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
Easy Chicken Spaghetti {Weeknight Version}
Big on flavor but easy enough for a weeknight. This comfort food casserole recipe is a longtime family favorite in my house. Heck, a couple of my son’s friends have even requested it - it's that good!
Warm Chicken Salad
This super easy Warm Chicken Salad makes meal prepping easy. Enjoy it during the week with some crackers for lunch or on some lettuce leaves or tortillas for quick dinner.
Chicken Cakes with Cilantro Garlic Mayo
Festive Chicken Cakes topped with cilantro garlic mayonnaise are easy to make and just plain fun to eat. What’s even more amazing is that they’re made with already cooked chicken.
Bok Choy Salad with Ginger Sesame Soy Dressing
Packed with crisp veggies, toasted almonds, shredded chicken & chow mein noodles, the crunch factor of this hearty salad is off the charts. Drizzle (or dump, I don’t judge) a tangy, homemade Ginger Sesame Soy Dressing on top. This salad holds up well enough to prepare earlier in the day if needed.
15-Minute Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Chicken
Easy, fast, and delicious, this 15-Minute Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Chicken is made with vine-ripened tomatoes, green olives, and needs just 15 minutes to prepare. Loved by the whole family (even those picky eaters!), this easy pasta with chicken uses canned foods to help save you time in the kitchen.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip is something that anyone can make! With only five ingredients, it's the perfect dip to eat with your chips or veggies!
Easy Taco Soup
Change up Taco Tuesdays by making a big pot of Easy Taco Soup. All the big taco flavors in a bowl and on the table in 30 minutes! Swap out shredded chicken for the ground beef and you're all set.
Chicken Pasta Salad
This chicken pasta salad can be made with canned chicken or leftover chicken. It's such an easy chicken dish anyone can make it and the whole family will love it.
California Slaw
Make a meal of this California Slaw recipe by adding cooked chicken to cabbage, sunflower seeds, almonds, scallions and toasted ramen noodles. Drizzle with a tangy homemade dressing for a quick weeknight meal.
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.
** Save Canned Chicken Recipes for Later **
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