Recipe Canned Chicken Meal Prep Ideas For Busy Families On The Go

In today’s fast-paced world, meal prepping can be a game changer for busy families. With hectic schedules, it can be challenging to find time to cook healthy meals every day. Canned chicken is a fantastic solution for quick, nutritious, and delicious meals. Not only is it convenient, but it also has a long shelf life and can be used in a plethora of recipes. In this article, we’ll explore several canned chicken meal prep ideas that are perfect for families on the go.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 whole wheat tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Drain the canned chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the cooked quinoa, diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley to the bowl.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
4. Toss everything together until well combined, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated.
5. Divide the mixture into four meal prep containers. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.
6. For a quick lunch or dinner option, you can wrap the mixture in whole wheat tortillas. This adds a delightful crunch and makes it easy to eat on the go.
7. Seal the meal prep containers and store them in the refrigerator. These meals can last for about 4-5 days.

Additional Canned Chicken Meal Prep Ideas

Now that we have our base recipe, let’s explore a few more meal prep ideas using canned chicken that are perfect for busy families.

1. Canned Chicken Salad

This refreshing chicken salad can be prepared in just a few minutes and served on its own or as a sandwich filling.

• 2 cans of canned chicken, drained
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup grapes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, diced celery, and halved grapes.
2. Mix until well combined and season with salt and pepper.
3. Portion into meal prep containers. Serve over greens or as a sandwich filling.

2. Canned Chicken Tacos

These quick tacos are a hit with kids and adults alike!

• 2 cans of canned chicken, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 8 small taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup salsa

1. In a pan over medium heat, combine the canned chicken and taco seasoning. Stir until heated through.
2. Fill each taco shell with the chicken mixture, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and salsa.
3. Pack in meal prep containers for a quick dinner or lunch option.

3. Canned Chicken Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be made ahead of time.

• 2 cans of canned chicken, drained
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing

1. In a large bowl, combine the canned chicken, cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and black olives.
2. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
3. Divide into meal prep containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips for Successful Meal Prep

Meal prepping can save time and money, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure success:

• Choose recipes that can easily be scaled. This allows you to make larger batches for the week.
• Invest in quality meal prep containers that are microwave and dishwasher safe.
• Label each container with the date and contents to keep track of freshness.
• Involve the whole family in the meal prep process to make it fun and engaging.

FAQs

1. How long does canned chicken last?

Unopened canned chicken can last for several years on the shelf, while opened canned chicken should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days.

2. Can I use frozen chicken instead of canned chicken?

Yes, frozen chicken can be used, but it will require more time to cook and prepare compared to the convenience of canned chicken.

3. What are some other quick meals I can prepare with canned chicken?

You can make chicken stir-fries, chicken casseroles, or even chicken soup using canned chicken. The possibilities are endless!

4. Is canned chicken healthy?

Canned chicken is a healthy source of protein, but it is important to check the label for added sodium or preservatives. Opt for low-sodium options when available.

In conclusion, canned chicken is an excellent ingredient for busy families looking to streamline their meal prep process. With these easy meal prep ideas, you can ensure that your family enjoys nutritious meals without the stress of daily cooking. Happy meal prepping!