Easy Dinners With Canned Chicken Recipes For The Best Weekly Prep
Finding quick and effortless dinner solutions can be a challenge, especially after a long day of work or managing family activities. Canned chicken is a versatile ingredient that can help simplify meal prep for your weekly dinners. With its convenience and shelf stability, you can whip up delicious meals in no time. In this article, we will explore a variety of easy dinners that utilize canned chicken, perfect for a weekly prep.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas or taco shells
- Fresh toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado) for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the drained canned chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the salsa and cooked rice, mixing well to combine.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve the mixture in tortillas or taco shells, topped with your choice of fresh toppings.
Now that we’ve outlined a simple and flavorful canned chicken taco recipe, let’s explore more easy dinners you can prepare with this pantry staple.
1. Creamy Chicken Casserole
This creamy chicken casserole is a comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s hearty and satisfying, and you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) canned chicken, drained
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the canned chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with shredded cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
This creamy chicken casserole is not only simple to prepare, but also makes for great leftovers, making it a perfect candidate for your weekly meal prep.
2. Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Chicken salad sandwiches are a classic and versatile option for lunch or dinner. They are easy to make and can be served on bread, rolls, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) canned chicken, drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bread or rolls for serving
- Lettuce leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the canned chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, and Dijon mustard.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Serve the chicken salad on bread or rolls, garnished with lettuce leaves if desired.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later use.
These chicken salad sandwiches are perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. Feel free to add in other ingredients like grapes, nuts, or herbs for extra flavor.
3. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Transform your canned chicken into a delicious BBQ chicken pizza that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is both fun and quick to make.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) canned chicken, drained
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the pizza crust package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix the drained canned chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the pizza crust.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and top with sliced red onion.
- Bake in the oven for the time specified on the pizza crust package or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Slice and serve hot.
This BBQ chicken pizza is a fun twist on traditional pizza and is great for a casual family night. You can also customize the toppings to fit your taste preferences.
4. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A quick and healthy option, chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a fantastic way to incorporate veggies into your meal. The canned chicken makes the preparation even easier.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) canned chicken, drained
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir in the drained canned chicken and soy sauce, mixing well to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
This chicken and broccoli stir-fry is not only quick to make but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect dinner option for health-conscious families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to your recipes.
How long can I store canned chicken?
Canned chicken can typically be stored for several years if unopened. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 3-4 days.
Are canned chicken recipes healthy?
Canned chicken can be a healthy option depending on how you prepare it. Incorporating vegetables and whole grains can enhance the nutritional value of your meals.
What are some other ways to use canned chicken?
Canned chicken can be used in various dishes such as soups, casseroles, salads, and even pasta dishes. It’s versatile and can fit into many recipes.
With these easy dinners featuring canned chicken, you can streamline your meal prep and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re making tacos, casseroles, or salads, these recipes are sure to become staples in your weekly dinner rotation. Embrace the convenience of canned chicken and elevate your weekday meals!
