Canned chicken is a versatile pantry staple that can be used in a variety of dishes and recipes. It provides an easy way to add protein to meals without having to cook fresh chicken. There are many reasons to keep canned chicken on hand and numerous ways to use it.
What is Canned Chicken?
Canned chicken is simply cooked chicken that has been processed and sealed in a can. The chicken is pre-cooked so it can be used right out of the can without additional cooking. The cooking process helps preserve and sterilize the chicken so it has a long shelf life of 1-2 years when unopened. Popular varieties of canned chicken include:
- Chunk chicken – chunks or strips of chicken breast or thigh meat
- Shredded chicken – shredded pieces of chicken meat from various cuts like breast and thigh
- Ground or minced chicken – finely chopped chicken meat
Canned chicken is typically made from boneless, skinless chicken breast and thigh meat. It may contain different seasonings or be packed in broth or water. Low sodium and organic options are also available for most varieties.
Benefits of Canned Chicken
There are many reasons why canned chicken can be a useful staple to have in your pantry:
- Convenience – Canned chicken is fully cooked and ready to eat or heat up right from the can. This saves a lot of time compared to cooking raw chicken.
- Long shelf life – Unopened cans of chicken can be stored for 1-2 years. Once opened it will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Budget-friendly – Canned chicken tends to be significantly cheaper per pound compared to fresh chicken.
- Versatile – Shredded, chunk, or ground canned chicken can be used in recipes in place of various types of chicken.
- Portable – The canned format makes chicken easy to pack for lunches, picnics, camping trips, and other on-the-go situations.
- Emergency food supply – Canned chicken has a long shelf life so it’s great for emergency food stocks and survival kits.
How to Use Canned Chicken
Canned chicken can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Here are some of the most popular ways to use it:
Salads
Canned chicken is a quick protein addition for salads. Simply drain the chicken then mix it into greens, grain bowls, pasta salads, and more. Try adding it to:
- Caesar salad
- Taco salad
- Chicken ranch pasta salad
- Waldorf salad
Sandwiches and Wraps
Chunk or shredded canned chicken can be used to make chicken sandwiches and wraps. For example:
- Chicken salad sandwiches
- Barbecue pulled chicken sandwiches
- Chicken Caesar wraps
- Buffalo chicken wraps
Soups and Chilis
Add canned chicken to soups and chilis for extra protein. It can be substituted in any recipe that calls for cooked chicken such as:
- Chicken noodle soup
- Chicken tortilla soup
- Chicken and rice soup
- White chicken chili
- Chicken corn chowder
Casseroles and Bakes
Mix canned chicken into tasty casserole recipes like:
- Chicken enchilada casserole
- Chicken pot pie
- Chicken divan
- Chicken and rice casserole
- Chicken parmesan
Curries, Stir Frys, and Skillets
Chunk or shredded canned chicken can quickly amp up curry, stir fry, and skillet dishes such as:
- Thai chicken curry
- Chicken fried rice
- Chicken fajita skillet
- Chicken cacciatore
Pastas and Pizzas
Ground or shredded chicken is perfect for mixing into sauces and baking dishes like:
- Chicken Alfredo
- Chicken parmesan pasta bake
- Chicken pizza
- Chicken lasagna
Snacks and Appetizers
Spice up snacks and appetizers with canned chicken. Ideas include:
- Chicken quesadillas
- Chicken nachos
- Chicken salad lettuce wraps
- Chicken sliders
- Chicken dip with crackers
Other Main Dishes
Canned chicken can be the basis for all kinds of easy main dish recipes such as:
- Chicken pot pie
- Chicken patties or nuggets
- Chicken tacos
- Chicken stir fry with rice
Tips for Cooking with Canned Chicken
Here are some tips for getting the most out of canned chicken:
- Drain and rinse the chicken before using to remove excess salt, fat, and liquid.
- Use paper towels to blot shredded chicken to absorb extra moisture.
- Saute, bake, or stir-fry drained chicken pieces to enhance flavor and texture before adding to recipes.
- Add seasonings and extra flavor as desired. Canned chicken tends to have a mild flavor profile.
- Use broth or sauce to add moisture when incorporating into drier dishes.
- Don’t overcook already pre-cooked canned chicken to avoid dry, rubbery texture.
Canned Chicken Nutrition
Canned chicken provides protein, vitamins, and minerals. A 3 ounce serving of canned chicken typically provides:
- 120-140 calories
- 22-25g protein
- 2-4g fat
- Minerals like iron, potassium, magnesium
- B vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6
It’s lower in calories and fat compared to many meats because the skin and visible fat are removed. Choose canned chicken packed in water rather than broth to further reduce the fat and calorie content.
Pricing of Canned Chicken
Canned chicken is generally priced very affordably, especially when purchased in bulk or on sale. Here are some average price points:
- 12.5 ounce can of chunk chicken – $1.50 to $3
- 12.5 ounce can of shredded chicken – $1.50 to $3
- 5 ounce can of chicken breast – $1 to $2.50
- 12.5 ounce can of ground chicken – $2 to $3.50
Buying larger multi-packs or stocking up when it’s on sale can bring down the per can cost. Store brands also tend to be cheaper than national brands.
Popular Brands of Canned Chicken
Some of the top brands for canned chicken include:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Kirkland | Chunk and shredded chicken options, sold at Costco |
| Tyson | Chunk, shredded, and ground chicken varieties |
| Swanson | Chunk, shredded, ground chicken, premium white chicken |
| Hormel | Chunk chicken breast, chicken breast strips, ground chicken |
| Applegate | Organic and natural chicken options |
How Long Does Canned Chicken Last?
Properly stored unopened canned chicken has a very long shelf life. Here are some general guidelines for how long it lasts:
- Unopened – 1 to 2 years past the sell by date printed on the can.
- After opening – 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- After cooking – 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- In the freezer – 2 to 3 months.
Make sure to store unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Keep opened chicken tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Look for any signs of spoilage like off odors, color changes, or texture changes before consuming.
Can Canned Chicken Be Frozen?
Yes, canned chicken can safely be frozen for longer term storage. To freeze:
- Transfer contents of the can to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- Label with the name and date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen canned chicken overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on the microwave. Use thawed chicken within 3-4 days.
Is Canned Chicken Healthy?
Canned chicken can be a healthy option as part of balanced diet. Benefits include:
- High in protein needed for muscle growth and function.
- Lower in fat and calories compared to many meats when packed in water.
- Free of skin, a major source of saturated fat in chicken.
- Source of minerals like potassium, iron, magnesium.
- Source of B vitamins including niacin, B6, B12.
Potential downsides to watch for:
- Higher in sodium compared to fresh chicken.
- May contain preservatives like nitrites or sulfites.
- Lower moisture content compared to fresh cooked chicken.
Overall, canned chicken can be a healthy choice when prepared with minimal processing and added sodium. Rinsing before use and choosing low sodium options helps enhance the nutrition profile.
Common Questions about Canned Chicken
Is canned chicken fully cooked?
Yes, canned chicken is pre-cooked during the canning process to an internal temperature high enough to destroy bacteria and pathogens. It can be eaten right out of the can without additional cooking.
Does canned chicken need to be refrigerated after opening?
Canned chicken should be refrigerated after opening to maximize its shelf life. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days after opening.
Can you eat canned chicken past the expiration date?
It’s not recommended to eat canned chicken more than 2 years past its printed best by/sell by date, even if unopened. Quality and safety start to decline after this time. Use your best judgment checking for any signs of spoilage.
Is rinsing canned chicken necessary?
It’s recommended to rinse canned chicken to remove any excess sodium, fat, or liquid from the canning process. Rinsing helps improve flavor and texture.
Can you substitute canned chicken for cooked chicken in recipes?
In most cases you can substitute an equal amount of drained canned chicken for cooked chicken called for in recipes. Adjust seasonings since canned chicken tends to have a milder flavor.
What’s the difference between canned chicken and tuna?
The main differences are:
- Chicken has a milder flavor than tuna’s distinct fishy taste.
- Chicken has a stringier, drier texture compared to tuna’s tender flakiness.
- Chicken is lower in healthy omega-3s than tuna.
- Chicken costs slightly less on average than canned tuna.
Both make healthy, convenient protein sources.
Conclusion
Canned chicken is an extremely versatile pantry staple that can be used in many quick and easy dishes. It provides a budget-friendly source of lean protein. With a long shelf life, canned chicken is perfect for whipping up fast recipes and meals on the go. Keep your pantry stocked with canned chicken to round out salads, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and more with a nutritional and protein punch.