10 Canned Chicken Recipes

Canned chicken can be a real time-saver when you need something quick without sacrificing flavor. It’s already cooked, so you can easily add it to whatever you’re making without much prep.

Whether you’re low on groceries or just want to keep things simple, it’s a smart ingredient to have on hand. If you want to know some ways to use canned chicken, you’ll find many ideas.

Most of these recipes list canned chicken in the ingredients, while others call for cooked or shredded chicken and mention that canned works as a simple swap. If you’re using canned chicken, just keep an eye on the total amount so everything stays balanced.

1. Chicken Macaroni Pasta Salad

Overhead shot of chicken macaroni salad with mayonnaise dressing in a glass bowl. — Photo Credit: On My Kids Plate

This macaroni pasta salad adds chopped chicken to turn a familiar side into something more filling. It can be prepared ahead of time and works well for potlucks or family gatherings.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Macaroni Pasta Salad

2. Cranberry Chicken Salad

Croissant sandwich filled with chicken salad, celery, pecans, and cranberries on a white plate. — Photo Credit: Recipes From A Pantry

This chicken salad combines dried cranberries, pecans, chicken, and a creamy dressing. It works well for entertaining or for packing ahead for weekday lunches.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

3. Chicken Curry Casserole

Bowl of chicken, rice, and broccoli casserole with a yellow sauce and melted cheese. — Photo Credit: Saving Talents

This casserole combines chicken, broccoli, rice, and curry into a comforting dinner. It can be prepped ahead and frozen or baked right away when dinner needs to be easy.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry Casserole

4. Angel Hair Pasta

Overhead view of angel hair pasta salad with chicken, tomatoes, and olives in a metal bowl. — Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon

This angel hair pasta with canned chicken comes together in about 15 minutes tomatoes and green olives. Canned ingredients help cut down prep while still adding protein and vegetables to the meal.

Get the Recipe: Angel Hair Pasta

5. Chinese Chicken Salad

Overhead view of Chinese chicken salad with cabbage, carrots, and sesame seeds in a bowl. — Photo Credit: Recipes From A Pantry

This salad features grilled chicken, vegetables, and rice noodles tossed with a quick Asian salad dressing. It comes together in under 10 minutes and works well for busy weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

6. 3-Ingredient Chicken Salad

Chicken salad sandwich with tomato and lettuce on whole wheat bread, wrapped in paper. — Photo Credit: Babaganosh

This chicken salad uses just three pantry ingredients and works well on sandwiches or crackers. It’s a great way to use up canned chicken you have on hand.

Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Chicken Salad

7. Chicken Enchiladas

Slice of cheesy chicken enchilada casserole served with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. — Photo Credit: Saving Talents

These chicken enchiladas are coated in a creamy homemade cheese sauce with a light kick from chili peppers. They work well for family dinners and can also be doubled and frozen for another night.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

8. Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Bowl of taco soup with tortilla chips, cilantro, lime, and a spoon. — Photo Credit: Mandi of the Mountains

This chicken taco soup uses eight canned ingredients and skips all chopping. Everything goes into the slow cooker for an easy hands-off meal that can be topped as desired.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup