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15 Easy Recipes with Canned Chicken Breast

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Make dinner in a snap with these quick-and-easy recipes using canned chicken breast. Delicious meals your family will love without the fuss.

Have you cooked with canned chicken? This economical alternative to fresh chicken is a staple in my pantry because it allows me to prepare a meal for my people with little effort.

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If you’re short on time and need to feed your family, then canned chicken is your new best friend. This time saving, budget-friendly protein gives you delicious meal options in just minutes.

These incredibly easy meal ideas and recipes using canned chicken are sure to please your family.

Is Canned Chicken Cooked?

Yes, it is! One of the great things about using canned chicken breast is that you don’t need to cook the chicken. And that means you’ll save considerable time in the kitchen.

Simply open the can, drain and it’s ready to add to your recipe. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

How Much Chicken is in a Can?

One 12.5 ounce can of chicken is the equivalent to approximately 2 chicken breasts. These recipes are forgiving, so I usually eyeball the dish and add more chicken if I want a meatier dish.

My favorite brand is the Coscto Kirkland canned chicken breast (this is an Amazon link but it’s cheaper to purchase at a Costco warehouse). This isn’t a sponsored post, just sharing my personal fave. The superior flavor and fabulous price point makes this my go-to brand for canned chicken.

Can You Cook Canned Chicken?

Of course! You can add canned chicken to recipes that require cooking.

Because the meat is already cooked, you can also use it straight from the can (I do recommend draining it first).

Meal Ideas to Make with Canned Chicken

You can substitute canned chicken in many recipes that call for fresh chicken. I’ve used this pantry staple in skillet meals, pasta dishes, soups, salads and casseroles (aka hot dishes for my Minnesota friends).

Although these recipes use canned chicken feel free to substitute with rotisserie chicken, meal prep chicken breast or any other cooked chicken you have on hand.

Top-Notch Quesadillas

One of the easiest canned chicken recipes is quesadillas. Use two tortillas for a full serving, or fold over a single for a half serving. Stuff the tortilla with chicken and your favorite shredded cheese.

Cook over medium heat until the tortilla is browned and the cheese is melty and gooey. Serve with salsa or green chili.

Simple Chicken Salad

The Boy loves this super simple chicken salad. And I like that I can toss this together in 5 minutes for a quick lunch or hearty after school snack.

Combine drained chicken with a little mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish and stir to combine. Add chopped boiled eggs for additional protein. Serve with your favorite crackers or make little sandwiches with slider buns.

Chicken Caesar Salad

One of the easiest recipes with canned chicken breast is a simple Caesar salad. Start with a crunchy romaine lettuce base then add in chicken and croutons.

Sprinkle with shaved parmesan cheese. Then drizzle with your favorite Caesar dressing. Give the salad a good toss and you’re good to go.

No Fuss Wraps

Place a couple lettuce leaves on a soft flour tortilla. Top with chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and a little mayonnaise. Roll up and & enjoy a quick lunch or dinner.

Make Your Own Burrito Bowls

When it comes to what to make with canned chicken, nothing beats a delicious burrito bowl. Mix and match your desired ingredients to create your perfect bowl.

I like to sprinkle on semi-crushed tortilla chips for some added crunch. In addition to the chicken, consider these ingredient options:

  • Cooked rice (brown or white)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomato
  • Green chiles
  • Sliced, canned jalapenos
  • Shredded cheese
  • Black or pinto beans
  • Salsa
  • Avocado slices
  • Chopped onion
  • Grilled slices of bell peppers
  • Sour cream

Serving Idea: Arrange the ingredients in separate dishes and serve with a variety of tortillas for a fun version of taco bar party night.

Loaded Chicken Salad

Transform a simple can of chicken into a fabulously easy meal by adding mayonnaise, chopped celery, onion, pecans and apples. Serve on crackers, a fancy bun or in lettuce leaves.

Delicious Recipes with Canned Chicken Breast 

These time-saving recipes with canned chicken breast are sure to deliver on the flavor. When you’re in a pinch, use these tasty recipe ideas to get dinner on the table quickly.

Click on the “Continue Reading” button to link to the full recipes (most have printable recipe cards).

Recipes with Canned Chicken Breast

These mouth-watering canned chicken recipes provide plenty of comfort food that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The best part? Stocking your pantry with canned chicken allows you to cut down prep time so you can whip up a delicious meal in mere minutes.

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One Comment

  1. I made this first on 12/11/2021. I added Chopped Clausen pickles and some juice from a jar of peperoncini. I used 1 ½ leftover bone in chicken breasts and one can of chicken breast. It took more mayonnaise than I thought it would. Next time I will have some commercial Dill relish

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