We probably all learned a thing or two about using pantry staples to create meals in the last year and half. One of the pantry staples I was most thankful for was canned chicken. It is such a cost effective way to get a quick source of protein in so many meals. It is great for busy weeknights if you need a quick idea and didn’t defrost any meat. Here are nine of my favorite ideas for making a meal from canned chicken.

My favorite brand is the Kirkland Signature canned chicken from Costco. It has the best flavor and best quality of chicken and the price is great too.

1. Quesadillas. Adding this canned chicken to quesadillas is a great way to add some protein to a quick lunch for your kids or yourself. Simply add some shredded canned chicken and cheese to one half of a tortilla, fold it over and cook in butter until cheese is warm and bubbly and tortilla is golden brown. To jazz up your quesadilla with more flavor you could:

• Sprinkle taco seasoning on chicken
• Add a can of green chiles
• Add pickled jalapenos

Serve with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo and salsa (or whatever combination of these things you have). 

2. Chicken Pot Pie. Cozy chicken pot pie comes together really quickly canned chicken, frozen veggies and a frozen pie crust on a busy weeknight.

3. Enchiladas. Adding canned chicken to cheese and a can of enchilada sauce gets your craving for cheesy enchiladas faster than it would take to run through a driveway or get takeout at your favorite Mexican spot. Not to mention it is way more cost effective!

4. Caesar Salad. You can make a really nice Caesar salad starting with a bunch of romaine lettuce by adding a can of this chicken, and adding shredded Parmesan cheese, coarsely ground pepper, a squirt of lemon juice, and a clove of minced garlic to some premade Caesar dressing. Top with some croutons and you have a winning salad in about 5 minutes!

5. Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Dump a can of this in a pan, add a jar of alfredo sauce, boil some fettuccine noodles on the side and you’ve got yourself a quick and filling meal in no time!

6. Chicken Noodle Soup. With broth, chopped carrots and celery, seasonings, and a can of this chicken, you can whip up homemade chicken soup really fast. So easy to make if you have anyone feeling under the weather that could use a comforting bowl of soup. You could also use rice instead of noodles if that is what you have on hand.

7. Chicken and Dumplings. Start with broth, seasonings, mixed vegetables, canned chicken and then whip up a batch of dumplings using Bisquick and you’ve got another hearty meal in a flash.

8. Mustard Chicken Salad. Mix the canned chicken with mayonnaise, chopped onion, homemade mustard relish, a little vinegar, salt and pepper. It is so delicious on fresh bread or toast. 

Also, don’t forget that you can also use the water from the canned chicken in other ways--don’t throw it out. You can use it to:

• Make rice
• Use it as the liquid to boil your ramen noodles in
• Replace chicken broth in soups
• Poach chicken

What are some of your favorite ways to use canned chicken? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Finally, here is a great recipe for an easy canned chicken salad that Cathy, from noblepig.com has perfected and has been making for over 20 years. 



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