How to Eat Canned Chicken Breast: A Guide to Preparing and Enjoying This Versatile Pantry Staple

Canned chicken breast can be a quick, easy, and budget-friendly solution for nutritious meals. While fresh chicken may be ideal canned chicken breast offers convenience without sacrificing too much flavor or nutrition. With the right techniques, canned chicken can be transformed into delicious dishes the whole family will love. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about preparing, cooking and savoring canned chicken breast.

Canned chicken breast consists of pre-cooked chicken breast meat packed in water or broth within an airtight can. The canning process allows the chicken to be shelf-stable for 1-5 years. It provides an economical source of protein that is ready-to-use in recipes. Key benefits of canned chicken breast include:

• Convenience: Canned chicken is fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the can. It can be added directly to recipes without lengthy prep or cooking. This saves significant time and effort in the kitchen.

• Versatility: Canned chicken works well in a wide variety of dishes from casseroles and pasta bakes to sandwiches, salads, and soups. Its pre-cooked, shredded form allows it to easily integrate into any recipe.

• Cost-effectiveness: Canned chicken typically costs less per pound compared to fresh chicken breast. It provides budget-friendly protein while minimizing food waste since only what you need is used.

• Shelf life Unopened cans of chicken breast have a 1-5 year shelf life, perfect for stocking up the pantry for quick meals Once opened, leftover chicken should be used within 4 days

While it may lack the texture and moisture of fresh chicken, with proper preparation canned chicken breast can still make delicious and nutritious meals.

Draining and Rinsing Canned Chicken Breast

Before using canned chicken breast in cooking, it’s important to drain and rinse to remove excess sodium, fat, and liquid. Here are some tips:

• Drain the chicken in a colander to remove the liquid from the can. Discard or save the liquid for other uses like making broth or gravy.

• Rinse the drained chicken under cool running water while breaking it apart with a fork. This removes surface salt and improves flavor.

• Shake the colander or use your hands to squeeze out as much water from the chicken as possible. Removing excess moisture prevents recipes from becoming watery.

• Spread the rinsed chicken out on a paper towel lined plate to soak up any remaining water. Pat it dry with additional paper towels if needed.

• Inspect the chicken and remove any pieces of cartilage, bone, or gristle. This prevents an unpleasant eating experience.

Proper draining and rinsing is key to preventing canned chicken breast from becoming overly salty or watery in recipes.

How to Cook Canned Chicken Breast

While safe to eat straight from the can, cooking canned chicken breast enhances both its flavor and texture. Here are some cooking methods to try:

• Pan frying: Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add drained chicken and cook 3-5 minutes until lightly browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Season with salt, pepper, and desired spices.

• Baking: Arrange chicken pieces on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and starting to brown around the edges. Turn halfway through.

• Sautéing: Sauté rinsed chicken with aromatic veggies like onions, garlic, and peppers until warmed and vegetables are tender. Add sauces or seasonings of choice.

• Simmering in sauce: Add drained chicken to simmering pasta sauce, soup broths, or gravy to warm through and absorb extra flavor. Cook 5-10 minutes.

• Grilling: Toss chicken with oil and seasoning. Grill over direct medium heat for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred.

Cooking enhances both the texture and moisture level of canned chicken. Even 5-10 minutes makes a significant difference compared to using it straight from the can.

Incorporating Canned Chicken into Recipes

Canned chicken breast works wonderfully in all kinds of recipes. Here are some delicious ways to incorporate it:

• Casseroles or bakes: Use in place of raw chicken in casseroles, pasta bakes, or chicken pot pies. The pre-cooked meat eliminates the step of cooking raw chicken.

• Sandwiches and wraps: Shred or dice chicken and mix with mayo, mustard, celery, and seasonings for quick chicken salad sandwiches or lettuce wrap fillings.

• Soups and chilis: Add canned chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking soups or chilis to add protein without overcooking.

• Salads: Toss diced or shredded chicken breast with fresh greens, vegetables, nuts, and a dressing for entree chicken salads.

• Tacos and enchiladas: Mix shredded chicken with taco seasoning and fill tortillas with cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo or sauce for easy Mexican dishes.

• Pizzas and flatbreads: Top pizzas or flatbreads with canned chicken sautéed with barbecue sauce, pesto, or other flavorful toppings.

With so many possibilities, canned chicken breast can liven up dinner plans any night of the week.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor and Texture

Canned chicken breast can sometimes have a less appealing texture and flavor compared to fresh. Here are some tips to optimize both:

• Season chicken liberally with spices, herbs, sauces, and other flavor boosters like garlic, citrus juice, or soy sauce.

• Sauté or grill chicken to add lightly browned, crispy edges that improve texture.

• Combine chicken with crunchy ingredients like peppers, nuts, or breadcrumbs to add contrasting textures.

• Mix a portion of chicken with mayo or oil-based dressings to add moisture and bind ingredients together.

• Opt for lower sodium canned chicken and reduce added salt in recipes to prevent overly salty flavor.

• Add acidity from citrus juices or vinegar to brighten flavor.

With a little finesse in preparation, seasoning, and cooking, canned chicken breast can become a tasty ingredient for all types of dishes.

Health Benefits of Canned Chicken Breast

Canned chicken breast provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals with minimal effort required. Here are some of its top health benefits:

• Excellent source of lean protein needed for muscle growth, satiety, and strength.

• Contains nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, choline, and phosphorus.

• Lower in saturated fat compared to fattier cuts of chicken and red meats.

• Provides calcium for strong bones from small edible bones.

• More nutritious than processed meat alternatives like deli meats.

• Can be used in health-conscious recipes like salads, lettuce wraps, soups, and stir fries.

While fresh chicken may contain higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals, canned chicken breast remains a nutritious and wholesome protein source.

Quick, Easy Canned Chicken Recipes

Here are some quick and delicious recipe ideas that highlight canned chicken breast:

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Casserole

Combine canned chicken, cream of mushroom soup, sautéed mushrooms, frozen peas, and cooked pasta or rice. Top with breadcrumbs and cheddar cheese then bake until hot and bubbly.

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Mix shredded chicken with Buffalo hot sauce, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch dressing. Fill tortillas and enjoy.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Simmer canned chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onions, and egg noodles. Season with salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme.

Chicken Avocado Salad

Toss diced chicken with chopped greens, diced avocado, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and creamy vinaigrette.

Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

Top ciabatta rolls with canned chicken, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and grated parmesan. Broil until cheese melts.

With canned chicken breast on hand, nourishing homemade meals are just minutes away!

Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftover Canned Chicken

Like any cooked meat, canned chicken breast must be handled properly after opening to maximize safety and quality:

• Store opened canned chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

• Frozen canned chicken maintains quality for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

• Reheat canned chicken to 165°F. Use stovetop, microwave, or conventional oven.

• Add water or broth to chicken when reheating in the microwave to prevent drying out.

• Incorporate reheated chicken into sauces, soups, and casseroles to boost moisture.

Following proper storage methods and reheating guidelines keeps leftover canned chicken breast safe to enjoy again and again.

Common Questions about Canned Chicken Breast

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about canned chicken breast:

Is canned chicken breast fully cooked?
Yes, commercially canned chicken is fully cooked during the canning process to a safe minimum internal temperature. It can be enjoyed straight from the can if desired.

Does canned chicken need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, once a can of chicken is opened it must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 3-4 days to prevent bacterial growth.

Can canned chicken be frozen and thawed?
Absolutely. Freeze drained canned chicken in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

How long does unopened canned chicken last?
Properly canned chicken that remains sealed can last for 1-5 years in the pantry. Always check “best by” dates and never use chicken from cans that are leaking, rusted, dented, or swollen.

Is canned chicken healthy?
Yes, canned chicken breast provides lean protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Look for lower sodium options and thoroughly rinse to reduce excessive salt.

Enjoy the Convenience and Versatility of Canned Chicken Breast

Canned chicken breast is an MVP pantry staple that enables quick, easy, budget-friendly meals any night of the week. With proper rinsing and cooking, canned chicken can become a tasty addition to endless dishes. Get creative with seasonings, spices, sauces, and other mix-ins to maximize flavor and texture. Whip up nourishing casseroles, salads, sandwiches, soups, and more using convenient canned chicken breast. Your taste buds and wallet will thank you!