Kid Friendly Recipes For Canned Chicken That Make Family Dinner A Breeze
Life can get hectic, especially when you have kids. Between school, extracurricular activities, and everything in between, preparing a delicious family dinner can feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, canned chicken is a versatile ingredient that can save you time and effort while still delivering tasty meals that your kids will love. In this article, we will explore several kid-friendly recipes using canned chicken that can help make your family dinners a breeze.
Recipe 1: Cheesy Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 small taco shells
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, combine the drained canned chicken and taco seasoning. Stir until well mixed and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and combined.
- Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
- Assemble the tacos by adding the cheesy chicken mixture to each shell.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Recipe 2: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) 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 mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 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, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe 3: BBQ Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slider buns
- 1 cup coleslaw
- 1/2 cup pickles (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the drained canned chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the chicken is heating, slice the slider buns in half and place them on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun.
- Add a generous scoop of coleslaw on top of the chicken.
- Top with pickles if desired, then place the top half of the bun over the coleslaw.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe 4: Chicken Quesadillas
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Guacamole and sour cream for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and spoon half of the chicken mixture onto one half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with guacamole and sour cream.
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked and shredded fresh chicken. However, canned chicken offers convenience and a longer shelf-life, making it perfect for quick meals.
2. How long can I store leftover canned chicken meals?
Leftover meals made with canned chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container.
3. Are these recipes customizable?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, spices, or sauces to suit your family’s taste preferences.
4. Can I freeze meals made with canned chicken?
Yes, most of these meals can be frozen. Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
In conclusion, canned chicken is a lifesaver for busy families. These kid-friendly recipes are quick to prepare and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From cheesy tacos to BBQ sliders, these meals make family dinner a breeze. So, stock your pantry with canned chicken and get ready to whip up some delicious meals that everyone will love.
