Kid Friendly Meals Using Canned Chicken For Easy Family Dinners
Are you looking for quick and easy meal ideas that your kids will love? Canned chicken is a fantastic pantry staple that can save you time in the kitchen while ensuring your family enjoys delicious and nutritious meals. Whether you’re pressed for time after a long day or simply want to whip up something simple yet satisfying, these kid-friendly meals are perfect for busy families. In this article, we will explore a variety of recipes that utilize canned chicken, making dinner a breeze!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 (12.5 oz) cans of chicken, drained
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup of salsa
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
- 1 head of lettuce, shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the drained canned chicken, corn, black beans, salsa, salt, and pepper. Mix well and allow to heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the chicken mixture is heated, remove it from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the tortillas on the bottom. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with shredded lettuce and diced avocado on top.
More Kid-Friendly Canned Chicken Recipes
Now that you have a delicious casserole recipe, let’s explore other easy meal ideas using canned chicken that can win over even the pickiest eaters.
1. Chicken Tacos
Tacos are always a hit at family dinners! Using canned chicken, you can prepare a quick taco filling that your kids will love. Simply mix the chicken with taco seasoning, heat it up, and serve in tortilla shells with your choice of toppings.
Ingredients for Chicken Tacos
- 2 (12.5 oz) cans of chicken, drained
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the drained canned chicken and taco seasoning over medium heat. Stir until heated through.
- Warm the taco shells according to the package instructions.
- Assemble the tacos by filling each shell with the chicken mixture and topping with lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
2. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
For a healthy twist, try making chicken salad lettuce wraps. This meal is refreshing and easy to prepare, making it perfect for warm days.
Ingredients for Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
- 2 (12.5 oz) cans of chicken, drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head of iceberg or romaine lettuce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the canned chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced apples, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Carefully separate the lettuce leaves to create wraps.
- Fill each lettuce leaf with the chicken salad mixture and enjoy!
3. Creamy Chicken Pasta
Pasta dishes are always a family favorite. This creamy chicken pasta can be prepared in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pasta
- 2 (12.5 oz) cans of chicken, drained
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (penne or rotini work great)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese over medium heat. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the drained canned chicken and peas to the sauce, stirring until heated through.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked shredded chicken from frozen, but it will require additional cooking time to ensure it’s heated through. Canned chicken is a great time-saver as it is already cooked.
2. How long can I store leftover canned chicken meals?
Leftover meals can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
3. Are these meals suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Many of these recipes can be made in advance and stored for quick dinners throughout the week. Just ensure to store them properly to maintain freshness.
4. Can I substitute other proteins for canned chicken?
Yes, you can substitute canned tuna or cooked ground turkey if you prefer. Just adjust the seasoning according to the protein you choose.
In conclusion, canned chicken is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can simplify meal prep while providing tasty and nutritious options for your family. With these kid-friendly meals, you can ensure that dinner is not only easy to prepare but also enjoyable for everyone at the table. Try out these recipes and let your family indulge in the flavors of quick and delicious dinners!
