We have all been in a situation where we arrive home later than expected and must whip up a healthy, flavorful dinner. If you are looking for inspiration, take a walk to your pantry and look for a can of chicken. The chicken that doesn’t go bad is a handy, everyday item that can be used to make a classic chicken casserole with rice or pasta or as the base for a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup.
Chicken in a can usually stays fresh for two to five years. It’s low in fat and carbs and high in lean protein. It comes in a package with everything already cooked and ready to use, which is great when you don’t have time to cook a whole chicken. However, not every can of chicken is created equal. Even though there are a lot of brands in stores today, some are better than others when it comes to ingredients, production methods, nutrition, and taste. We purchased several different canned chicken brands to find the best product.
Swanson has been operating since 1945 and focuses heavily on poultry products like broth and canned chicken. Today, the Campbells Soup-owned company offers a range of sizes and chicken products to fit any recipe, including premium chunk chicken breast, a low-sodium white meat option, and a blend of white and dark meat. The brand also offers 4.5-ounce and 12.5-ounce cans, as well as 2.6-ounce single-serve pouches. Like other brands we reviewed, Swansons ingredients include additional items besides chicken, water, and salt, like sodium phosphate, modified food starch, and rice starch. The packaging also indicates that the contents include a bioengineered food product sourced from genetically modified corn.
While the gluten-free product contains no antibiotics and states that the contents are fully cooked, upon opening the can of 98% fat-free white chicken breast, we were shocked to see a tin full of fatty skin and what appeared to be blood clots. This discoloration may not have been blood, though, as it may have been a naturally occurring protein called myoglobin that stained the meat. As an expression of caution, we refrained from tasting this product. Still, Swanson ranks lowest on our list based on the brands inclusion of additives and bioengineered ingredients.
Our hopes were high when we opened the can of Trader Joes premium chunk white chicken in water. The 98% fat-free chicken is available in a single 12.5-ounce can for $3.99, making it one of the most expensive, non-organic options we sampled. Price aside, we were excited to use the easy open tab to pull back the lid to reach the chicken, which we expected would be on par with the quality of other chicken products at Trader Joes. However, upon opening the can, we saw tiny bits of poultry swimming in the water. It was disappointing to see a can filled with water when we were looking for a can brimming with chicken.
Trader Joes canned chicken has a sodium level similar to other brands at around 250 milligrams per 2.5-ounce serving. However, the actual taste was a different story. The product was overly salty while simultaneously tasting watery. The chickens texture was soft and stringy and did not have the same consistency or firmness found in other brands. The high price, low overall taste, and poor quality of the chicken dropped it to the bottom of our list.
Walmarts signature Great Value brand provides quality products at affordable prices. The brands canned chicken is available in traditional chunk or shredded versions in a range of sizes, from a 2.6-ounce single-serve pouch to 5-ounce, 8-ounce, and 12.5-ounce cans. Each of the Great Value cans is available at much lower prices than all the brands we tried, including the 5-ounce chunk white chicken that retails for $1.18 or $0.23 an ounce.
Great Value has a higher sodium content than other brands at roughly 170 milligrams per ounce. Additionally, Great Values chicken includes additional additives, like sodium phosphates and modified food starch, that we dont care for and that other brands did not include. Despite the inclusion of additives, we were excited to try the Great Value shredded chicken. We hoped it would be a quick, easy, and affordable swap for hand-shredded chicken meat in chicken enchiladas or street tacos. However, the texture of the meat was stringy, mushy, and had a somewhat artificial flavor and metallic taste. Though a good dose of sauce would help mask the flavor, we prefer a brand that doesnt need to hide behind a sauce, which keeps the Great Value low on the list.
Opening the can of Valley Fresh organic chicken was quickly disappointing. The 5-ounce tin of chicken breast in water featured a whole lot of water and not much chicken. The limited ingredient list includes only organic chicken breast with rib meat, water, and salt. Its nutritional information is similar to other brands when compared on an ounce-by-ounce basis. One serving contained 50 calories, 270 milligrams of sodium, and 10 grams of protein. However, after we drained the water, we were disappointed to find the amount of chicken in the can was less than half the items weight.
The chicken had a firm texture and poultry flavor. However, the small can size was already one of the most expensive products; it cost $4.99.Although its organic, the lack of poultry in the can makes it less appealing than other products we sampled. Overall, different (and cheaper) brands delivered a similar taste with more chicken in their cans, which put Valley Fresh at the bottom of our list.
Have you ever been lost in the grocery store aisles while desperately looking for canned chicken? I know the feeling! It’s annoying when you need this easy source of protein for a quick recipe but can’t seem to find it. Today I’m going to tell you where to find canned chicken in stores, so you’ll never have to worry about where to find this important food item again.
The Most Common Location: Canned Goods Aisle
If you want to find canned chicken, the best place to look is usually in the canned goods aisle. Most grocery stores put their goods away in a way that makes sense, and canned chicken is usually put next to other canned meats. Here’s where to look first:
With Other Canned Meats
Look for the section containing canned tuna and salmon. These items are often grouped together in stores because customers use them in similar ways, like in salads, sandwiches, and quick meals. There will probably be brands of chicken right next to the tuna, like Swanson Premium Chunk White Chicken Breast and StarKist Premium White Chicken.
In the Poultry Section (Still in Canned Goods)
Some larger stores have a dedicated section for canned poultry products. This might be located at either end of the canned meats aisle. If you see canned turkey products, the chicken should be nearby!
Alternative Locations to Check
If you’ve scoured the canned goods aisle without success, don’t give up hope! Here are some other places where canned chicken might be hiding:
Near Soups
Sometimes grocery stores place canned chicken close to soup products, particularly chicken noodle soup or cream of chicken varieties. This placement makes sense since canned chicken is often used as an ingredient in homemade soups.
International Foods Section
In bigger supermarkets with extensive international food sections, you might find specialty canned chicken varieties used in global cuisines. Look for Asian or Mexican-inspired canned chicken products here
Discount Areas and Endcaps
Keep an eye on the discount aisles and endcaps, which are the displays at the end of the aisles. Canned chicken can end up here because of overstocking or seasonal sales, so check these places too for deals!
Tips for Finding Canned Chicken Faster
Read Store Signage
Most grocery stores have helpful signage to guide shoppers. Look for signs pointing to “Canned Meats,” “Canned Poultry,” or specifically “Canned Chicken.” Larger stores often place aisle directories near the entrance that can pinpoint the exact location.
Ask Store Employees
When all else fails, just ask! Store employees know their layout better than anyone and can quickly direct you to the canned chicken. No need to waste time searching when help is available.
Check Store Apps
Many retailers like Target have mobile apps that can tell you exactly which aisle contains the products you’re looking for. Some even provide in-store navigation!
Popular Canned Chicken Brands to Look For
When searching for canned chicken, these are some popular brands that might catch your eye:
- Swanson Premium Chunk White Chicken Breast (especially in water)
- StarKist Premium White Chicken (often in pouches too)
- Valley Fresh
- Kirkland Signature (at Costco)
- Great Value (at Walmart)
- Market Pantry or Good & Gather (at Target)
What You’ll Find: Types of Canned Chicken
Once you locate the canned chicken section, you’ll discover different varieties:
By Format
- Chunk chicken – Larger pieces good for salads and dishes where you want visible chicken pieces
- Shredded chicken – Finely shredded, perfect for dips, spreads, and mixing into casseroles
By Packing Liquid
- In water – Lower in calories, milder flavor
- In broth – More flavorful, slightly higher sodium
- Specialty varieties – Some brands offer flavored options like buffalo-style or barbecue
Why Canned Chicken is Worth Finding
Canned chicken is truly a versatile pantry staple that deserves a spot in your kitchen. Here’s why I always keep a few cans on hand:
- Long shelf life – Unopened cans last 2-5 years past the “best by” date
- Pre-cooked and ready to use – No cooking required!
- Good source of protein – Perfect for quick, nutritious meals
- Cost-effective – Usually cheaper per serving than fresh chicken
- Great for emergencies – Ideal for power outages or when you can’t get to the store
Delicious Ways to Use Canned Chicken
Now that you know where to find it, here are some tasty ways to use canned chicken:
- Quick chicken salad sandwiches
- Chicken quesadillas or tacos
- Easy chicken pot pie
- Addition to pasta dishes
- Protein boost for green salads
- Homemade chicken noodle soup
- Creamy chicken dips for parties
Nutrition and Storage Tips
Is Canned Chicken Healthy?
Yes! Canned chicken is generally a healthy option. It’s high in protein and usually low in fat, especially varieties packed in water. However, be mindful of sodium content if you’re watching your salt intake.
Storage Guidelines
- Unopened cans: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- After opening: Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days
- Avoid: Storing cans in areas with temperature fluctuations like near the stove
FAQs About Canned Chicken
Can I eat canned chicken straight from the can?
Absolutely! It’s fully cooked and safe to eat directly from the can, though most people prefer to use it in recipes.
How does canned chicken compare to fresh?
While fresh chicken has a slightly better nutritional profile, canned chicken maintains its protein content well. The convenience factor often outweighs the minor nutritional differences.
Is canned chicken good for emergency kits?
Yes! Its long shelf life and ready-to-eat nature make it perfect for emergency preparedness kits.
Specialty Stores and Online Options
If your local grocery store doesn’t carry canned chicken or you’re looking for specific varieties, consider these alternatives:
- Target – Check their canned meat section in the pantry/grocery area
- Walmart – Usually has multiple brands and packaging options
- Costco – Offers bulk packages at good prices
- Amazon – Convenient for hard-to-find varieties or bulk purchases
- Specialty food websites – For organic or specialty varieties
My Personal Experience
We’ve all been there – planning to make a quick chicken salad only to waste 15 minutes searching for canned chicken! After numerous grocery trips, I’ve learned that most stores keep it with the tuna, but some places are weird and hide it near soups or in the international aisle. Now I just head straight to the canned meats section and scan for those chicken labels. And honestly, I always stock up when I find a good sale – nothing beats having a few cans ready for those “I don’t wanna cook” nights!
Wrapping Up
Finding canned chicken in the grocery store shouldn’t be a treasure hunt! Remember to check the canned goods aisle first, specifically near other canned meats like tuna and salmon. If it’s not there, explore near soups, in international sections, or ask a store employee for help.
Canned chicken is one of those underrated pantry staples that can save dinner on busy nights. Once you know where to find it, you’ll probably want to keep a few cans on hand for quick, protein-packed meals anytime!
Do you have any tips for finding canned chicken in grocery stores? Or maybe a favorite quick recipe using canned chicken? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Good & Gather
Targets Good & Gather label aims to provide consumers with high-quality products at a more affordable price than name-brand items. The brands canned chicken options are limited to only one variety: premium white chicken chunks in water. The canned chicken is quite inexpensive, with the companys 5-ounce can priced at $1. 29 and 10-ounce size available for $2. 29, which is on par with Walmarts Great Value chicken.
However, the taste exceeds our expectations, especially given the price. Even though the ingredients have things in them that help them last longer, like modified food starch, the taste doesn’t seem fake or overly processed. It would be the star of a quick and easy chicken pasta salad because the chicken was juicy and had a real taste. Plus, you can purchase the product in-store or online. And, like all Good
Tyson Foods is a big name in the poultry world. It offers many different chicken products, from breaded frozen chicken nuggets to whole chickens, and, of course, canned chicken. The latter is available in white meat chicken breast, grilled white meat chicken breast with smoked flavor, and a mix of white and dark meat. We decided to taste the white premium chunk chicken, which contains 19 grams of protein in each 3-ounce serving.
In tasting Tysons white meat chicken breast, we found the lean poultry was well-seasoned, with uniform chunks that are firm, moist, juicy, and have a savory chicken taste. The sodium content was the highest for all brands we tried, with 450 milligrams per serving. The likely reason for the high sodium is the inclusion of chicken broth in its ingredients, which has more sodium than plain water. However, the taste was not overly salty. Tyson ranks in the middle of our roundup for its flavor but not at the top, as the sodium content seems excessive, and the price is higher than comparable options. A 12.5-ounce can cost roughly $4.79.
Hormel has been an innovator and leader in the canned meat industry for over 130 years. The name is synonymous with products like canned ham, chili, and, of course, Spam. However, it may not be the brand that comes to mind when considering canned chicken — even if the company has been producing it for almost as long as it has been canning hams. Like all of Hormels products, canned chicken aligns with the companys goal of providing delicious and nutritious ready-to-eat meat products.
Hormel offers a 98% fat-free premium chicken breast, a no-salt-added chicken breast, and a white and dark meat combination in 5-ounce and 10-ounce tin options. The products are pricey, with a 10-ounce can of premium chicken breast costing $4.44. The ingredient list also includes various additives, like modified food starch, sodium phosphate, and additional flavorings that are not further defined. Some of our higher-ranking brands do not share these additives.
Despite the preservatives, the flavor of Hormels chicken did not taste processed. It had a savory, authentic poultry taste that was juicy and satisfying, which placed the brand in the middle of the ranking.
Costco doesnt offer multiple options for its Kirkland Signature canned white meat chicken. The product is only available in a 12.5-ounce can — and you must buy the 6-count multi-pack. Still, the chicken cost is only $11.99 at our local store, or roughly $2.00 per can, making it one of the best prices considering its size and quality.
The extra lean white meat chicken breast is packed in water, which, once drained, equates to about 7 ounces of actual chicken. This is on par with other brands like Tyson and Hormel. The product includes sodium phosphate and modified food starch, in addition to chicken breast meat, chicken broth, water, and salt. Still, the flavor of Kirkland Signatures chicken is one of the best we tried. Unlike other private-label brands like Trader Joes and Great Value, we found that this tin had large, uniform chunks of poultry. The chicken was moist, with a meaty texture and appropriate salt content to add flavor to it.
Even though you have to be a member to purchase this product, and there is only one variety of canned chicken available, we give Kirkland Signature a high position on our list. The products quality, flavor, and great price are a win-win-win.