Crockpot Recipes With Canned Chicken For Affordable Weeknight Dinners
Weeknight dinners can often feel like a chore, especially after a long day at work. However, with a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can whip up delicious meals without breaking the bank. Canned chicken is a versatile and affordable option that can save you time and effort in the kitchen. Here, we’ll explore some fantastic crockpot recipes using canned chicken that will keep your weeknight dinners exciting and budget-friendly.
Recipe Overview
In this section, we’ll provide a quick glance at the basic information for these recipes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Why Use Canned Chicken?
Canned chicken is a convenient ingredient that allows you to prepare meals quickly. It is already cooked, which means you can skip the lengthy preparation and cooking times. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Additionally, canned chicken is affordable and has a long shelf life, making it a great pantry staple.
Recipe Ideas
1. Canned Chicken Enchiladas
This easy recipe transforms canned chicken into a delicious Mexican-inspired meal. Serve it with salsa and sour cream for a complete dinner.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the canned chicken, 1 cup of cheese, black beans, corn, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Lay a tortilla flat and add about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture. Roll it up and place it seam-side down in the crockpot.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas, lining them up in the crockpot.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with remaining cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until heated through and cheese is melted.
2. Creamy Chicken and Rice
This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and requires minimal effort.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In the crockpot, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the canned chicken and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.
3. BBQ Chicken Sliders
These BBQ chicken sliders are a hit at any gathering and make for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (if making coleslaw)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In the crockpot, mix the canned chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours or until heated through.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the coleslaw by mixing the coleslaw mix with apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the BBQ chicken on slider buns topped with coleslaw.
4. Chicken and Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup is packed with nutrients and is perfect for a healthy dinner option.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In the crockpot, combine chicken broth, mixed vegetables, potatoes, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add the canned chicken and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the vegetables are tender.
Tips for Cooking with Canned Chicken
When using canned chicken, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always drain the canned chicken well before adding it to your recipes to avoid excess liquid, which can make dishes watery.
- Feel free to customize these recipes by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
- For a healthier option, opt for canned chicken that is packed in water or broth instead of oil.
- Experiment with different sauces and seasonings to create unique flavors in each dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked chicken in these recipes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly since fresh chicken will take longer to cook.
2. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before consuming.
3. Can I freeze these dishes?
Yes, many of these recipes freeze well. Allow the dishes to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
4. What can I serve with these meals?
These meals are versatile and can be paired with a side salad, cornbread, or rice. Feel free to mix and match sides based on your preferences.
Conclusion
Cooking affordable weeknight dinners doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With canned chicken and a crockpot, you can create delicious meals that your family will love. Try out these recipes and enjoy the ease of preparing dinner with minimal effort. Happy cooking!
