Slow Cooker Canned Chicken Recipes For Busy Family Dinners This Week
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare delicious and nutritious meals for your family can feel overwhelming. However, with the magic of a slow cooker and the convenience of canned chicken, you can whip up satisfying dinners even on your busiest days. Canned chicken is not only a time-saver, but it also packs a protein punch and can be used in a variety of recipes. In this article, we will explore several slow cooker canned chicken recipes that are perfect for busy family dinners this week.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Spray it with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it on low heat. Let it cook for about 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, stir in the cooked rice and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Cover again and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
- Once done, serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your easy and comforting meal!
This creamy chicken casserole is not only quick to prepare but also allows for easy adjustments based on your family’s preferences. You can substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with whatever you have on hand, such as peas, corn, or broccoli. Additionally, if you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
More Slow Cooker Canned Chicken Recipes
Now that you have a great base recipe, let’s explore additional ideas that will keep your family excited about dinner time.
1. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
- Coleslaw mix for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the drained canned chicken, BBQ sauce, and diced onions. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours until heated through.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken further with two forks if desired.
- Serve the BBQ chicken on whole wheat hamburger buns and top with coleslaw for added crunch.
This BBQ chicken sandwich recipe is perfect for busy nights. You can serve it with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the canned chicken, taco seasoning, salsa, and diced bell peppers in the slow cooker. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, assemble the tacos by spooning the chicken mixture into corn tortillas.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream if desired.
These slow cooker chicken tacos are a fun and interactive meal for the family. Set up a taco bar with all your favorite toppings for a customizable dinner experience!
3. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) of canned chicken, drained
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine the canned chicken, chicken broth, diced carrots, diced celery, uncooked rice, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until the rice and vegetables are tender.
- Stir well before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
This chicken and rice soup is perfect for chilly evenings. It’s warming, filling, and incredibly easy to make. Serve with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
While canned chicken is convenient, you can use fresh cooked chicken. Just ensure it’s shredded or diced to mimic the texture of canned chicken.
How do I store leftovers from these recipes?
Store leftover meals in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a stovetop pot. Just simmer the ingredients on low heat, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
Are these recipes kid-friendly?
Absolutely! These recipes are designed to be simple and appealing to kids. You can adjust seasonings according to your children’s taste preferences.
With these delicious slow cooker canned chicken recipes, busy family dinners can be stress-free and enjoyable. Whether you are having a casual taco night or a comforting bowl of soup, these meals are sure to please the whole family. Enjoy your week of easy dinners!
