Canned chicken is a true kitchen hero, offering unparalleled convenience and versatility for quick and delicious meals. It transforms simple ingredients into hearty dishes with minimal fuss. This Easy Creamy Canned Chicken Casserole perfectly showcases how these pantry staples come together for a comforting, family-friendly dinner. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is designed for ease and taste, making it a perfect addition to your busy weeknights.
- Quick Prep Time: You’ll have this casserole ready for the oven in under 20 minutes.
- Uses Pantry Staples: Most ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
- Budget-Friendly Meal: Enjoy a delicious dinner without breaking the bank.
- Comforting, Family-Favorite Flavors: Classic tastes everyone will adore.
- Minimal Cleanup: One dish wonder means less time scrubbing.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious canned chicken casserole. This recipe makes quick work of meal prep.
- Canned Chicken: Two 12.5 oz cans, thoroughly drained. This is the star of our canned chicken recipes.
- Pasta: 8 ounces (about 3 cups) egg noodles or elbow macaroni.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: One 10.5 oz can, or cream of chicken for a more traditional flavor.
- Milk: 1 cup whole or 2% milk, for creaminess.
- Cheese: 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese, divided.
- Frozen Vegetables: 1 cup peas and carrots blend, or mixed vegetables, thawed.
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this casserole to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Canned Chicken: Any brand of chunk breast meat or drained dark meat works well for these excellent canned chicken recipes.
- Cream Soup: Cream of celery, broccoli cheddar, or even a homemade béchamel sauce makes great substitutions.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar blend all melt beautifully.
- Vegetables: Use fresh steamed vegetables, or well-drained canned vegetables like green beans.
- Spices: Add a pinch of paprika, a dash of dried thyme, or a sprinkle of Italian herbs for extra depth.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this straightforward casserole.
- Large pot for cooking pasta.
- Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Skillet (optional, for sautéing aromatics).
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your delightful Easy Creamy Canned Chicken Casserole. This is one of the most reliable canned chicken recipes for busy evenings.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat (or directly in your baking dish if it’s stovetop safe). Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly drained canned chicken, cooked pasta, cream of mushroom soup, milk, thawed frozen vegetables, sautéed onion and garlic, and all the seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder). Mix everything gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the casserole mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish using a spoon or spatula.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture. This will create a delicious, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is completely melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These tips will help you achieve the perfect creamy casserole every time.
- Drain Chicken Well: Squeeze excess liquid from the canned chicken to prevent a watery casserole.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta only until al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb sauce.
- Evenly Flake Chicken: Break up large chunks of chicken for consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Cover if Browning Too Quickly: If the top browns too fast, loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Dealing with Dry Casserole: If it looks too dry, stir in a splash more milk or chicken broth before baking.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile canned chicken recipe is fantastic on its own or with simple sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp, fresh green salad tossed with a vinaigrette.
- Pair with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Enjoy alongside a simple side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any cooled leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Flavor Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Mix in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles before baking.
- Taco Chicken Casserole: Add taco seasoning, a can of drained corn, black beans, and a dollop of salsa.
- BBQ Chicken Casserole: Stir in your favorite BBQ sauce and use smoked cheddar cheese.
- Garden Veggie Casserole: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers, zucchini, or fresh spinach for more greens.
- Herb Roasted Chicken: Boost the flavor by adding dried rosemary, thyme, and sage to the mixture.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and is provided for general guidance. It can vary significantly depending on brands and portion sizes. This casserole offers a good source of protein, thanks to the chicken and cheese. You can easily customize ingredients to fit specific dietary needs, such as using low-sodium soup or whole wheat pasta.
The nutritional benefits of canned chicken include being a good source of protein, essential amino acids, and vital vitamins and minerals like zinc, selenium, niacin, vitamin B6, and B12. Learn more about the health benefits of canned chicken.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20-25g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-12g |
| Cholesterol | 80-100mg |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35-45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-5g |
| Sugars | 4-6g |
| Protein | 30-35g |
FAQ
You’ve got questions about canned chicken recipes, and we have answers!
- What canned chicken is best? Chunk breast meat packed in water generally offers the best texture and mildest flavor for casseroles.
- Does canned chicken taste good? Yes, it has a mild flavor that readily absorbs the tastes of other ingredients, making it ideal for flavorful dishes.
- Do I need to cook canned chicken? No, canned chicken is fully cooked and ready to use straight from the can once drained.
- How long does canned chicken last in the pantry? Always check the expiration date, but unopened cans typically last 2-5 years. For best quality and safety, it’s recommended to follow general guidelines for storing canned foods safely.
- Can I use fresh or leftover cooked chicken instead? Absolutely! Shred or dice about 3 cups of cooked chicken as a direct substitute.
- What are common uses for canned chicken? Beyond this casserole, it’s great for salads, sandwiches, dips, soups, and enchiladas.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Canned Chicken Casserole proves that delicious, comforting meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic solution for busy parents and beginners looking for a quick and satisfying dinner. Embrace the convenience of canned chicken and create memorable meals that bring smiles around your table. We hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite. Share your own favorite canned chicken recipes and creative meal ideas in the comments below!
Easy Creamy Canned Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, frozen mixed vegetables, uncooked egg noodles, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper; mix all ingredients thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Transfer the prepared mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.