Nanny to Mommy

As a busy parent, you know the struggle: juggling schedules, picky eaters, and just trying to get dinner on the table. That’s why today I’m sharing canned food chicken recipes that require minimal prep, no fresh produce beyond your protein, and are perfect for feeding a crowd. These budget‑friendly, kid‑approved meals are ideal for when you’re short on time and energy but still want something delicious and hearty.

Why it works: Cream cheese and bacon are crowd‑pleasers. With zero fresh ingredients (except chicken), this recipe is simple but indulgent.

Chicken breasts

Cream cheese (one standard block)

4–8 strips of bacon

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Spread cream cheese over each chicken breast.

Wrap each breast with bacon slices.

Place on a baking dish and bake 40 minutes, until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked.

Parent tip: Make a double batch on weekends, leftovers are great cold in sandwiches or chopped over salad.

Why it works: A sweet-and-savory mix that needs only pantry staples and chicken.

Chicken breasts

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 packet dried Italian seasoning mix

Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil.

Mix brown sugar and Italian seasoning.

Coat both sides of chicken; place on sheet.

Sprinkle remaining mix over the top.

Bake 20–40 minutes, then broil 1–2 minutes to caramelize.

Why it works: No-fuss comfort food, combining creamy soup and pepper jack cheese.

Chicken breasts

1 box chicken‑flavor stuffing mix

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/4 cup milk

6 tbsp melted butter

6 slices pepper jack cheese (from deli/pack)

Breadcrumbs (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place chicken in baking dish; top with pepper jack slices.

Mix soup with milk and pour over cheese.

Sprinkle stuffing mix over top, drizzle with butter.

Bake 45–60 minutes until casserole is bubbly.

Pro tip: Sprinkle additional breadcrumbs or crushed chips on top halfway through for extra crunch.

Why it works: Doritos add fun, cheese keeps it rich, all pantry-stable ingredients.

Shredded, cooked chicken

1 cup shredded cheese

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 packet taco seasoning

1/2 cup milk

1 small container sour cream (½ cup)

1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes & chiles)

~2 cups Doritos

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mix chicken, soup, taco seasoning, milk, sour cream, and Rotel.

In a baking dish, layer ~1 cup Doritos, then chicken mix, then another layer of Doritos, topped with cheese.

Bake 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Why it works: Creamy, tomato‑cheesy comfort, minus fresh produce.

Chicken breasts

Egg noodles

1 block (or jar) Velveeta cheese

1 can Rotel

1 can cream of chicken soup

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cook chicken and egg noodles.

Mix noodles, chicken, Velveeta, Rotel, and soup.

Bake 12 minutes until hot and melty.

Quick kitchen hack: You can microwave the cheese and soup together to melt before mixing for even faster prep.

Why it works: Spicy, cheesy, and super easy using just pantry staples.

Shredded cooked chicken

Bow‑tie pasta

8 oz cream cheese

1 cup buffalo sauce

1 cup mozzarella cheese

1 cup broth

Cook pasta.

In a saucepan, mix cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and broth until smooth.

Add chicken, stir to combine.

Mix with cooked pasta, transfer to casserole dish.

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to heat through.

Why it works: Set it and forget it, perfect for naptime cooking.

Chicken breasts

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup chicken broth (canned or boxed)

2 blocks (16 oz total) cream cheese

1 tbsp garlic powder

Rice (optional, for serving)

Place chicken in crockpot.

Whisk together soup, broth, garlic powder; pour over chicken.

Cook on LOW for 6 hours.

Remove chicken, stir in cream cheese until smooth, return chicken and cook an additional 15 minutes.

Serving suggestion: Shred chicken and serve over rice or pasta. Freeze extra sauce in a bag for future toss‑over meals.

Super‑convenient: No chopping fresh veggies means less prep and mess.

Budget‑friendly: Canned goods are easy to stock up on sale.

Kid‑approved flavors: Cheese, cream, bacon, these ingredients win hearts at any age.

Prep‑ahead, cook‑later: Many of these work well in slow cookers, ideal for busy days.

Substitutions: Swap Velveeta in Rotel pasta for cheddar or pepper jack for extra spice.

Heat level: Mix in extra buffalo sauce or jalapeños (optional, fresh or pickled) for spice lovers.

Make it gluten‑free: Use gluten‑free pasta, stuffing mix, or cornbread mix where needed.

With these 7 easy canned‑food chicken recipes, you can feed your family wholesome, filling meals without a sink full of dishes, or fresh produce to prep. Whether you're using your oven or slow cooker, these recipes are designed for simplicity, taste, and maximum convenience.

Let me know which one your kids love most! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag #nannytomommyrecipes. I’d love to feature your meal on the blog.

Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy