italy meets Mexico. Tender ravioli pouches stuffed with chicken and cheesy goodness, served up with zingy salsa and creamy guacamole.

50 Easy Canned Chicken Recipes 🥗 Easy Dinner Ideas with Canned Chicken (2)

Easy Canned Chicken Recipes

Sarah Mock

These quick and easy canned chicken recipes are the perfect dinner ideas! From buffalo chicken dip to creamy rice dishes, we've got you covered.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe

Note From Sarah

There is more to a recipe than just the recipe card. Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

Per Serving

Instructions

  • Choose your favorite recipe.

  • Gather the ingredients.

  • Make the recipe according to the recipe instructions.

Nutrition Disclosure

Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

50 Easy Canned Chicken Recipes 🥗 Easy Dinner Ideas with Canned Chicken (2024)

FAQs

How do you jazz up canned chicken? ›

In order to improve the taste of this canned protein, you need to add texture to it. For example, add cranberries and pecans to your next chicken salad for a textural boost. Toss your drained canned chicken in a bowl with mayonnaise, dried cranberries, pecans, and a scant amount of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

Should you rinse canned chicken? ›

Canned chicken is often used as a convenient substitute for fresh chicken in a variety of recipes but it's important to know how to cook with it to maximize flavor and texture. For instance, one common mistake is not draining or rinsing the chicken before use, which can result in a more processed taste.

How do you eat canned chicken at home? ›

Having home-canned chicken on your pantry shelf means you have easy last-minute meals at your fingertips. Use this chicken for a yummy chicken salad sandwich, season it up for chicken tacos, or even toss it with sauce and homemade egg noodles for a yummy pasta dish.

How do you make canned meat taste good? ›

To bring out the taste of more full-flavored canned meat like Spam, your best move is to brown it in a frying pan or oven. This caramelizes the meat and intensifies the distinctive taste.

How do you make canned taste good? ›

Use seasonings

Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, and chili powder can be used in different combinations to give your vegetables an extra kick of flavor without adding extra calories.

Can I eat canned chicken out of the can? ›

That's when canned chicken may just be the most useful. While you can certainly incorporate canned chicken into a wide variety of dishes, it can also be eaten all on its own, straight out of the can. Since it's already been cooked, you don't even have to worry about heating it up at all.

What liquid is in canned chicken? ›

Chunk chicken, water, contains 2% or less of the following: chicken broth, flavorings, modified food starch, salt, sodium phosphates.

Why is canned chicken pink? ›

Information. Chemical changes occur during cooking. Oven gases in a heated gas or electric oven react chemically with hemoglobin in the meat tissues to give it a pink tinge.

Does canned chicken taste like normal chicken? ›

The canning process tends to take away a lot of the original flavor and some of the firmness of the chicken. Including canned chicken in a pasta recipe would imbue the entire dish with the metallic taste and "essence" of the can, potentially overpowering the contribution of the other ingredients or the delicate sauce.

Can canned chicken go bad? ›

Store unopened 2-5 years. Cans generally have a “best by” rather than an “expiration date.” Keep food stored away from chemicals, like cleaning supplies and other toxins. Rinse can top before opening.

Is canned chicken healthy? ›

For the most part, yes. As quick-prep meals go, canned chicken is healthier than most pre-packaged options that tend to be loaded with junk. “Canned chicken is an excellent and convenient source of high-quality protein,” registered dietitian Jessica Levinson, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. explains.

Can you cook the chicken that comes in the can? ›

Whether you're working through canned food in your pantry or you want to get dinner on the table fast, canned chicken is a fantastic ingredient. Since it's already cooked, simply drain it and add it to casseroles, dips, soups, or pasta for a quick protein boost.

Is canned chicken in water fully cooked? ›

It's perfect for making homemade buffalo chicken dip, chicken salad, chicken quesadillas, chicken alfredo and more. Each 12.5-ounce can contains 3.5 servings of fully cooked chicken breast chunks.

Can you eat canned chicken soup? ›

I assume what you are trying to ask if if canned chicken noodle soup can be eaten cold from the can. If that is the question, then the answer is yes, because it is already cooked. Most canned soup can be consumed right from the can. The only health concern is that most canned soups have very large amounts of salt.

How do you jazz up store bought chicken? ›

Just because the chicken is already cooked doesn't mean it can't benefit from a rub. Before reheating, make a custom blend of your favorite spices like paprika, cayenne, onion or garlic powder. Mix in dried herbs or a bit of sugar for beautiful caramelization, then sprinkle it evenly over the skin.

What spices are good in canned chicken? ›

What are some popular seasoning options for canned chicken breast? Some popular seasoning options for canned chicken breast include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, and poultry seasoning.

What can I add to canned chicken soup to make it better? ›

The good news is all of the most popular canned soups in America can be made to taste better with a few simple hacks. That starts with adding aromatics like garlic, ginger, or onions, to the mix, along with an extra helping of spices from basic salt and pepper to curry powders from different regions.

How do you enhance canned chicken broth? ›

Soy sauce, fish sauce, hot sauce, or chili paste can quickly and efficiently flavor store-bought broth — a little bit goes along way with these ingredients. We often add a few drops of fish sauce to chicken broth before making wonton soup.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Trent Wehner

Last Updated:

Views: 5817

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Trent Wehner

Birthday: 1993-03-14

Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

Phone: +18698800304764

Job: Senior Farming Developer

Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.