Knowing how to use canned chicken can save you time in the kitchen. Take a look at these recipes that use canned chicken as a mainingredient.
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Recipes Using Canned Chicken Breast
Canned chicken tops our list of go-toingredientswhen we need to get a meal on the table quickly or didn’t plan ahead to pull something from the freezer before work. From salads tosoupstosandwiches, you can use canned chicken in almost any recipe that calls for cooked chicken.
Substitute canned chicken breast into any recipe that calls for diced, cooked chicken. One 12 ounce can of chicken breast is approximately 1 1/2 cups, so you may need more than one can of chicken breast depending on how much the recipe calls for.
Kirkland Canned Chicken (Costco Brand)
Let’s face it, sometimes when it comes to cooking, we need convenience. And sometimes, we need cheapstaples. There’s no reason to sugar-coat it, it’s just the way it is. One of the most versatileingredientsthat fits both bills iscanned chicken breast. I often buy a large quantity ofKirklandcanned chicken fromCostco.
Canned chicken breasttakes out the step of cooking the chicken which is a huge time saver. For most recipes, be sure todrainoff the excess liquid from the chicken before adding to a recipe.
We keep multiple cans of chicken in ourpantryto have on hand when we need a quick meal or even snack – our3-ingredientchicken saladmade a great snack with crackers. Check out all of ourpantryessentials on ourAmazon Store(we do earn on qualifying purchases).
Is canned chicken cooked?
Yes, as a rule of thumb, any food that comes in a can is already cooked. During the canning process, foods are subjected to a high temperature to kill microorganisms. This makes canned foods safe to eat and also cooks the foods at the same time. Essentially, you could eat any canned foods straight out of the cans cold, and they would be safe to eat.
Should you cookcanned chicken breast?
Canned chicken breastis already cooked, meaning it can be eaten straight from the can. However, it is the perfectingredientin cookeddishessuch ascasserolesandsoups.
What does canned chicken taste like?
Canned chicken breast has the texture and taste of poached chicken. It’s moist and has a pretty bland flavor, since it’s only seasoned with salt. This makes it a good base to add to recipes.
What can I make with canned chicken?
Almost any recipe or dish that calls for cooked chicken can be made using canned chicken. Below we are sharing links to a variety of recipes that either already feature canned chicken OR that can easily be made with it instead of poached, rotisserie or roasted chicken.
What can I substitute for canned chicken breast?
Most cans of chicken breast contain 12 ounces which would be the equivalent of 1 1/2 cups of diced or shredded chicken, Substitute leftover grilled chicken, poached chicken, or rotisserie chicken.
Chicken Salad Recipes with Canned Chicken
Chicken salad is a great option for a quick lunch or even afternoon snack. We love putting together a bowl of chicken salad to use for our workday lunches. The first two recipes below call specifically for chicken in a can and the third can easily be adapted to use it too.
3 Ingredient Chicken Salad
Can of white chicken, Mayonnaise with olive oil and hard boiled eggs is all it takes for a quick meal. I love it on a simple bun, croissants or served with crackers.
Lemon Chicken Salad (Low Carb)
Fresh lemon juice shines through for this low carb favorite. Instead of mayo or Miracle whip, olive oil is used as the base of the simple dressing. No bread required!
Fancy Chicken Salad
This is one of those chicken salad recipes where everything but the kitchen sink goes it. But it is worth the effort.
What do you put in a chicken salad?
Chicken salad is one of the most versatile meals around; you can practically put anything but the kitchen sink in it. Look in your refrigerator and pantry and be creative. Start with a base to make it creamy, and then pick your add-ins. Love a sweet bite? Try some fruit or dried fruit. Like a tang? Mustard is a great way to add a little bite. Check out our list of ideas below.
- Mayonnaise, Miracle Whip or Greekyogurt
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Chopped Celery
- Dried Cranberries
- ShreddedCheese
- Peas
- Mustard (Dijon, German, Yellow, etc.)
- Fried Bacon Pieces
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Garlic powderoronionpowder
Canned Chicken Recipes with Crescent Rolls
Canned, refrigerated crescent rolls or biscuits are a great ingredient to use “outside the box.” You can essentially roll out the dough, and stuff it with almost anything. Another option would be to roll out the crescent dough into one big sheet or purchase crescent roll dough sheets to use as a crust for appetizers or even pizza.
Check out our favorite combinations of refrigerated biscuits and canned chicken breast.
Chicken Crescent Bake
This recipe never gets old. Stuff refrigerated crescent rolls with a mixture of drained, canned chicken and cheese, and them make a simple sauce with cream of chicken and milk. The crescents puff up during baking. Serve with something green like green beans or a simple salad.
Chicken Enchilada Bake
Refrigerated biscuits are rolled out and stuffed with chicken mixture; then canned enchilada sauce gets poured right over top before baking. Serve with corn.
Ranch Chicken Veggie Pizza
A perfect summer dinner or holiday appetizer, veggie pizza gets jazzed up with canned chicken and Ranch dressing.
Canned Chicken Casserole Recipes
Casseroles are a perfect way to use this go-to ingredient! Below are a few of our favorites…although our go-to casserole is still our Mom’s Tuna Casserole using canned tuna!
Grandma’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
Old fashioned casseroles are tried and true, and this chicken and rice casserole is a prime example. Grandma outdid herself when she created this recipe.
Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Potato Chips
Our favorite old school recipe. Similar to tuna casserole, this chicken casserole gets topped with potato chips before baking. This classic is a staple on tables across the United States.
Chicken Crunch Casserole
The crunch comes from a combination of water chestnuts, slivered almonds and potato chips. Using canned chicken breast is a real time saver.
Cashew Chicken Casserole
Cashews in a casserole? Salty cashews compliment chicken in this vintage casserole. My kids love the added crunch.
Chicken Ole Casserole
Chicken Ole Casserole has a tasty sauce made with canned green chilies, sour cream and cream of chicken soup. This one is great to make for hungry families.
Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Chunks of cornbread get mixed with chicken and cream soup for pretty much the tastiest meal ever.
Pasta Recipes with Canned Chicken
10 Minute Lemon Chicken Pasta
Lemon chickenpastais a 10 minute dinner. It’s tastysauceis a combination of fresh lemon juice, heavy whipping cream andParmesan cheese. The canned chicken keeps cooking time short, pretty much just the time it takes to cook spaghetti. Add peas for a well-balanced meal.
Impossible Chicken Parmesan Pie
Impossible Chicken Parm Pie has all theflavorsof lasagna with the cooking process consisting of magic. Bisquick is the star of this recipe making its own crust.
Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad
Chicken Bow tiePastais the perfect for a hot summer day. Using freshpeppersandtomatoescompliments the canned chicken. Plus, the dressing is simple, being made with Italian dressing andParmesan cheese.
Soup Recipes Using Canned Chicken
Creamy Chicken Chili
Creamy chickenchiliis packed withflavorfromonions,chicken broth, greenchilis, cumin,corn, garlic, cayenne, cilantro andcream cheese. All theseflavorsjazz up simple canned chicken.
Crock Pot Chicken Chili
Crock pot chickenchilipacks a punch of heat from salsa and Monterrey Jackcheese. It’s quick to make, and usespantry staplessuch as cannedbeans.
Crock Pot Chicken Corn Chowder
ChickenCornChowder is yet another fix it or forget it recipe that will feed a crowd.
Mom’s Wild Rice and Broccoli Soup
Mom’s WildRiceSoupis a creamysoupfrom the past. I love the bits of broccoli and carrots. Plus, this recipe uses an Uncle Ben’s wildricemix to speed things up.
Chicken Velvet Soup
Chicken VelvetSoupis smoothsoupthat became famous at LS Ayres. It’s a basicsoupthat will warm you up. Serve it along side asandwichor salad.
Old Fashioned Chicken Recipes
Here are some more great chicken recipes you can try that you could easily swap in canned chicken breast for cooked chicken in the ingredients. Remember that one 12 ounce can of chicken breast is approximately 1 1/2 cups!
Crust-less Chicken Pot Pie
Crustless Chicken Pot Pie is a hearty meal to warm you up on a cold winter night. You’ll walk away from the table feeling warm and content from a full belly.
Homemade Chicken Tetrazzini
Chicken Tetrazzini is a blast from the past. The homemadesauceis easy to make and perfectly coats wide egg noodles. The crunchy bread crumb topping is a homerun.
Pin This Post for Later
This post is a great resources of all things chicken so be sure to save if for later so you can come back when you need inspiration!
What can I do with a can of white chicken?
Aside from using it in a thousand different recipes, you can also use a can of white chicken in simple yet delicious ways.
- Mix thedrainedchicken withranch dressingand bacon bits.
- Serve over top of any salad including a Caesar salad.
- Makechicken salad.
- Season withsaltandpepper, or any other seasoning blends. Serve with crackers.
- Make aricebowlby serving over cooked white or brownrice. Add your favorite cookedveggies.
- Use thedrainedchicken in awrapwithcheeseandveggies.
- Take a freshtomatoand fresh basil; top with shredded chicken,saltandpepper.
- Lettucewrapsare simple when you add canned chicken.
- Add it to your favoritechilirecipe. Be sure to add lots ofbeans.
- Make nachos by adding shredded chicken to the top oftortilla chipswith meltedcheese,beans,corn, olives, or avocado and any other nachoingredient.
- Combine softenedcream cheese, canned chicken and Buffalosaucefor a simplebuffalo chicken dip.
More Chicken Recipes
Chicken is such a versatile protein and we love using fresh bone-in chicken in recipes too. Our 4-ingredient baked chicken legs are so simple to make but are always a hit with the kids.
4-Ingredient Chicken Legs
Hawaiian Glazed Chicken
Spanish Chicken and Rice
“Fried” Chicken in the Crock Pot
Aunt Peggy’s Chicken Noodle Soup
