30+ Delicious Things to Make With Canned Chicken Breast That Your Family Will Actually Eat

Hey there, busy home cooks! If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a few cans of chicken breast hanging out in your pantry right now. Maybe you grabbed them on sale, or perhaps you’re just smart enough to keep some emergency protein on hand (high five!). Either way, I’m about to share my absolute favorite ways to transform those humble cans into meals your whole family will devour.

Canned chicken is seriously one of my secret weapons in the kitchen. It’s pre-cooked affordable, and has a crazy-long shelf life. Plus, when you’re staring into your pantry at 5 30pm with hungry kids whining about dinner those little cans feel like pure gold!

Why Canned Chicken Deserves More Love

Before I dive into all the yummy recipes, let’s talk about why canned chicken deserves a permanent spot in your pantry:

• Time-saver extraordinaire – No need to cook and shred chicken yourself
• Budget-friendly – Way cheaper than fresh chicken breasts
• Versatile ingredient – Works in practically everything from soups to salads
• Long shelf life – Perfect for emergency meals
• Already seasoned – Many brands have a nice, neutral flavor

I usually stock up on Kirkland brand from Costco (they have a 6-pack that’s awesome value), but Valley Fresh All Natural is another good option if you’re at the regular grocery store.

Quick & Easy Meals With Canned Chicken

1. Chicken Salad Sandwiches (The Ultimate Classic)

This is literally the first thing I think of when I look at a can of chicken. Classic chicken salad is creamy, satisfying and takes like 5 minutes to make:

What you’ll need

• 1-2 cans chicken, drained
• Mayo (or Greek yogurt for a healthier version)
• Diced celery for crunch
• Halved grapes or dried cranberries for sweetness
• Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are great)
• Salt, pepper, and maybe a bit of garlic powder

Just mix everything together, adjust the seasoning to taste, and pile it onto bread, crackers, or even lettuce cups if you’re trying to be good. I usually make extra because my kids always want seconds!

2. Creamy Chicken Pasta Skillet

When I need dinner in under 30 minutes, this cheesy chicken pasta is my go-to. It’s like a hug in a bowl:

1. Cook your favorite pasta (bow ties or rotini work great)
2. In a skillet, mix drained canned chicken with cream cheese, some milk, and shredded cheese
3. Toss in the pasta and maybe some frozen peas or chopped bell peppers
4. Sprinkle with a bit more cheese and some Italian herbs

Dinner’s DONE and everyone’s happy!

3. BBQ Chicken Roll-Ups or Sliders

These are perfect for when you need something slightly more exciting than a sandwich but equally easy:

For roll-ups:

• Mix canned chicken with BBQ sauce
• Spread onto crescent roll dough
• Add some cheese and maybe red onion
• Roll up, bake, and devour!

For sliders:

• Toss canned chicken with BBQ sauce
• Pile onto Hawaiian rolls
• Top with cheese
• Bake until melty and amazing

My 8-year-old, who claims to hate everything, actually requests these!

4. Chicken Quesadillas

OMG these are so simple it’s almost embarrassing to call it a recipe. But they’re delicious and ready in like 10 minutes:

1. Mix canned chicken with taco seasoning
2. Spread on a tortilla with cheese
3. Top with another tortilla
4. Cook in a pan until crispy and melty
5. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream

You can fancy them up with peppers, onions, or black beans too!

Comfort Food Made Easy with Canned Chicken

5. Chicken Pot Pie (The Shortcut Version)

Nothing says comfort food like chicken pot pie, and canned chicken makes it SO much easier:

1. Mix canned chicken with frozen mixed veggies and a can of cream of chicken soup
2. Add a little seasoning (thyme, garlic powder, black pepper)
3. Pour into a pie dish
4. Top with refrigerated biscuits or pie crust
5. Bake until golden

You can also make mini versions in a muffin tin using flattened biscuit dough for the cups!

6. Chicken Noodle Casserole

This is basically chicken noodle soup in casserole form, and it’s perfect for chilly evenings:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chicken, drained
• Egg noodles, cooked
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• Frozen peas
• Shredded cheese
• Crushed potato chips or cracker crumbs for topping

Mix everything except the topping, pour into a baking dish, sprinkle with the crunchy stuff, and bake until bubbly. It’s like a warm hug in food form!

7. Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This is my “looks fancy but isn’t” dinner that I break out when I need to impress:

1. Mix canned chicken with cream of chicken soup and sour cream
2. Add some veggies like diced zucchini or frozen broccoli
3. Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions
4. Layer chicken mixture in a baking dish, top with stuffing
5. Bake until hot and golden

It seriously tastes like Thanksgiving dinner but takes about 10 minutes of prep time!

Soups and One-Pot Meals

8. 7-Can Chicken Taco Soup

This is LITERALLY just opening cans and dumping them in a pot, and somehow it’s amazingly good:

Ingredients:

• 1 can chicken
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 can chicken broth
• Taco seasoning

Simmer for 20 minutes, top with cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips. My family fights over the leftovers!

9. 30-Minute Pantry Chicken Noodle Soup

When someone’s feeling under the weather, this is my go-to:

1. Sauté some onions, carrots, and celery in butter
2. Add chicken broth, canned chicken, and dried herbs
3. Bring to a boil and add egg noodles
4. Simmer until noodles are tender

It tastes like you spent hours making it from scratch!

10. Chicken Enchilada Skillet

I love one-pot meals for busy weeknights, and this one’s a winner:

Ingredients:

• Canned chicken
• Rice
• Enchilada sauce
• Black beans
• Corn
• Cheese

Cook the rice with the enchilada sauce, stir in everything else, top with cheese, and let it melt. Easy peasy!

Healthier Options with Canned Chicken

11. Thai Chicken Salad

When I’m trying to eat better but still want something tasty:

1. Mix canned chicken with shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
2. Make a quick peanut dressing with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime, and a touch of honey
3. Toss everything together
4. Top with crushed peanuts and cilantro

It’s low-carb but still filling and super flavorful!

12. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These are like tacos but healthier:

1. Sauté canned chicken with garlic, ginger, and a little hoisin sauce
2. Serve in lettuce leaves
3. Top with shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts

My kids actually think these are fun to eat, which is a miracle for anything containing visible vegetables.

13. Avocado Chicken Salad

This is a great no-mayo alternative:

• Mix canned chicken with mashed avocado
• Add lime juice, cilantro, and diced red onion
• Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of cumin
• Serve on whole grain bread or with veggie sticks

It’s creamy but so much healthier than the mayo version!

Party-Worthy Canned Chicken Recipes

14. Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is my go-to for game day or potlucks:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chicken, drained
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• Shredded cheese

Mix everything together, bake until bubbly, and serve with chips, celery, and carrot sticks. People literally hover over this dip at parties!

15. Chicken Flautas

These look fancy but are super simple:

1. Mix canned chicken with a little cream cheese and taco seasoning
2. Roll in flour tortillas
3. Bake or fry until crispy
4. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream

They’re great as appetizers or as a main dish with rice and beans.

16. Ranch Chicken Cheese Dip

Another crowd-pleaser that disappears fast:

• Mix canned chicken with cream cheese
• Add ranch seasoning, sour cream, and shredded cheese
• Bake until hot and melty
• Serve with crackers or tortilla chips

I’ve never brought this to a gathering and brought any home!

Tips for Making Canned Chicken Taste Amazing

If you’re worried about canned chicken tasting, well, “canned,” I’ve got some tips:

1. Drain it really well – Press out all the liquid for best texture
2. Season generously – It can handle bold flavors like garlic, herbs, and spices
3. Brown it quickly – A quick sauté can add flavor and improve texture
4. Mix with creamy ingredients – Cream cheese, sour cream, or mayo helps blend flavors
5. Add texture contrast – Crunchy veggies or nuts balance the soft chicken

Final Thoughts

Listen, I get that canned chicken might not sound super exciting at first. But as a busy mom who’s trying to feed her family on a budget, it’s honestly one of my favorite ingredients. It’s versatile, economical, and can transform into SO many different meals.

I keep at least 6 cans in my pantry at all times for those nights when I’m staring at the clock thinking “what am I gonna make for dinner??” And honestly, my family never complains when any of these dishes show up on the table.

Happy cooking, friends!

You can eat canned chicken breast straight from the can as is, or incorporate it into a variety of dishes such as chicken salad sandwiches, soups, casseroles, dips, quesadillas, and fried rice.

To make canned chicken breast taste better, drain and rinse it to remove any preserved taste, then add texture and flavor by pan-frying it with butter, oil, and seasonings, or incorporating it into recipes with flavorful ingredients like garlic, onions, spices, cheese, and crunchy vegetables.

Yes, you should rinse canned chicken to improve the flavor by removing the “processed” or “metallic” taste from the canning liquid and to reduce sodium content. To do this, drain the liquid from the can, then place the chicken in a strainer and rinse it under cold water for about 30 seconds. Shake the strainer to remove excess moisture and optionally pat the chicken dry before using it in your recipe.