Canned chicken can be a quick, affordable, and convenient source of protein. However, it doesn’t always have the best flavor straight from the can If you’re looking for ways to make canned chicken taste delicious, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we will discuss 12 simple tricks to make canned chicken taste juicy flavorful, and downright tasty. With just a few extra ingredients and techniques, you can transform blah canned chicken into craveable chicken dishes the whole family will love.
Why Choose Canned Chicken?
Canned chicken has a few advantages that make it a staple for many home cooks:
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Convenience – No thawing or cooking required! Canned chicken is ready to eat right from the can. This makes it perfect for quick meals or recipes.
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Affordability – Canned chicken is usually cheaper per ounce compared to fresh chicken. It’s an economical way to add protein to meals.
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Long shelf life – Properly canned chicken can last 2-5 years in the pantry. It’s a handy protein to keep on hand for emergencies or busy nights.
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Pre-cooked – The chicken is fully cooked during the canning process, so no cooking is required to enjoy it.
While fresh chicken often tastes better, canned chicken has a place in many busy home kitchens. Follow these tips to make the most of this handy protein!
12 Simple Ways to Make Canned Chicken Taste Better
Here are 12 easy ideas to improve the flavor of canned chicken:
1. Rinse Before Use
Drain and rinse the chicken under cool water. This removes excess sodium and processed flavors from the canning liquid.
2. Shred With a Fork
Use two forks to shred and break down the chicken into smaller pieces. This gives it a texture closer to cooked chicken.
3. Sauté in Olive Oil
Sautéing the chicken in olive oil browns it slightly and adds flavor. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until lightly browned.
4. Season Generously
Season the chicken boldly with spices like garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc. This masks the canned flavor.
5. Add Acidic Ingredients
A squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar brightens up canned chicken. The acid cuts through processed flavors.
6. Use Flavorful Sauces and Condiments
Coat or marinate chicken in barbecue sauce, teriyaki, pesto, buffalo sauce, etc. The bold flavors dominate.
7. Cook in Soups or Stews
Simmering canned chicken in flavorful broths or sauces allows it to absorb those flavors.
8. Make Chicken Salad
Mix shredded chicken with mayo, celery, onion, herbs, etc. for an easy chicken salad sandwich filling.
9. Add to Quesadillas
Cheese, spices, and quick cooking masks canned flavors. Plus kids love quesadillas!
10. Make Casseroles or Pot Pies
Baking canned chicken in a flavorful cream sauce or gravy gives great results.
11. Use in Stir Fries
Toss small pieces of chicken with fresh veggies and stir fry sauce for a quick meal.
12. Shred for Tacos
Spice up canned chicken with taco seasoning and pile it on tortillas for easy weeknight tacos.
With the right techniques, canned chicken can be deliciously juicy and flavorful. Try some of these options to start making the most of this handy kitchen staple!
3 Easy Canned Chicken Meals
If you need some recipe inspiration, here are 3 quick and tasty meals you can make with canned chicken:
Easy Chicken Quesadillas
Drain and shred chicken. Place in a tortilla with shredded cheese. Cook in a skillet with butter until browned and melted. Top with avocado, salsa, and sour cream.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Whisk together Caesar dressing, lemon juice, garlic, parmesan, and pepper. Toss with canned chicken, lettuce, and croutons.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Mix shredded chicken with mayo, celery, onion, mustard, herbs, etc. Serve on bread, lettuce, or in a pita pocket.
With just a few basic ingredients, you can make tasty canned chicken meals in minutes. No need to wait for chicken to thaw or cook!
FAQs About Canned Chicken
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking with canned chicken:
Is canned chicken healthy?
Yes, it can be part of a healthy diet. It’s a lean, high-protein food. Just watch the sodium content and rinse before use. Avoid added flavors.
How long does canned chicken last?
2-5 years or more if the can remains intact and properly stored. Always check the best by date on the can. Discard if the can is damaged or chicken smells bad.
Is canned chicken fully cooked?
Yes, canned chicken is fully cooked during the canning process to a safe internal temperature. No further cooking is needed, just heating through.
Can I freeze canned chicken?
Yes, you can freeze canned chicken for longer storage. Drain, portion into bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and freeze up to 3-4 months.
What’s the best canned chicken brand?
Kirkland and Swanson are good quality brands. Look for low or no sodium options if you want to control salt content. Avoid added broths or flavorings.
With the right techniques and recipes, canned chicken can be a handy kitchen staple. Try some of these flavor-boosting tips to start making the most of this budget-friendly pantry protein. Your recipes will taste like you cooked the chicken from scratch!
What Else Can I Add To My Quesadilla
- Sometimes I toss the chicken with taco seasoning for extra flavor.
- I like adding canned diced green chiles or jalapenos for heat.
- My favorite ~ pickled jalapenos.
Just fill half of a flour tortilla with shredded cheese and canned chicken, fold the tortilla over and place in a warm skillet with melted butter. You will be quite surprised how good these taste.
Why I Love It
- It’s a quick and easy option for meals, especially when I‘m short on time or ingredients.
- I can use in a variety of recipes, from sandwiches and salads to casseroles and soups, adding protein and flavor.
- Its extended shelf life makes it a reliable pantry staple, ready to use whenever I need it without worrying about spoilage.