Is It Safe To Eat Canned Chicken Right Out Of The Container?

Canned goods fill pantries across the globe in part because they're a convenient way to add nutritious ingredients to a dish without having to worry much about their shelf life. It is often the case that you can combine these foods into a quick meal without having to cook them at all. Certain canned veggies are as flavorful as fresh without doing anything to them, and giving canned beans a quick rinse is all that's needed to incorporate an appetizing addition to various dishes right out of the can. Still, when it comes to protein like canned chicken, some folks are unsure if it is safe to eat without heating it.

Canned chicken is fully cooked before it is preserved. While the flavor may benefit from some extra preparation, any potentially harmful bacteria should have already been cooked out, and it should be perfectly safe to consume once the can is opened. It might contain more sodium than fresh chicken because of the preservation process — which is also why canned soup can taste overly salty. If you aren't worried about some additional salt, there is no reason to worry about eating canned chicken right out of its container.

Before you go tossing canned chicken into a salad, there are some things you want to look for to make sure it is still good. If the can has any dents or bulges, it might not be safe to consume. Likewise, if the meat is slimy or smells bad, it is best to throw it out.

The expiration date can also give you an inclination about whether or not it is okay to eat, although it isn't a set-in-stone measure of quality. Canned chicken can last between two and five years if it's unopened, but the longer it sits on the shelf in your pantry, the more likely it is for the condition to deteriorate. After the seal is breached, it should last three to four days if refrigerated.

One drawback to canned chicken is that it can take on a metallic essence from the can the longer it waits for its debut in a meal. Giving the meat a rinse may remove the off-putting flavor, but that doesn't always completely eliminate it. If your canned chicken comes out tasting like tin, it might be best to cook it with some seasonings for a more palatable dish.