
Costco Canned Chicken Recipes For Busy Moms To Simplify Family Dinners
As busy moms, finding time to prepare nutritious and delicious meals for our families can often feel overwhelming. Thankfully, Costco’s canned chicken is a fantastic solution. It’s convenient, versatile, and packed with protein, making it perfect for quick dinners. In this article, we will explore several easy and delicious recipes using Costco canned chicken that will simplify your family dinners while keeping everyone happy.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why Choose Canned Chicken?
Canned chicken is a fantastic pantry staple for busy families. It is already cooked, which means it can save you precious time in the kitchen. Additionally, it’s a great source of lean protein, making it perfect for healthy meals. Plus, Costco’s canned chicken is both affordable and available in bulk, which is ideal for large families.
Costco Canned Chicken Recipes
1. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) Costco canned chicken, drained
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
2. BBQ Chicken Sliders
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) Costco canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 slider buns
- 1/2 cup coleslaw (optional)
- Pickles for topping (optional)
- In a medium saucepan, combine the drained canned chicken and BBQ sauce over medium heat.
- Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- While the chicken is heating, split the slider buns in half and toast them lightly.
- Assemble the sliders by placing a generous amount of the BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add coleslaw and pickles if desired, then top with the other half of the bun.
3. Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) Costco canned chicken, drained
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 4 large tortillas
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a large bowl, mix the drained canned chicken with Caesar dressing until well coated.
- Lay out the tortillas and evenly distribute the romaine lettuce over each one.
- Add the chicken mixture on top of the lettuce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Wrap the tortillas tightly and slice in half to serve.
4. One-Pan Chicken Quesadillas
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) Costco canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, salsa, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half with cheese, and add a portion of the chicken mixture.
- Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
5. Chicken Pasta Primavera
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) Costco canned chicken, drained
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mixed vegetables and sauté until tender.
- Add the drained canned chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until heated through.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve warm.
Tips for Using Canned Chicken
When using canned chicken, always remember to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your dishes. You can also enhance the flavor by adding herbs and spices to suit your family’s preferences. Additionally, canned chicken can be stored in your pantry for a long time, making it a reliable ingredient for those busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked and shredded fresh chicken if you prefer, but canned chicken is recommended for its convenience and quick preparation time.
How long can I store canned chicken?
Canned chicken can last for several years if stored in a cool, dry place. Always check the expiration date on the can for the best quality.
Are canned chicken recipes healthy?
Yes, canned chicken is a lean protein option and can be part of a healthy diet when paired with nutritious ingredients like vegetables and whole grains.
What are some other meals I can make with canned chicken?
Besides the recipes mentioned, you can also make chicken tacos, chicken soup, or even a chicken pot pie using canned chicken.
Conclusion
Costco canned chicken is a fantastic pantry staple for busy moms looking to simplify family dinners. These recipes are not only quick to prepare but also delicious, ensuring that your family enjoys wholesome meals without the stress. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a variety of satisfying dishes that everyone will love. Add these recipes to your weekly meal plan and enjoy the ease of cooking with canned chicken!
