Canned food has come a long way. The industrialization of food processing has allowed us to access more food outside of the growing season, preserve it for a longer period, and get it for a relatively low cost. But one canned food that has piqued our culinary interest and inspired numerous recipes is none other than canned chicken.
You should always have canned chicken in your pantry because of how versatile it is as an ingredient and how long it can stay on your shelf without going bad. The chicken breast is essentially cooked and stored in water, similar to canned tuna, so it retains its nutritional profile. Since its pre-cooked, adding it to your favorite meals is relatively easy. You can even eat it straight from the can for a protein-dense snack.
Despite all the perks of convenience, canned chicken does come with some downsides. Like any canned food product, it will lose some of its texture and flavor with time. But, with a couple of simple, flavorful boosts and alterations to preparation methods, you can elevate this canned meat to all of its protein-rich glory.
To help alleviate this, it’s suggested to rinse the chicken under cold water after removing it from the can. Also, adding seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor and removing any dullness that can come from the canning process.
1 Mix it with enchilada sauce for extra flavor
Enchilada sauce and canned chicken are a match made in heaven. Canned chicken is your go-to for simpler enchiladas, but the key is to really go hard with the sauce. The canned chicken is already in small pieces, so you wont have to worry about pre-cooking and shredding your protein until it reaches the perfect consistency. Since the meat doesnt have a particularly strong flavor, it will soak in the enchilada sauce like a sponge and be a vector for flavor.
To add your canned chicken to the enchiladas, first, cook the veggies and aromatics until soft before adding your drained canned chicken. Add your favorite spices like cumin and chili before pouring in some enchilada sauce to coat the chicken. Thicker enchilada sauce may need more time to reduce before you tuck it into the tortillas; otherwise, you risk a soggy mess.
Pair it with fresh herbs
One of the reasons why people may be opposed to utilizing canned chicken more often for their recipes is because it doesnt always have a very pronounced meaty flavor. The easiest way to brighten up your canned chicken, regardless of the recipe youre making, is to incorporate more herbs. Fresh dill makes all the difference in a canned chicken salad because it has a very grassy and almost lemony flavor that pairs well with the mayonnaise and other heavy ingredients. In a soup, you may consider using one of our favorite (and most underappreciated) herbs: tarragon. Like dill, it has citrus undertones with bright notes of fennel and licorice.
Its important to note that dry herbs can be substituted for fresh ones but should be added earlier in the cooking process to flavor the meat. In contrast, fresh herbs should be reserved for within 30 minutes of serving; otherwise, they can develop bitter flavors.
The Untold Truth Of Canned Chicken
FAQ
Does rinsing canned chicken reduce the sodium?
Can you eat canned chicken straight from the can?
Should you rinse canned meat?
Can you use the liquid in canned chicken?
Should you rinse canned chicken before cooking?
In fact, a quick rinse in water before will make the canned chicken even healthier! By rinsing your canned chicken, you’re helping to remove some of the salt that the chicken has likely been packed with. As sodium is one of the biggest concerns with canned chicken, you’ll be pleased to know that a quick rinse removes up to 40% of the sodium!
Can one eat chicken while on a diet?
If it’s not a vegetarian, vegan diet, with restrictions on animal protein, more specifically chicken, it’s okay to eat chicken. It is recommended to consume preferably organic chicken and to have healthy habits and lifestyle.
Can you eat canned chicken?
While not as popular as some other types of canned meat and seafood like tuna and salmon, canned chicken is something that should be in every kitchen. It’s a great source of protein and a much easier and quicker way to eat chicken.
How long does canned chicken last?
If you store your canned chicken properly—that is, in a dry and clean area where the temperature is around (or below) 75 degrees F —you should be able to store your canned chicken awhile. Unopened canned chicken can last between 2-5 years. Always check the “best by” date so that you have a better idea of when you’ll need to use yours up by.