Ground Chicken Recipes: 20 Easy Ideas to Try

Ground chicken is a versatile and healthy ingredient that adapts to countless recipes. It’s lean, quick to cook, and a fantastic alternative to ground beef or pork. Whether you’re planning a hearty breakfast, a flavorful lunch, or a comforting dinner, ground chicken brings protein and flavor to the table.

In this article, you’ll discover 20 easy ground chicken recipes perfect for any meal, complete with practical tips and detailed instructions. Let’s begin with breakfast dishes to kick-start your day!

Breakfast Recipes

1. Ground Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 1 tsp sage, 1 tsp thyme, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Combine the ground chicken and seasonings in a mixing bowl.
  2. Shape the mixture into small patties.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  4. Serve with scrambled eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast.

For a variation, check out this Chicken Breakfast Patties Recipe on RecipeJoys.

2. Chicken and Spinach Breakfast Wraps

• Ingredients:
  ½ lb ground chicken, 1 cup scrambled eggs, 1 cup fresh spinach, shredded cheese, and whole-wheat tortillas.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the ground chicken in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully browned.
  2. Toss in the spinach and sauté until wilted.
  3. Spread scrambled eggs, chicken, and shredded cheese onto each tortilla, roll them tightly, and toast on the skillet.

Learn more about making breakfast wraps with creative fillings.

3. Ground Chicken and Vegetable Hash

• Ingredients:
  1 cup ground chicken, 1 diced sweet potato, ½ cup chopped bell peppers, 1 small onion, 2 tbsp olive oil, and seasoning of your choice.
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté diced sweet potatoes until tender.
  2. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until soft.
  3. Stir in the ground chicken and cook until fully browned. Season to taste and serve hot.

For a complete guide to creating breakfast hashes, visit Food Network’s Chicken Breakfast Hash Recipe.

Lunch Recipes

1. Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 cup diced water chestnuts, ½ cup diced carrots, butter lettuce leaves.
• Instructions:
  1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned.
  2. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water chestnuts, and carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes until combined and heated through.
  3. Scoop the mixture into butter lettuce leaves and serve immediately.

2. Chicken and Avocado Salad

• Ingredients:
  ½ lb ground chicken, 2 cups mixed greens, 1 avocado (sliced), cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the ground chicken in a skillet with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.
  2. Toss mixed greens, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
  3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad and top with the cooked chicken.

3. Ground Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Ingredients:
  4 large bell peppers, 1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 cup marinara sauce, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground chicken until browned. Mix in rice and marinara sauce.
  3. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  4. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Dinner Recipes

1. Ground Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 jar marinara sauce.
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook meatballs for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  3. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with pasta or crusty bread.

2. Spicy Ground Chicken Stir-Fry

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 cup snap peas, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), green onions.
• Instructions:
  1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned.
  2. Stir in soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Add snap peas and red bell peppers.
  3. Cook for 3-4 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp. Garnish with sliced green onions.

3. Ground Chicken Tacos

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 tbsp olive oil, taco shells, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until fully browned.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Fill taco shells with the seasoned chicken and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.

Healthy Ground Chicken Recipes

Ground chicken is a fantastic choice for creating healthy meals. It’s lean, packed with protein, and works well in dishes that prioritize flavor without extra calories.

1. Ground Chicken and Quinoa Bowls

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup steamed broccoli, ½ cup diced bell peppers, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and sesame seeds for garnish.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
  2. Add soy sauce and diced bell peppers, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, layer quinoa, steamed broccoli, and the chicken mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve warm.

2. Low-Carb Chicken Zucchini Boats

• Ingredients:
  4 large zucchinis, 1 lb ground chicken, ½ cup marinara sauce, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, and Italian herbs.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis lengthwise and scoop out the centers.
  2. Cook ground chicken in a skillet, mixing with marinara sauce. Fill the zucchini halves with the chicken mixture.
  3. Sprinkle with mozzarella and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

3. Ground Chicken and Vegetable Soup

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup celery, 1 cup chopped kale, 1 tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, cook ground chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add diced carrots and celery to the pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, add kale, and return the chicken to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season to taste before serving.

Comfort Food Recipes

Ground chicken is perfect for creating hearty and satisfying comfort foods. These recipes deliver all the flavor you crave while offering a lighter alternative to traditional ingredients.

1. Ground Chicken Shepherd’s Pie

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 cup chicken gravy, 2 cups mashed potatoes, ½ tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ground chicken in a skillet until browned.
  2. Add frozen vegetables and chicken gravy, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spread mashed potatoes evenly on top, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

2. Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup tomato sauce, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp chili powder, and hamburger buns.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook ground chicken in a skillet until fully browned.
  2. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
  3. Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm.

3. Ground Chicken Pot Pie

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup diced potatoes, 1 cup mixed vegetables, 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup heavy cream, and a refrigerated pie crust.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook ground chicken in a skillet with salt and pepper.
  2. Add potatoes, mixed vegetables, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer until thickened.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a pie dish, cover with pie crust, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Quick Ground Chicken Recipes

Pressed for time? These quick and easy ground chicken recipes will have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

1. Ground Chicken Fried Rice

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 3 cups cooked rice, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 2 eggs (beaten), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, green onions for garnish.
• Instructions:
  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. Cook ground chicken until browned.
  2. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and scramble the eggs on the other side.
  3. Add rice, peas, carrots, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve.

2. 20-Minute Ground Chicken Pasta

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 1 jar marinara sauce, ½ lb penne pasta, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground chicken with Italian seasoning until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

3. Ground Chicken Quesadillas

• Ingredients:
  1 lb ground chicken, 1 packet taco seasoning, 2 cups shredded cheese, 4 large flour tortillas, sour cream, and salsa.
• Instructions:
  1. Cook ground chicken with taco seasoning in a skillet until browned.
  2. Place a tortilla on a skillet over medium heat, sprinkle half with cheese and cooked chicken, then fold the tortilla in half.
  3. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Slice and serve with sour cream and salsa.

Tips for Cooking with Ground Chicken

1. Season Generously:
   Ground chicken is mild, so don’t hesitate to use bold flavors like garlic, onion powder, cumin, or paprika.
2. Keep It Moist:
   Add a splash of chicken broth or olive oil during cooking to prevent dryness.
3. Cook Thoroughly:
   Ground chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
4. Store Properly:
   Refrigerate cooked ground chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

FAQs

1. Can ground chicken replace ground beef in recipes?
Yes, ground chicken can replace ground beef in most recipes, offering a leaner alternative. Adjust seasoning as chicken has a milder flavor.

2. How do I keep ground chicken moist while cooking?
Adding ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, or a splash of broth can help retain moisture and prevent dryness.

3. What spices pair well with ground chicken?
Spices like garlic powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, and Italian herbs work exceptionally well with ground chicken.

4. Can ground chicken be frozen?
Yes, raw or cooked ground chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

5. Is ground chicken healthier than ground beef?
Ground chicken is typically leaner and lower in calories and saturated fat, making it a healthier option for many recipes.

Conclusion

Ground chicken is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can transform your meals from breakfast to dinner. From hearty comfort foods like shepherd’s pie to quick and healthy options like quinoa bowls, ground chicken offers endless possibilities for delicious and easy recipes.

Explore the 20 recipes shared here to bring variety and nutrition to your cooking. With simple ingredients and creative combinations, ground chicken will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!