31 Easy and Delicious Canned Chicken Recipes

The last thing you want to do in the midst of a hectic week is figure out what to cook. Enter: canned chicken.

Canned chicken can be used for nearly every recipe. You could bake a batch of chicken pinwheels for a potluck or stir up a large pot of chicken noodle soup. The best part is that canned chicken can cut down your prep and cooking time. Feed your family fast with these simple canned chicken recipes.

1. Buffalo chicken dip

Serve this easy-to-make buffalo chicken dip for any occasion. Swap out the shredded chicken breast for canned chicken to save time. Serve with sliced veggies or chips for dipping.

2. Chicken pot pie

While it may seem difficult to make chicken pot pies on a regular basis, it’s surprisingly easy when you swap the chicken breasts for canned chicken. Enjoy the creamy center and flaky crust with every bite.

3. Chicken alfredo

In the mood for Italian? Top your cooked pasta with alfredo sauce and canned chicken. Make sure to warm everything up together before eating. Or try this chicken alfredo recipe, but swap out the chicken breasts for canned chicken.

4. Chicken noodle soup

Boost your mood with this chicken noodle soup full of herbs and spices. Toss in one or two cans of chicken in place of the shredded chicken. This low-calorie soup is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t require much effort.

5. Chicken enchiladas

Every night can be a fiesta when you make these irresistible chicken enchiladas. The tangy sauce pairs well with canned chicken and melty cheese. Double the recipe to freeze for meals later in the week.

6. Chicken tortilla soup

Satisfy your Mexican food craving without the extra carbs with this chicken tortilla soup. This low-calorie meal is easy to make and soothes the soul with every bite. Add one to two cans of chicken as an alternative to the 1 pound of chicken breast.

7. Chicken and rice bowls

Short on time? Whip up these chicken and rice bowls in less than 30 minutes. You can also customize each bowl with seasonal veggies, fresh lime juice or kick up the spice with cayenne pepper alternatives.

8. Chicken curry

Create an aromatic dinner with this chicken curry recipe. Cut down the cooking time by using one can of chicken instead of chicken breast. Serve this canned chicken recipe with your favorite rice.

9. Hearty chicken chili

Fill up on this hearty chicken chili any day of the week. With bold and robust flavors, you’ll satisfy your entire family’s taste buds. The best part is this chili takes less than 40 minutes to make if you use canned chicken.

10. Chicken quesadillas

Sure, quesadillas are simple to make, but you can cut down your cooking time even more with canned chicken. Follow this chicken quesadilla recipe, but replace the chicken breasts with the canned version. Serve your quesadillas with fresh mango salsa and tortilla chips.

11. Lemon garlic chicken with veggies

Add some zest to your canned chicken recipes with lemon garlic. Balance out the citrus with red pepper flakes and smoked paprika. Try this lemon garlic chicken recipe to create a well-balanced meal.

12. Chicken stir fry

This stir fry recipe is a fan-favorite dinner, especially if you’re short on time. Swap out the beef for canned chicken to ensure dinner is on the table at a reasonable time.

13. BBQ chicken sliders

Host a cookout in your kitchen with these easy-to-make barbecue chicken sliders. Serve these mini buns as an appetizer or double (or triple) the recipe for dinner. Pair this canned chicken recipe with coleslaw and pickles to top things off.

14. Cheesy chicken casserole

Casseroles are perfect for quick, easy dinners on the weekdays. While this cheesy casserole recipe calls for shredded chicken, you can swap with one to two cans instead.

15. Hearty chicken stew

Warm up on a chilly day with a large helping of this hearty chicken stew. Cut down on the cooking time by swapping the chicken thighs for one to two cans of chicken instead.

16. Soothing chicken ramen

Ramen is one of those foods that can calm your soul and bring warmth. While this chicken ramen recipe calls for thighs, you can substitute it for the canned version. Enjoy a comforting bowl on even the hottest days.

17. Chicken salad sandwich

You can never go wrong with a chicken salad sandwich at any hour of the day. Mix in your canned chicken instead of the shredded chicken. Serve with a tangy mayo sauce.

18. Spicy chicken lettuce wraps

Take your Asian cuisine to the next level by using canned chicken for these spicy chicken lettuce wraps. Serve as an excellent appetizer for a potluck or simple dinner idea. Drizzle extra sauce on top for more flavor.

19. Chicken dumplings

Cut down on the prep time by using canned chicken for this dumpling recipe. Simmer canned chicken with broth and vegetables. Make these delicious dumplings all year round.

20. Creamy chicken with mushrooms

Saute canned chicken with mushroom, onions and garlic for an easy dinner idea for two. Follow this creamy chicken recipe for a burst of flavor with every bite.

21. Sweet and sour chicken

Forget ordering takeout and make your own sweet and sour chicken for the family. Whip up this meal faster by incorporating canned chicken.

22. Creamy herb chicken

Enhance your canned chicken with this creamy herb sauce. The rich garlic flavor and cream will impress any dinner guest.

23. Chicken fried rice

One of the easiest canned chicken recipes is to add it to savory fried rice. Your whole family won’t be able to get enough of this satisfying meal.

24. Chicken patties

Hamburgers are tasty, but did you know you can transform canned chicken into patties? Follow this chicken patty recipe for a quick and easy dish folks of all ages love.

25. Chicken Caesar salad wraps

Caesar salad wraps are perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner idea. Add this chicken Caesar salad recipe to any tortilla. Cut down on prep time and use canned chicken instead.

26. Creamy chicken tetrazzini

Serve a comforting meal with this creamy chicken tetrazzini recipe. Cut down the cooking time significantly by using one to two cans of chicken instead.

27. Tangy chicken adobo

Transform your canned chicken into a tangy adobo dish. The black peppercorns, soy sauce and garlic are delightful any day of the week. Serve with your favorite rice or seasonal vegetables.

28. BBQ chicken pizza

Pizza night has a whole new meaning when you introduce canned chicken into the mix. Toss your chicken with barbecue sauce and add it to your store-bought or homemade pizza dough.

29. Air fryer chicken nuggets

Create your own nostalgic meal with canned chicken nuggets. These bite-sized nuggets make a great snack, appetizer or even a quick dinner. Serve with your favorite potatoes.

30. Chicken fajitas

Creating the ultimate fiesta is easier than ever when you use canned chicken. Follow this punchy chicken fajita recipe, but swap the chicken breasts for the canned version.

31. Chicken pinwheels

Your family and friends will gobble up these chicken pinwheels. The flaky wrap with creamy chicken is a match made in heaven.

Canned chicken thoughts to mix in

For the days when you’re unsure what to make for dinner, you can always turn to canned chicken by replacing the fresh meat in almost every recipe with canned chicken. From quesadillas to even pizza, you can customize any canned chicken recipe. 

Canned chicken cuts down on prep and cooking time. Use your time even more efficiently by using Instacart for your grocery needs. Place an online order today and receive all your ingredients right to your doorstep.