10+ Canned Chicken Recipes to Make Quick and Tasty Meals

Canned chicken is a handy ingredient you can keep in your pantry for quick and easy meals. It saves time on cooking fresh chicken and works in many different dishes.

You can make simple, tasty meals with canned chicken that fit into your busy schedule.

This ingredient is versatile and works well for lunches, dinners, or snacks. Whether you want something warm or cold, canned chicken helps you create meals without much effort.

You don’t need to be a chef to enjoy dishes made with canned chicken.

1) Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a simple and tasty recipe you can make with canned chicken. It’s perfect for parties or a quick snack.

The dip mixes canned chicken with hot sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing for a creamy, spicy flavor. You can bake it in the oven until it’s bubbly and warm.

It’s great to serve with chips, crackers, or veggies.

Ingredients

• 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup hot pepper sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and half the cheddar cheese in a bowl.
3. Spread mixture into a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and hot.

You can find more details for buffalo chicken dip with canned chicken here.

2) Chicken Enchilada Skillet

This chicken enchilada skillet is a fast and easy way to use canned chicken. You’ll get a cheesy, tasty meal with simple ingredients.

It cooks quickly, perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food without much effort. The dish brings together shredded cheese, enchilada sauce, and canned chicken with some green chiles for a little kick.

You can bake it in one pan and have a warm, bubbling skillet ready in under 30 minutes. You only need a few pantry staples, making it a great recipe to keep on hand.

If you want, you can customize it with your favorite cheeses or add extras like onions or corn.

Ingredients

• 1 can (12.5 oz) canned chicken, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1 cup enchilada sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken, green chiles, cheese, and enchilada sauce.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in a skillet or oven-safe dish.
4. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

You can find more details on chicken enchilada skillet recipes here.

3) Cheesy Baked Chicken Nuggets

You can make tasty cheesy baked chicken nuggets using canned chicken. It’s a simple recipe with just a few ingredients that come together quickly.

These nuggets are great for a snack or a quick meal. You mix canned chicken with an egg and cheeses like parmesan and mozzarella.

Adding your favorite spices gives the nuggets extra flavor. After mixing, shape the mixture into nuggets.

Then, bake them in the oven until they’re golden and crispy.

Ingredients

• 1 can (about 12 oz) canned chicken, drained
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix chicken, egg, parmesan, mozzarella, and spices in a bowl.
3. Shape the mixture into small nugget shapes.
4. Place nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and firm.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.

For more details, you can check this recipe for easy baked chicken nuggets made with canned chicken.

4) Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Mini chicken pot pies are a great way to make a tasty meal using canned chicken. They are simple to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner.

You can use canned cream of chicken soup and frozen veggies to save time. These pot pies are baked inside small biscuit dough cups.

They turn out warm and comforting with a crispy crust. This recipe takes about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish.

You can enjoy these pies as a snack or serve them as a main dish. They are fun to make and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuits (8 count each)
• 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast, drained
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Flatten each biscuit and press into a muffin tin cup.
3. Mix canned chicken, vegetables, and cream of chicken soup.
4. Spoon filling into each biscuit cup.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until biscuits are golden brown.

5) Crispy Chicken Croquettes

You can make crispy chicken croquettes quickly using canned chicken. These bite-sized patties are easy to shape and cook.

The chicken patties get their crunch from breadcrumbs and taste great with simple seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad.

This recipe is kid-friendly and works well if you want a fast, tasty dish using ingredients you likely have at home. The cooking only takes about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of canned chicken (all-white meat)
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix canned chicken, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add bread crumbs and combine well to form a dough.
3. Shape the mixture into small patties or croquettes.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
5. Fry croquettes for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

6) Creamy Chicken and Rice

You can make a simple and tasty meal using canned chicken and instant rice. This creamy chicken and rice dish comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.

It’s perfect when you want something warm and filling without a lot of fuss. The recipe uses canned chicken, cream of chicken soup, and instant rice.

You can cook it all in one pot on the stove or bake it in the oven for a cozy casserole. Add some cheese or vegetables, like broccoli, to make it even better.

This easy dish is great for busy weeknights or a quick lunch. It’s mild, creamy, and easy to customize with your favorite spices or extra ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups instant white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (12.5 oz) canned chicken, drained
• 2 cups water
• Optional: shredded cheese, broccoli, salt, pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a baking dish, mix rice, cream of chicken soup, canned chicken, and water.
3. Stir until blended. Add veggies or cheese if you like.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly.
6. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

7) Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Chicken Alfredo pasta is a quick and tasty way to use canned chicken. You can mix the chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce and cooked pasta to make a simple meal.

Adding some vegetables like bell peppers or mixed veggies makes it colorful and adds flavor. This dish is easy to prepare on busy nights when you want something comforting.

You can bake it in the oven for a warm, cheesy finish. Prepare everything, put it in a casserole dish, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 1 can of cooked chicken, drained
• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
• 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup mixed vegetables or sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. Mix pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and vegetables in a bowl.
3. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes and serve.

8) Seven Can Chicken Casserole

This casserole is easy to make and great for busy days. You simply mix canned ingredients with shredded chicken and bake.

It’s a comforting meal that uses just a few pantry staples. You’ll find it creamy and flavorful, thanks to the soups and sauces.

You can serve it with rice, tortillas, or a simple side salad. It’s filling and perfect for an easy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 oz) can mild green enchilada sauce
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (11 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (8 oz) can sliced olives
• 3/4 cup crushed tortilla chips or uncooked noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients except the crushed chips or noodles in a large bowl.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
4. Top with crushed tortilla chips or uncooked noodles.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
6. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

For more details, see the 7-Can Chicken Casserole Recipe.

9) Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Buffalo chicken wraps give you a quick and easy way to enjoy spicy, tangy flavors. Use canned chicken to save time and still get a tasty meal.

Mix the chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese for a creamy, spicy filling. Add shredded cheddar cheese or ranch dressing to cool things down.

Wrap everything in a soft tortilla with fresh veggies like celery or carrots for crunch. This meal is ready in under 10 minutes.

It’s great for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chicken in water, drained
• ¼ cup buffalo sauce
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional)
• Tortillas
• Celery or carrots, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the canned chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.
2. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing if you want.
3. Lay out a tortilla and spread the mixture evenly.
4. Add chopped celery or carrots for crunch if you like.
5. Roll the tortilla tightly.
6. Serve right away or chill for 10 minutes before eating.

Try these buffalo chicken wraps for a quick, delicious recipe.

10) Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a simple and comforting meal you can make quickly using canned chicken. This recipe is perfect when you want something warm and easy with minimal prep.

You just need canned chicken, broth, noodles, and some veggies. You can cook everything in one pot for less cleanup.

Start by sautéing your veggies if you like. Then add the canned chicken with broth, plus extra chicken broth.

Add noodles and cook until they are tender. This soup freezes well, so you can make extra and save some for later.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup egg noodles
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in canned chicken with its broth, and add chicken broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then add noodles.
5. Simmer for 7-10 minutes until noodles are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

More details on making chicken noodle soup with canned chicken are available here.