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Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

Canned Chicken Recipes

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Pin split image with text showing different recipes using canned chicken.

Canned chicken recipes are excellent when you're looking to save time in the kitchen but still want to serve a tasty home-cooked dinner. It's a pantry staple in my house because canned chicken is already cooked and great for crafting meals with little prep time. From taquitos and tacos to casseroles and pot pies, you will surely find a dish on this list that everyone will love!

See my quick chicken recipes and crockpot chicken recipes for more chicken dinners (with or without canned chicken).

Square split image showing different recipes using canned chicken.
Jump to:
  • 1. Chicken Taquitos
  • 2. Chicken Salad With Grapes
  • 3. Chicken Enchiladas With Green Sauce
  • 4. Chicken Bacon Risotto
  • 5. Ritz Chicken Casserole
  • 6. Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • 7. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
  • 8. Shredded Chicken Tacos
  • 9. Chicken Stuffing Casserole
  • 10. Chicken Pot Pie
  • 11. Bisquick Chicken And Dumplings
  • 12. Caldo De Pollo Mexicano
  • 13. Italian Chicken Pastina Soup
  • 14. Creamy Chicken Minnesota Wild Rice Soup
  • 15. Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
  • 16. Chicken Divan Bake
  • 17. Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
  • 💭 Tips For Cooking With Canned Chicken
  • 🐔😋🍗 More Tasty Chicken Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • Best Canned Chicken Recipes To Make: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole + More!
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

A well-stocked pantry is this home cook's best friend and canned chicken deserves a prime spot on your shelves, too. Since it's a versatile ingredient (that's already cooked) it can be added to any dish that calls for shredded, pulled, or chopped chicken.

So say goodbye to lengthy cooking times and hello to the large potential of easy, quick, and delicious chicken dishes that canned chicken opens up. Whether you're in the mood for a delicious casserole or a satisfying soup, my recipe collection has the best canned chicken recipe ideas!

1. Chicken Taquitos

These chicken taquitos are incredibly easy to make and loaded with savory Mexican flavors. Top them off with some guacamole, salsa roja, or pico de Gallo, and you'll have a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy!

Chicken Taquitos
These chicken taquitos are made with corn tortillas rolled around a tasty filling made with seasoned chicken, garlic, and green chiles. The taquitos are fried until perfectly crispy and delicious, then you can add all your favorite Mexican food toppings! You can even make them in advance and freeze them for later for an easy lunch, dinner, or snack at a moment's notice!
Check out this recipe
Wide image showing chicken taquitos.

2. Chicken Salad With Grapes

If you're looking for a quick and delicious chicken salad that you can prepare in minutes, then this is the one for you! All you have to do is mix a handful of ingredients in one bowl, then serve it as is, or use it to make a tasty sandwich!

Chicken Salad with Grapes
This chicken salad with grapes is a quick and tasty meal that is perfect for lunch at home, picnics, or potlucks! Enjoy it by itself, use it to make a sandwich, or eat it as a lettuce wrap! This dish is easy to make, absolutely delicious, and will become your new favorite chicken salad recipe!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of a bowl of chicken salad with grapes.

3. Chicken Enchiladas With Green Sauce

Another great Mexican-inspired dish to make with canned chicken is my chicken enchiladas with green sauce! They're full of tangy flavor and a great alternative for when you want to switch things up from traditional red sauce!

Chicken Enchiladas With Green Sauce
Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you're craving some south of the border flavor! The verde sauce adds a fresh and tangy taste to this classic Mexican comfort food. Not to mention, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken you might have on hand!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of a plate of chicken enchiladas with green sauce, with a side of refried beans and Mexican rice.

4. Chicken Bacon Risotto

This chicken bacon risotto dish adds a fun twist of Southern comfort food to your typical risotto. It's full of indulgent flavor from cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and bacon, so no one will tell if you use canned chicken!

Chicken Bacon Risotto
This chicken bacon risotto is a creamy, flavorful (elevated) comfort food that comes together in less than 40 minutes! It is easier to make than you might think and is definitely worth the small bit of effort! Of course, it is so delicious that everyone will ask for seconds!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of bacon & chicken risotto.

5. Ritz Chicken Casserole

If you're like me, then you love a delicious casserole that you can whip up in a pinch for busy weeknights. This Ritz chicken casserole is made with 7 simple ingredients that are all easy to find at the grocery store!

Ritz Chicken Casserole
This Ritz chicken casserole is an incredibly easy dish loaded with cooked chicken, a creamy mixture, and buttery Ritz cracker topping! It's quick to make for busy weeknights or any family dinner. All you need is 7 simple ingredients and you'll have a hearty meal that the whole family will love!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of Ritz chicken casserole.

6. Buffalo Chicken Dip

This homemade buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate easy appetizer to bring to your next potluck or family gathering! All you have to do is drain and warm your canned chicken, heat the other ingredients, then stir to combine.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip
This slow cooker buffalo ranch chicken dip is a rich and creamy appetizer with all the flavor you expect from your favorite hot wings! This dip is made with chunks of canned chicken, cream cheese, ranch, buffalo sauce (or hot pepper sauce), and lots of cheddar cheese, so this dip is both easy and affordable! It's the perfect thing to bring to your next tailgate, potluck, or holiday party.
Check out this recipe
Square image of buffalo chicken dip in a black bowl with celery.

7. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This chicken broccoli rice casserole is an all-in-one meal that's ready on the table in just an hour! Each bite is loaded with cheesy, creamy goodness that is sure to satisfy anyone who tries it.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (Super Cheesy Family Favorite Dinner!)
My chicken broccoli rice casserole is an easy dish loaded with creamy chicken sauce, tender chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese flavors! All of the tasty ingredients are layered into a single casserole dish for an extra simple meal! It's a long-time family favorite casserole that works wonderfully for feeding a hungry crowd any night of the week!
Check out this recipe
Square image of a tasty cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole served on white plate.

8. Shredded Chicken Tacos

If you have canned chicken on hand, you can easily prepare some delicious chicken tacos for family taco night! Simply toss it with my chicken taco seasoning, salsa, onions, and garlic, then add your favorite taco toppings on top!

Shredded Chicken Tacos
Savory shredded chicken tacos are an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will have fun making and eating together! Chicken is cooked until fall-apart tender and coated with tasty chicken taco seasoning and tangy salsa roja, then it’s ready to serve with your favorite toppings!
Check out this recipe
Square image of shredded chicken tacos.

>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<

9. Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Chicken stuffing casserole is a flavorful combination of shredded chicken, veggies, stuffing, and creamy sauce! It's super filling and perfect for serving on cold days when you want a warm and comforting meal.

Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Chicken stuffing casserole combines tender shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, creamy sauce, and flavorful stuffing! Since this recipe is so easy to make, you can easily enjoy it any time of the year (no need to wait for the holidays)! It's a perfect quick family meal for weeknight dinners that everyone will love!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of the plated chicken stuffing casserole with glass baking dish in background.

10. Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is another comforting chicken dinner to prepare with canned chicken! This recipe features an incredibly creamy chicken pot pie filling that's covered with a perfectly golden, flaky crust, all made from scratch!

Chicken Pot Pie
This chicken pot pie recipe makes these perfect single-serving individual double-crust pot pies or a standard 9-inch chicken pot pie! The delicious chicken pot pie filling is topped with a beautifully golden, flaky crust that is so much better than store-bought. It's true comfort food that your whole family will love!
Check out this recipe
Individual pot pies in ramekins, collection of three pot pies ready to eat.

11. Bisquick Chicken And Dumplings

If you've never made chicken and dumplings before, you're in for a real treat with this super simple recipe! It only requires 10 minutes of prep time and is packed with extra flavor from fresh herbs and sauteed vegetables.

Bisquick™ Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Bisquick chicken and dumplings are perfect for when you need good old-fashioned comfort food in a flash! Tender, juicy chicken in a deliciously warm and hearty broth with fluffy biscuit dumplings- what's not to love? Plus, it only takes 10 minutes of prep work!
Check out this recipe
Hearty Bisquick chicken and dumplings served in white soup bowl.

12. Caldo De Pollo Mexicano

This Mexican chicken soup recipe is a true comfort food with chopped chicken, tender vegetables, and chicken bouillon. Don't worry. It's not very spicy (especially if you skip the jalapeno), so even your kids would enjoy this soup!

Mexican Chicken Soup (Caldo de Pollo Mexicano)
This tasty Mexican chicken soup (caldo de pollo) is a flavorful comfort food chicken soup with chicken, vegetables, peppers, and cilantro. Add avocado and lime when serving for a hearty, delicious, South-of-the-border version of homemade chicken soup that you will love.
Check out this recipe
Square image of a white bowl of caldo de pollo Mexicano.

13. Italian Chicken Pastina Soup

Whenever you're feeling under the weather, this Italian chicken pastina soup is a wonderful way to rehydrate, as it's a broth-based soup with many nutrients! It's traditionally served during the cold winter months but can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Italian Chicken Pastina Soup
This chicken pastina soup is a soul-warming, homemade soup that's as delicious as any traditional chicken noodle soup! The fine pasta combines perfectly with rich broth, tender chicken, and vegetables! It's the perfect dish to make when you are craving Italian flavors or a hearty meal!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing Italian chicken pastina soup.

14. Creamy Chicken Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

This amazingly tasty soup features Minnesota wild rice, cooked chicken, onion, celery, carrots, heavy cream, chicken stock, and fresh herbs! It's the perfect dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors will taste even better the next day.

Creamy Chicken Minnesota Wild Rice Soup
My creamy chicken Minnesota wild rice soup is a rich and hearty chicken soup made with Minnesota wild rice, vegetables, and cream! This native rice has a delectable texture and flavor that is truly unique and so tasty when prepared correctly! Best of all, it's a delicious and satisfying dinner ready to eat in just 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Creamy chicken minnesota wild rice soup in white soup bowl with spoon dipped into the bowl.

15. Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken tater tot casserole is a quick and easy freezer-friendly meal that's practically effortless to make! It's prepared with common ingredients that you mostly like already have and is ready to serve in just 35 minutes!

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Chicken tater tot casserole is a comfort food favorite that combines crispy tater tots, chicken, and creamy sauce in one easy-to-make dish. It's perfect for busy weeknights, as it can be prepared ahead of time and baked in the oven when ready to eat (or freeze it for later!) With how simple and delicious it is, it's sure to become a new go-to recipe!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of chicken tater tot casserole.

16. Chicken Divan Bake

Chicken Divan casserole is another delicious main course dish to make on hectic nights! A mixture of chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, white rice, broccoli, milk, and cheese is topped with Panko breadcrumbs and then baked to golden perfection!

Chicken Divan Bake
This quick and easy Chicken Divan Casserole can be put together with leftovers and thrown in the oven, yet it is such an amazing comfort food recipe! Pull apart a rotisserie chicken or pan fry some chicken meat for a delicious, classic family meal!
Check out this recipe
Square image of a serving of chicken divan casserole.

>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<

17. Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie

This easy recipe combines the traditional flavors of chicken pot pie with homemade cream biscuits to make an incredibly tasty casserole! The best part is that it's a one-dish meal, so you don't have to spend extra time making sides to go with.

Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
This biscuit chicken pot pie is an incredibly hearty casserole that makes a fabulous family dinner any day of the week! It combines tender pieces of chicken in classic pot pie filling with homemade cream biscuits! My biscuit-topped version of the well-loved comfort food is an easy dinner that never disappoints!
Check out this recipe
Overhead of biscuit chicken pot pie in casserole dish.

💭 Tips For Cooking With Canned Chicken

After you've chosen which of my recipes you want to try, it's time to prepare your canned chicken! It's incredibly easy to work with, but here are a few of my top tips I'd like you to keep in mind.

  1. Drain and shred: I always thoroughly drain the meat because it comes packed in water or broth. Then I quickly shred the chicken with a fork before using it in any recipe.
  2. Season as desired: Canned chicken is already cooked and seasoned to some extent, but it has a very mild flavor. So, it is fine to use your favorite herbs and spices, but I would go lightly on the sodium because it is already salted.
  3. Quick protein: Quick dishes like salads, casseroles, sandwiches, wraps, and pasta are the perfect place to swap out leftover cooked chicken for canned chicken.
  4. Check the can: Although canned chicken has a long shelf-life, I always check the expiration date before use. I never use canned chicken that has any sign of rust, dents, or leakage because that can be an entryway for bacteria.

Now that you have many delicious recipe ideas using canned chicken, you can keep your pantry stocked for busy days! Make sure to leave a comment down below if you try any of them out!

🐔😋🍗 More Tasty Chicken Recipes

  • Pineapple Chicken - A delicious stir-fry that combines chicken thighs, pineapple, and veggies in a sweet and sour sauce!
  • Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole - An easy family dinner with all of the traditional flavors of enchiladas!
  • Million Dollar Chicken Casserole - A rich and satisfying chicken dinner that the whole family will love!
  • Baked Panko Chicken - An incredibly flavorful and healthier alternative to fried chicken!
  • Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs - This recipe is the easiest way to prepare juicy chicken thighs with just 4 ingredients!
  • Honey Sesame Chicken - A crowd-favorite takeout dish that rivals any of your favorite restaurants!

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5 from 11 reviews

Best Canned Chicken Recipes To Make: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole + More!

Canned chicken recipes are excellent when you're looking to save time in the kitchen but still want to serve a tasty home-cooked dinner. It's a pantry staple in my house because canned chicken is already cooked and great for crafting meals with little prep time. From taquitos and tacos to casseroles and pot pies, you will surely find a dish on this list that everyone will love!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 328kcal
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cooking 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 35 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 21 oz cream of chicken condensed soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter (melted)
  • 1 splash Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 3-4 cups chicken (cooked and cubed)
  • 12-16 oz peas and carrots (thawed from frozen)
  • 1½-2 cups cheddar cheese (grated, divided, or colby jack)
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish (or a large 3.5 to 3.75-quart casserole dish).
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix together 21 oz cream of chicken condensed soup, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup butter, ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and the optional 1 splash Worcestershire sauce. Once combined, stir in 3-4 cups chicken, 12-16 oz peas and carrots, and 1 cup out of the 1½-2 cups cheddar cheese.
  • Pour the mixture into the baking dish and top it with 32 oz frozen tater tots.
  • Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbling. Then, top each casserole with ½ cup of cheese and bake for 5 minutes longer, or until the cheese has melted.
  • Remove the casseroles from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • This recipe will yield one 9x13 casserole which is 12 servings. 
  • Alternatively, you can make 2 8-inch casseroles that are 6 servings each. You can bake them both or freeze one for later! Or, you can cut the recipe in half to only make one 8x8 casserole. 
  • You can use any cooked chicken (even leftovers) that you may have! For an extra simple dish, I like to pick up some rotisserie chicken from the store or use canned chicken for a super budget-friendly meal.
  • To store: Keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
  • To reheat: Reheat small portions in the microwave or large portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil that has been spritzed with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking.
  • To freeze: You can prepare your casserole completely, but instead of baking it go ahead and cover it and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • To bake: Do not thaw your casserole. Instead, sprinkle it with ½ cup of cheese, cover it with foil spritzed with nonstick cooking spray, and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1½ hours. Take the foil off for the last 20 minutes to allow the tater tots to crisp up. 

Nutrition

Calories: 328kcal (16%) | Carbohydrates: 27g (9%) | Protein: 10g (20%) | Fat: 21g (32%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 40mg (13%) | Sodium: 897mg (39%) | Potassium: 331mg (9%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 3081IU (62%) | Vitamin C: 9mg (11%) | Calcium: 141mg (14%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Casseroles, Dinner Recipes, Entrees, Main Dish
Cuisine American

Originally published July 29, 2023
Updated April 29, 2024, fixed grammar and formatting

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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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