Canned chicken doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but it’s one of those pantry staples that can save dinner more often than you’d expect. When time is tight and cooking from scratch feels like too much, having a few cans on hand makes it easy to pull together a filling, family-friendly meal without much effort. From cozy casseroles and quick pastas to soups, salads, and party snacks, these canned chicken recipes prove that easy doesn’t have to mean boring — or bland.
Canned Chicken Recipes
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This buffalo chicken dip is creamy, cheesy, and always a hit, whether it’s game day or just a snacky-dinner kind of night. Made with canned chicken and just the right amount of heat, it’s one of those dips everyone keeps going back for. Serve it warm with tortilla chips or veggies and watch it disappear fast. This recipe is great!
Easy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe
This easy chicken rice soup is perfect when you’re craving something warm and homemade but don’t want to wait around. Using canned chicken keeps it quick, while fresh carrots, celery, and a wild rice blend make it feel hearty and comforting. It’s the kind of soup you can have on the table fast and still feel good about serving. This way for the recipe
How to Make Chicken Fingers with Canned Chicken
These homemade chicken fingers are proof that canned chicken can do way more than you think. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and surprisingly simple to make, they’re a fun throwback to classic chicken nuggets and tenders. If you’re looking for an easy, kid-approved recipe that doesn’t take much effort, this one’s a winner. You’ll want to make this on repeat!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
These chicken bacon ranch pinwheels are quick to make and always disappear fast. Using canned chicken keeps things easy, while the combo of crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and cheddar cheese packs big flavor into every bite. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or easy party food when you need something crowd-pleasing without a lot of effort. This recipe will become a new favorite
Chicken Cakes and Remoulade Sauce
These chicken cakes are a budget-friendly twist on classic crab cakes, using canned chicken instead. Packed with sweet bell peppers, garlic, and green onions, they’re full of flavor without being fussy. Finished with a crispy panko coating and served with a simple remoulade sauce, they make an easy, family-pleasing dinner that feels a little special. Here’s the recipe
Chicken Dinner Pasta Salad
This chicken dinner pasta salad has all the flavors of a cozy chicken dinner, but in a cool, make-ahead-friendly form. Using canned chicken keeps prep fast, and since it’s served cold, it’s a great option for hot summer days when turning on the oven feels like too much. Easy, filling, and weeknight-approved. Click here for the recipe
Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
This easy Chinese chicken salad is fresh, crunchy, and comes together in no time. Using canned chicken keeps things quick, while crisp veggies, rice noodles, and a tangy Asian-style dressing bring all the flavor. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and works well for gluten-free eaters too. You’ll love this recipe!
Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with Homemade Cheese Sauce
These chicken enchiladas are cozy, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Made with canned chicken and topped with a homemade cheese sauce that has just a gentle hint of chili, they’re full of flavor without being too spicy for picky eaters. They’re also perfect for doubling up and freezing, which makes future dinners ridiculously easy. You’ll love this recipe!
Creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad
This chicken macaroni pasta salad is a little more filling than the classic version everyone knows. Adding canned chicken turns it into a hearty side (or light meal), and the creamy dressing is one of those can’t-stop-eating situations. It’s easy to make ahead, travels well for potlucks, and tends to disappear fast with both kids and adults. This recipe tastes so good!
15 Minute Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Chicken
This 15-minute angel hair pasta with chicken is one of those lifesaver dinners for busy nights. Made with canned chicken, vine-ripened tomatoes, and green olives, it comes together fast without skimping on flavor. Even picky eaters tend to love it, and using pantry staples means less waste, less prep, and more time off your feet — always a win. Try this recipe today!
Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Casserole with Curry
This chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole with curry is one of those easy dinners that somehow everyone actually eats. Using canned chicken keeps prep quick, while the curry adds just enough flavor without being overwhelming. It’s simple to throw together, works great as a make-ahead meal, and freezes beautifully for those nights when you just can’t deal with cooking from scratch. This recipe is great!
Canned Chicken FAQs
What is a good use for canned chicken?
Canned chicken is best for quick, mixed dishes where it’s combined with sauces, seasonings, or other ingredients. Think casseroles, soups, dips, pasta salads, wraps, enchiladas, and sandwiches. It’s especially handy when you want protein on the table fast without cooking chicken from scratch.
How do you cook canned chicken so it tastes good?
The key is adding flavor and texture. Drain it well, then season generously and mix it into sauces, soups, or casseroles so it can soak up flavor. For extra taste, sauté it briefly with onions, garlic, or spices before adding it to your recipe. Canned chicken shines when it’s not standing alone.
How should I eat canned chicken?
Canned chicken is fully cooked, so it’s ready to use straight from the can. You can stir it into hot dishes like soups and casseroles, or use it cold in salads, sandwiches, and wraps. It’s incredibly flexible — basically anywhere you’d use cooked, shredded chicken.
Are you supposed to rinse canned chicken?
Rinsing is optional, but many people do it. Draining (and rinsing if you prefer) helps remove excess sodium and improves the texture. If your recipe already has plenty of seasoning or sauce, a quick rinse can help the chicken taste fresher and less salty.
Can you substitute canned chicken in any chicken recipe?
Not in every recipe, but it works well in many. Canned chicken is best for dishes where the chicken is mixed in, shredded, or covered in sauce — like casseroles, soups, dips, pasta dishes, enchiladas, and salads. It’s not ideal for recipes that rely on whole chicken pieces, grilling, or browning, since canned chicken is already cooked and softer in texture.
