Canned chicken is a life and time-saving pantry staple I regularly keep on my kitchen shelves. For over twenty years, I’ve been making these three easy and tasty recipes with canned chicken for my family. Canned chicken is one of the most convenient and inexpensive ways to add protein to a meal.
Did you grow up eating canned chicken? I didn’t. Canned tuna, sure, but I didn’t even know canned chicken existed until about twenty-two or twenty-three years ago. I bought my first bulk canned chicken at one of those big box stores, then called Price Club (now Costco), and I’ve been a fan ever since. I was surprised by how good it tasted. Initially, I simply mixed it with mayonnaise and made sandwiches. It took me a couple of years to start getting creative with it.
Canned chicken quickly became a go-to in my pantry, especially for speedy lunches. It’s a versatile ingredient that comes in handy when dinner plans don’t work out. It keeps well for a long time and tastes surprisingly good. Even though I usually cook from scratch, I’m consistently surprised by how much I enjoy having this shelf-stable option on hand.
Have you ever bought canned chicken? If so, what recipes do you use it in? If you’re still unsure about it, I recommend trying it in one of these three recipes. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how good it tastes.
Canned chicken can be a quick, affordable, and convenient source of protein. However, it doesn’t always have the best flavor straight from the can If you’re looking for ways to make canned chicken taste delicious, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we will discuss 12 simple tricks to make canned chicken taste juicy flavorful, and downright tasty. With just a few extra ingredients and techniques, you can transform blah canned chicken into craveable chicken dishes the whole family will love.
Why Choose Canned Chicken?
Canned chicken has a few advantages that make it a staple for many home cooks:
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Canned chicken is ready to eat right from the can, so you don’t have to thaw it or cook it. This makes it perfect for quick meals or recipes.
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Affordability – Canned chicken is usually cheaper per ounce compared to fresh chicken. It’s an economical way to add protein to meals.
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Long shelf life – Properly canned chicken can last 2-5 years in the pantry. It’s a handy protein to keep on hand for emergencies or busy nights.
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Pre-cooked: The chicken is already cooked when it’s canned, so you don’t have to cook it to eat it.
While fresh chicken often tastes better, canned chicken has a place in many busy home kitchens. Follow these tips to make the most of this handy protein!
12 Simple Ways to Make Canned Chicken Taste Better
Here are 12 easy ideas to improve the flavor of canned chicken:
1. Rinse Before Use
Drain and rinse the chicken under cool water. This removes excess sodium and processed flavors from the canning liquid.
2. Shred With a Fork
Use two forks to shred and break down the chicken into smaller pieces. This gives it a texture closer to cooked chicken.
3. Sauté in Olive Oil
Putting the chicken in olive oil to cook turns it a little brown and gives it flavor. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until lightly browned.
4. Season Generously
Season the chicken boldly with spices like garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc. This masks the canned flavor.
5. Add Acidic Ingredients
Canned chicken tastes better with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar. The acid cuts through processed flavors.
6. Use Flavorful Sauces and Condiments
Coat or marinate chicken in barbecue sauce, teriyaki, pesto, buffalo sauce, etc. The bold flavors dominate.
7. Cook in Soups or Stews
Simmering canned chicken in flavorful broths or sauces allows it to absorb those flavors.
8. Make Chicken Salad
Mix shredded chicken with mayo, celery, onion, herbs, etc. for an easy chicken salad sandwich filling.
9. Add to Quesadillas
Cheese, spices, and quick cooking masks canned flavors. Plus kids love quesadillas!
10. Make Casseroles or Pot Pies
Baking canned chicken in a flavorful cream sauce or gravy gives great results.
11. Use in Stir Fries
Toss small pieces of chicken with fresh veggies and stir fry sauce for a quick meal.
12. Shred for Tacos
Spice up canned chicken with taco seasoning and pile it on tortillas for easy weeknight tacos.
With the right techniques, canned chicken can be deliciously juicy and flavorful. Try some of these options to start making the most of this handy kitchen staple!
3 Easy Canned Chicken Meals
If you need some recipe inspiration, here are 3 quick and tasty meals you can make with canned chicken:
Easy Chicken Quesadillas
Drain and shred chicken. Place in a tortilla with shredded cheese. Cook in a skillet with butter until browned and melted. Top with avocado, salsa, and sour cream.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Whisk together Caesar dressing, lemon juice, garlic, parmesan, and pepper. Toss with canned chicken, lettuce, and croutons.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Mix shredded chicken with mayo, celery, onion, mustard, herbs, etc. Serve on bread, lettuce, or in a pita pocket.
With just a few basic ingredients, you can make tasty canned chicken meals in minutes. No need to wait for chicken to thaw or cook!
FAQs About Canned Chicken
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking with canned chicken:
Is canned chicken healthy?
Yes, it can be part of a healthy diet. It’s a lean, high-protein food. Just watch the sodium content and rinse before use. Avoid added flavors.
How long does canned chicken last?
2-5 years or more if the can remains intact and properly stored. Always check the best by date on the can. Discard if the can is damaged or chicken smells bad.
Is canned chicken fully cooked?
Yes, canned chicken is fully cooked during the canning process to a safe internal temperature. No further cooking is needed, just heating through.
Can I freeze canned chicken?
Yes, you can freeze canned chicken for longer storage. Drain, portion into bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and freeze up to 3-4 months.
What’s the best canned chicken brand?
Kirkland and Swanson are good quality brands. Look for low or no sodium options if you want to control salt content. Avoid added broths or flavorings.
With the right techniques and recipes, canned chicken can be a handy kitchen staple. Try some of these flavor-boosting tips to start making the most of this budget-friendly pantry protein. Your recipes will taste like you cooked the chicken from scratch!
What Else Can I Add To My Quesadilla
- I add taco seasoning to the chicken sometimes to make it taste better.
- For heat, I like to add diced green chiles or jalapenos from a can.
- My favorite ~ pickled jalapenos.
Put shredded cheese and canned chicken on half of a flour tortilla, then fold the tortilla over and put it in a hot pan with butter. You will be quite surprised how good these taste.
Why I Love It
- It’s a quick and easy way to make meals, especially when I don’t have enough time or ingredients.
- I can add protein and flavor to a wide range of recipes, from salads and sandwiches to casseroles and soups.
- Because it lasts a long time, I can keep it in my pantry and use it whenever I need to without worrying that it will go bad.