Home Dinner Chicken 21 Easy Canned Chicken Recipes

21 Easy Canned Chicken Recipes

These canned chicken recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Simple, scrumptious, and affordable, they’re very convenient. So you can quickly transform this canned good into something mouthwatering.

Chicken Quesadillas with Paprika and Cheese
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The pre-cooked meat saves a big step in the meal prep process. So it’s perfect for when you’re short on time and the family is hungry. 

From buffalo dip to taco soup, there are so many possibilities. You’ll find a solution for every meal, even snacks!

Whatever you’re craving, put this pantry staple to good use with these canned chicken recipes.

The Best Canned Chicken Recipes

Canned Chicken Salad on a sandwich
Source: Honestandtruly.com

1. Canned Chicken Salad

Canned chicken deliciously transforms into this brunch staple! Smother those morsels in plenty of mayonnaise for a sandwich filler that is out of this world.

This simple chicken salad recipe is easy to make and exciting to serve. Dress your sandwich up in tomato and lettuce, or enjoy it plain.

Toast your sandwich bread for a truly delicious experience.

Bowl of Ranch Chicken Cheese Dip with bunch of crackers on the side
Source: Butterwithasideofbread.com

2. Ranch Chicken Cheese Dip

I have never heard the word ranch and been disappointed. This ranch chicken cheese dip has it all! Your next block party isn’t ready for this flavorful dip!

Creamy chicken cheese dip is perfect for topping crackers or corn chips. With plenty of ranch flavor, everyone will love this appetizer.

Start the meal off right with this irresistible dish.

Bowl of Chicken Fried Rice with corn, green peas, and green onions
Source: Madaboutfood.co

3. Chicken Fried Rice

There’s no for takeout! Make your own fried rice just as quickly with this recipe! Whip up all of your favorite fried rice flavors right in your kitchen.

This fried rice is packed to the hilt with plenty of veggies! You can follow the recipe exactly or sub in any produce you have in your fridge.

Your family will love this tasty dish for dinner.

Two Crescent Chicken Roll-Ups on a plate with fried rice and mix carrots and green peas
Source: Favfamilyrecipes.com

4. Crescent Chicken Roll-Ups

I would gobble up anything wrapped in a crescent roll, and these crescent chicken roll-ups is not an exception.

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Buttery, flaky rolls wrap around creamy, savory chicken filling for a dish everyone will enjoy. Even picky eaters will beg for seconds!

This comfort food recipe is a great go-to meal!

Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake on a Casserole
Source: Beautyandthebenchpress.com

5. Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake 

Is the kitchen looking a little sparse? No worries, you can still throw together this mouthwatering canned chicken recipe.

Between the pantry and the freezer, you can make this family-friendly dinner with little effort. And it’s well-balanced too.

You get protein, carbs, veggies, and dairy. Plus, there’s creamy pesto mayo to make it extra delicious.

Chicken Noodle Casserole with milk, mayo, chicken chunks and panko bread crumbs
Source: Thecountrycook.net

6. Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken noodle soup is a long-standing childhood favorite that many adults love, too! With its buttery broth and comforting noodles, it makes any day better.

Now, you can enjoy all of the familiar flavors and textures of Campbell’s famous soup in this delicious casserole.

It’s just as buttery, satisfying, and comforting as the original soup!

A Platter of Chicken Pot Pie with fresh celery and carrots on a wooden table
Source: Thestayathomechef.com

7. Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is an all-in-one entree. You get all the food groups, so there’s really no need for sides!

But cooking meat can be time-consuming. So save yourself the hassle by using a can of chicken instead.

This way, you’ll get to enjoy a gourmet meal without the gourmet timeline.

Avocado Chicken Salad with bacon, egg, corn, chives and dill
Source: Natashaskitchen.com

8. Avocado Chicken Salad

Bored with your basic chicken salad lunch? Add creamy avocado to the mix for a west coast treat. 

This easy chicken salad is a great thing to keep on hand for quick lunches and snacks.

The superfood and the protein will power you through your day. Plus, it packs well and takes minute to make.

Bowl of Chicken Macaroni Salad with celery and garnished with pepper
Source: Thisolemom.com

9. Chicken Macaroni Salad 

You’ve had chicken salad. You’ve had macaroni salad. And now you can have the best of both worlds with this dish!

It’s a comfort food mashup that turns canned chicken into a masterpiece. Creamy, crunchy, and savory, it’s so yummy. 

Potlucks, barbecues, or picnics, it will be a hit.

Bowl of Cheesy Chicken Pasta with penne pasta, bell pepper and cheddar jack cheese
Source: Insidebrucrewlife.com

10. Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Doesn’t that title just make your mouth water? Enjoy three of your favorite foods in one satisfying pasta recipe.

Delicious pieces of tender red pepper add a pop of color and flavor to this perfect dish.

This cheesy chicken pasta is easy to make ahead. Just pop into the oven at a moment’s notice and eat.

Stacks of Chicken Quesadilla with a bowl of cream
Source: Valentinascorner.com

11. Chicken Quesadilla 

If you think you know how to make a chicken quesadilla, think again! This recipe gives the classic chicken quesadilla a makeover.

Take your quesadilla game up a level by adding black beans and taco sauce to your chicken and cheese mixture.

Bring on the flavor when you make these chicken quesadillas!

Bowl of Chicken Dip with bacon, ranch dressing. milk, cream and cheddar cheese
Source: Plainchicken.com

12. Chicken Dip 

Go crazy for this creamy, well-seasoned chicken appetizer! Key ingredients like ranch dressing, bacon, and cream cheese make this dip a hit.

Spend more time partying and less time cooking when you bring this appetizer to your next party.

Full of flavor, everyone will love the taste of chicken dip, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.

Source: Natashaskitchen.com

13. Chicken Patties 

Toss out those frozen chicken nuggets because once you try these chicken patties, you’ll never settle for them again!

Mix your canned chicken with this creamy dill and parmesan batter before rolling individual chicken patties in crispy bread crumbs.

The result is delicious chicken cakes your whole family will love!

Source: Thelazydish.com

14. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Getting the kids to eat more veggies and protein can be a battle. But this cozy casserole makes it so easy.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting. Plus, It takes minimal energy.

From canned chicken to instant rice, the ingredients keep it easy. So even those times you don’t feel like cooking, the family can have a hot homemade meal.

Top view of a bowl of Chicken Taco Soup with beans, corn, diced tomatoes and enchilada sauce
Source: Togetherasfamily.com

15. Chicken Taco Soup

Taco Tuesday just got a lot more exciting! Swap up the typical taco for this chicken taco soup. 

Filled with all of your favorite taco flavors and toppings, this soup is the perfect swap for traditional tortillas.

Savor chicken in a whole new way with this recipe!

Source: Lowcarbyum.com

16. Thai Chicken Salad

This salad is so tasty you won’t believe it’s made with canned chicken. But it’s true!

The tangy and umami peanut butter sauce is the secret. It really takes the chicken and coleslaw mix up a notch.

It’s a quick lunch fix you’ll crave weak after weak. And it only takes you 5 minutes!

Homemade Buffalo Chicken Wraps with ranch dressing. carrots and lettuce
Source: Easygoodideas.com

17. Buffalo Chicken Wrap

These buffalo chicken wraps are the perfect grab-and-go lunch, or even a light dinner!

Ready-made chicken, Frank’s, and a few add-ins quickly come together to make these flavorful wraps. 

With a filling this good, no one will know this dish came together last minute. You can have four ready to go in just 10 minutes.

Chicken Enchilada Skillet on a pan with fresh chilis on the side
Source: Wearychef.com

18. Chicken Enchilada Skillet

I love a one-pot recipe, and this chicken enchilada is that and more. Not only does it minimize clean-up, but the resulting dish is bursting with family-friendly flavor.

This dish is full of chicken and rice, then topped with cheese. You can even add diced jalapenos if you would prefer it a bit spicier!

Bowl of Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip topped with chopped green onions
Source: Insidebrucrewlife.com

19. Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip 

Creamy, spicy, meaty, cheesy, this dip is everything it should be. And, it’s made with canned chicken, nonetheless!

So it’s an inexpensive appetizer for game days, tailgates, parties, potlucks, and more. Serve it at any gathering and it’ll be gone in a flash.

Nobody can resist this devour-worthy chicken dip.

Bunch of Chicken Flautas serve them with sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo
Source: Togetherasfamily.com

20. Chicken Flautas

If you love taquitos, you’ll love this canned chicken recipe! Wrap rice, chicken, and cheese in flour tortillas and then bake until they’re warm and golden brown.

The crisp outer shell gives way to a warm and savory filling. Every bite of these flautas is satisfying!

Try dipping your chicken flautas in taco staples like salsa and sour cream for a little extra flavor.

Sliced Cucumber with Ranch Chicken Salad on top
Source: Thepinningmama.com

21. Ranch Chicken Salad 

Chicken is one of my favorite salad toppings! The added protein is exactly what you’ll need to power through the rest of your day.

Add in a buttermilk ranch, and you’ll have a delicious salad ready to go whenever you’re extra hungry or are short on time.

With all of that flavor, this salad is anything but boring!

21 Easy Canned Chicken Recipes

Course: MainCuisine: Mexican
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

504

kcal

These canned chicken quesadillas offer a burst of BBQ and cheesy goodness wrapped in a crisp tortilla.

Ingredients

  • 1 (10-ounce) can chicken

  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 red pepper, diced

  • 8 (8 to 10-inch) flour tortillas

  • 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (Mozzarella, cheddar, Colby jack, or Pepper jack)

Instructions

  • Toss chicken, BBQ sauce, onion, and pepper in a medium bowl. Divide the mixture into 4 portions.
  • Place one flour tortilla in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle 1/8 cup of cheese evenly over the tortilla. Spread a portion of filling on top of the cheese, followed by another 1/8 cup of cheese. Place another tortilla on top to create a quesadilla “sandwich.”
  • Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side, or until the cheese begins to melt and the bottom tortilla starts to brown.
  • Flip the quesadilla to cook the other side. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the cheese is completely melted, and both sides are golden and crisp.
  • Repeat until all 4 quesadillas are cooked.
  • Slice quesadillas into wedges. Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a non-stick skillet to keep the tortillas from sticking and ensure an even, golden crispiness.
  • If you like it spicy, mix some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 504kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 91mg
  • Sodium: 807mg
  • Potassium: 353mg
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Calcium: 463mg
  • Iron: 2mg
Canned Chicken Recipes

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INSANELYGOOD

Hey there! I'm Kim. I love running, cooking, and curling up with a good book! I share recipes for people who LOVE good food, but want to keep things simple :)

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