Hey there, foodies and recipe enthusiasts! I’m thrilled to share with you an article packed with 15 delicious recipe ideas using canned chicken. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone who loves quick and easy meals, these recipes are perfect for you.
Canned chicken is a versatile ingredient that can transform into a variety of dishes, from comforting casseroles to refreshing salads, and everything in between.
Each recipe is selected for its ease, flavour, and the ability to be customised to your taste, so you can get creative in the kitchen and make them truly your own.
1. Mini Chicken Pot Pies
Details: These fun, bite-sized pies are made with biscuit dough and a savoy filling of chicken, vegetables, and cream soup.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (thawed)
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast (drained)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (16.3 oz) tube Pillsbury Grands! biscuits
- Optional: seasoning like pepper, garlic powder
Process:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease 8 muffin tin slots.
- Drain the chicken thoroughly.
- Mix chicken with thawed veggies and cream of chicken soup, add seasoning if desired.
- Fill each biscuit dough cup with the mixture.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Your Spin: Add peas, carrots, or celery to the filling; for a spicy twist, include chili powder or hot sauce; experiment with different cream soups like mushroom for varied flavours.
2. Cheesy Baked Chicken Nuggets
Details: Healthier baked nuggets made with chicken, cheese, and eggs, ideal for kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast (drained)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: garlic powder, black pepper
Process:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain the chicken thoroughly.
- Mix chicken with egg, cheeses, and optional seasoning.
- Mold into 12 bite-size nuggets.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Your Spin: Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack, add spices like onion powder or cayenne for heat, or serve with various dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue.
3. Seven Can Chicken Taco Soup
Details: A no-fuss soup made from seven cans, including chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes, with taco flavours.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can sweet corn
- 1 can chicken breast
- 1 can green enchilada sauce
- 1 can low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp each: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder
Process:
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with toppings like cheese and chips.
Your Spin: Add fresh tomatoes or jalapeños for freshness, or use different salsas for varied flavours.
4. Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Details: A comforting dish with noodles, chicken, and a creamy sauce, topped with crunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked noodles
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast (drained)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
Process:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Grease a 9×13 dish.
- Mix chicken with noodles, soup, milk, peas, and seasoning.
- Top with cheese and chips.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Your Spin: Add carrots or celery for nutrition, or top with different cheeses or nuts for variety.
5. Salsa Chicken quesadas
Details: Grilled or pan-fried quesadas filled with chicken and salsa, crispy and cheesy.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast (drained)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large flour Tortillas
- Optional: butter for cooking
Process:
- Mix chicken with salsa and cheese.
- Spread on half of each Tortilla, fold.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts.
- Cut into wedges.
Your Spin: Add bell peppers, onions, or avocado slices to the filling, or experiment with different salsas for flavour.
6. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Details: A baked dish with chicken, broccoli, rice, and a creamy sauce, topped with corn flakes for crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast (drained)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups steamed broccoli
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup corn flakes
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13 dish.
- Mix chicken with rice, broccoli, soup, and sour cream.
- Top with corn flakes drizzled with butter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly.
Your Spin: Add mushrooms, carrots, or spinach, or top with fried onions or cheese for extra flavour.
7. Chicken Enchiladas
Details: Tortillas filled with chicken and cheese, covered in enchilada sauce, and baked.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast (drained)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 8 flour Tortillas
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix chicken with chiles, 3/4 cup pepper jack, 3/4 cup cheddar, and 1/2 cup sauce.
- Fill Tortillas, roll, place in a 9×13 dish.
- Cover with remaining sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Your Spin: Add black beans, corn, or spinach to filling, or use green sauce for a different taste.
8. Chicken Salad Sandwich
Details: A simple sandwich made with chicken salad, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast (drained)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- Salt, pepper
- Bread
- Optional: lettuce, tomato
Process:
- Drain chicken, mix with mayonnaise, celery, and seasoning.
- Spread on bread, add lettuce or tomato if desired.
- Serve cold.
Your Spin: Add grapes, nuts, or onions to the salad, or use different breads or wraps for variety.
9. Chicken & Zucchini Stuffing Casserole
Details: A savoy casserole with chicken, zucchini, and stuffing mix, baked with a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast (drained)
- 2 cups diced zucchini
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13 dish.
- Melt butter, mix with dry stuffing (reserve half for topping).
- Add chicken, zucchini, soup, and sour cream.
- Spread in dish, top with reserved stuffing.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden.
Your Spin: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or cheese, or use different cream soups for variety.
10. Easy Chicken Caesar Wraps
Details: Wraps filled with chicken, Caesar salad mix, and dressing, quick to assemble.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast (drained)
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 4 large Tortillas
Process:
- Mix chicken with lettuce, dressing, Parmesan, and croutons.
- Spread on Tortillas, roll tightly.
- Serve cold or warm.
Your Spin: Add cherry tomatoes, avocado, or different dressings, or use spinach wraps for variety.
11. Ranch Chicken Cheese Dip
Details: A creamy dip made with chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
- Softened cream cheese
- Drained chicken breast (from can)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing mix
Process:
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve cold or heated with dippers.
Your Spin: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or bacon bits, or use different cheeses.
12. Chicken Fried Rice
Details: A quick fried rice dish with chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Oil
- Garlic
- Drained chicken breast (from can)
- Peas, green beans, corn
- Eggs (optional)
- Cooked rice
- Soy sauce, sesame oil
Process:
- Heat oil, sauté garlic.
- Add drained chicken, vegetables, scramble eggs if desired.
- Add cooked rice, season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Sauté until heated through.
Your Spin: Add different veggies or proteins, or vary the sauce for different flavour.