Easy Dinner Canned Chicken Recipes For Busy Moms Family Meals
As a busy mom, finding time to prepare a healthy and delicious dinner can often feel like a daunting task. Enter canned chicken—an incredible time-saver that can help you whip up tasty family meals with minimal effort. With a few pantry staples and a can of chicken, you can create satisfying dinners that everyone will love. This article will explore various easy dinner recipes featuring canned chicken, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes until heated through.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
- 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 before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
This easy casserole is just one of the many ways you can use canned chicken to create quick and nutritious meals. The versatility of canned chicken makes it an ideal ingredient for busy families. Here are a few more easy dinner recipes using canned chicken that you can try.
1. Canned Chicken Tacos
Tacos are always a hit with the family, and using canned chicken makes this meal a breeze. Simply combine canned chicken with taco seasoning, warm some tortillas, and fill them with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup of shredded lettuce
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- Slices of avocado (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, combine the drained canned chicken with taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave until pliable.
- To assemble the tacos, place a portion of the chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese on top.
- Finish with a dollop of sour cream and avocado slices if desired.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
This taco recipe is not only quick but also allows each family member to customize their own taco, making it a fun dinner option!
2. Canned Chicken Salad
A refreshing canned chicken salad is perfect for those warm evenings when you want something light yet filling. This salad is nutritious and can be served on a bed of greens or as a sandwich filling.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup of diced celery
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens for serving
- Whole grain bread or wraps for sandwiches (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
- Add diced celery and chopped green onions, mixing until well incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens or as a filling in whole grain bread or wraps.
This canned chicken salad is a quick, no-cook option that can be prepared in just minutes, perfect for a busy day.
3. Canned Chicken Pasta
Pasta dishes are always comforting, and this canned chicken pasta can be ready in under thirty minutes. It’s a great way to use pantry staples while still offering a hearty meal.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 8 oz of pasta (any shape)
- 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine the drained canned chicken and marinara sauce over medium heat. Stir in Italian seasoning and cook until heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until well combined.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.
This canned chicken pasta is a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying dinner in no time.
4. Canned Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas are another fantastic way to enjoy canned chicken. They are quick to make and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a hit at the dinner table.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup of diced onions
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced bell peppers and onions, sautéing until softened.
- In a bowl, combine the drained canned chicken with the sautéed vegetables.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half with cheese, and add the chicken mixture on top. Fold the tortilla over and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Serve warm with sour cream and salsa on the side.
These quesadillas are crispy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside. They are perfect for a quick dinner or even a fun family-friendly lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, but using canned chicken is quicker and requires no cooking. Fresh chicken would need to be cooked and shredded before using in these recipes.
How long does canned chicken last?
Canned chicken can last for several years if stored in a cool, dry place. Always check the expiration date on the can.
Is canned chicken healthy?
Canned chicken can be a healthy option as it is a good source of protein. Just be mindful of the sodium content and choose low-sodium options when available.
Can I freeze meals made with canned chicken?
Yes, meals made with canned chicken can be frozen. Be sure to store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
In summary, canned chicken is a versatile ingredient that can make dinner preparation much easier for busy moms. With these easy dinner canned chicken recipes, you can create delicious family meals in no time. Whether you opt for a casserole, tacos, salad, pasta, or quesadillas, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table in a flash. Happy cooking!
