Ground chicken is a versatile and lean protein source that can be incorporated into a variety of delicious and healthy recipes, making it an excellent choice for those aiming for weight loss. It's a fantastic alternative to ground beef or turkey, offering a lower fat content while still providing essential protein. This article explores a range of ground chicken recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also support a healthy lifestyle.
Why Choose Ground Chicken?
When it comes to choosing ground meat for your recipes, ground chicken offers several advantages:
- Lower in Fat: For individuals monitoring their fat intake, ground chicken presents a leaner option compared to other ground meats.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: Ground chicken has a mild flavor that readily absorbs the flavors of spices and other ingredients, making it suitable for a wide array of dishes.
Delicious and Nutritious Ground Chicken Recipes
Keto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
If you're missing P.F. Chang's lettuce wraps, these keto chicken lettuce wraps are a fantastic low-carb alternative. They taste just as delicious as the original, if not better! This recipe features a homemade low-carb hoisin sauce and includes plenty of veggies for added nutrition.
Ground Chicken Stir-Fry
This ground chicken stir-fry is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It features lean ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful homemade sauce. Feel free to add whatever fresh veggies you have and any type of ground meat. It’s high protein, low-fat, gluten, and dairy-free.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken (96/4)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ head broccoli, chopped
- 3 oz snow peas
- 8 oz sliced water chestnuts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stir Fry Sauce:
- ⅓ + ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp lite maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp chili garlic sauce
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For Thickening the Sauce:
- ½ tsp tapioca flour
- ½ tsp water
Instructions:
- Spray a pan over medium heat with nonstick spray. Add the raw chicken and brown, breaking it into bite-size pieces.
- While the meat is browning, prepare the stir-fry sauce by adding all the ingredients to a jar with a lid and shaking to combine.
- Chop the broccoli into bite-size pieces and add to a shallow bowl with just enough water to cover the bottom. Microwave for 60 seconds to soften.
- Once the meat has browned, add the shredded carrots and broccoli to the pan. Stir and sauté on medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the stir-fry sauce, sliced water chestnuts, chopped green onions, and snow peas to the pan. Stir together to combine evenly and bring to a steady simmer for 5 minutes.
- Move the meat and vegetables to the side of the pan. Mix tapioca flour with water in a small bowl and add to the sauce, separate from the meat and veggies. Stir the tapioca slurry in, and you will immediately see the sauce begin to thicken.
- Mix everything together to coat evenly. Top with extra chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and/or red pepper flakes. Serve alone, over rice, cauliflower rice, or zoodles.
Keto Chicken Bolognese
This keto chicken bolognese is a delightful twist on the classic Bolognese. It features ground chicken and is bursting with savory flavors and a hint of Italian zest. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato sauce promises a taste sensation that'll have your taste buds throwing their own party.
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Buffalo Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
For a guilt-free indulgence, try these buffalo ground chicken sloppy joes. They offer a healthier twist on nostalgic comfort food. Serve it up on some keto-friendly buns or over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.
Keto Chicken Patties
Looking to avoid red meat on your keto diet? These keto chicken patties are packed with fresh herbs, spices, Parmesan cheese, and more for flavor you won't believe is keto-friendly. This recipe features a spicy mayo-based burger sauce that takes things to the next level.
Thai Basil Chicken
This delicious and vibrant Thai basil chicken recipe can easily be made low-carb friendly by swapping the sugar with monk fruit and white rice with cauliflower rice.
Chicken Mince Stir Fry
This chicken mince stir fry is packed with veggies, protein, and flavor. Swap the honey for monk fruit for a keto ground chicken recipe. The best part about this dish? It's all made in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze.
Parmesan Meatballs
These parmesan meatballs are made easily in the oven and are super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are keto-friendly with no breadcrumbs.
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Calabrian Chicken Meatballs
Enjoy the flavors of Southern Italy with these Calabrian chicken meatballs! This simple recipe is made with Calabrian chilies, Italian cheeses, fresh herbs, and (naturally) lots of garlic.
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Indulge in Mediterranean flavors with these irresistible Greek chicken meatballs. The juicy, tender meatballs blend aromatic herbs like mint and basil with lean ground chicken, garlic, and feta cheese. The homemade tzatziki sauce is the real star of the show.
Other Delicious Ground Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Sausage Zucchini Boats: A comforting Italian dish with spicy chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
- Low-Carb Chicken Philly Stuffed Zucchini: Ready in under 30 minutes, this ground chicken recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Teriyaki Meatballs: Keto meatballs with a quick and simple sugar-free teriyaki sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Burgers: Low-carb and gluten-free burgers that taste like a real burger.
- Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: The perfect combination of spicy and savory, these meatballs are keto-friendly and gluten-free.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Chicken
- Choose the Right Ground Chicken: Opt for ground chicken or ground chicken breast. Ground chicken is made up of both white and dark meat and is usually between 97% and 99% lean. If you’re making burgers or meatballs, stick with ground chicken, as ground chicken breast can be dry.
- Proper Seasoning: Ground chicken has a mild flavor, so don't be afraid to season it generously with herbs, spices, and sauces.
- Cooking Thoroughly: Ensure that ground chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid any health risks.
- Versatile Usage: Ground chicken can be used in various dishes, including stir-fries, soups, meatballs, burgers, and more.
Additional Ground Chicken Recipe Ideas
- Chicken Burgers: These patties are made with fresh ingredients, so you’re not eating preservatives as you would find in pre-made patties. The burgers also have bacon bits, two types of reduced-fat shredded cheese, garlic, and ranch seasoning.
- Chicken Tacos: This recipe is easy since you bake the tacos in the oven. It melts the cheese and gets the shells to the desired crispiness. The chicken is cooked on the stovetop with tons of seasonings, so you have flavor in every bite.
- Zucchini and Chicken Fritters: The zucchini adds moisture to prevent dryness, while the chicken provides protein. You can add flavor with lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and other spices.
- Chicken Bowls: The chicken is paired with cauliflower rice, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, and parsley.
- Chicken Meatballs: The meatballs have cilantro, black pepper, and cayenne flavors, so they have zesty and spicy undertones.
- Chicken Ramen: With ground chicken, green onions, snap peas, carrots, and onions, you receive many nutrients from veggies and meat. To top it all off, you have a garlicky ginger sauce with notes of sriracha and oyster sauce.
- Teriyaki Chicken Skillet: Some of the components in this yummy meal are garlic, zucchini, scallions, coleslaw mix, and ground chicken. The slivered almonds really give it a much-needed crunch factor. Additionally, you have teriyaki sauce to balance out all of the flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers: Some examples include ground chicken, tomatoes, black beans, green chilies, and garlic.
- Chicken Burrito Bowls: The bowl has rice, corn, reduced-fat shredded cheese, and avocado. Season the ground chicken with chili powder, coriander, onion powder, oregano, and more.
- Barbeque Chicken Bowl: It has cauliflower rice, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. The barbeque sauce gives it flavor, but you can season the chicken too.
- BBQ Chicken Skillet: You can’t go wrong with ingredients like yellow squash, red onions, ground chicken, and quinoa. This skillet dish uses low-sugar BBQ sauce to keep things healthy.
- Sesame Chicken: This tasty ground chicken dish has flavors of soy sauce, chili pepper sauce, and chicken broth. It also has toasted sesame oil, which gives it a deeper flavor.
- Caprese Chicken: This rendition has ground chicken, which makes it heartier. Not to mention, the components are served warm instead of cold.
- Chicken Salad: It has ground chicken, red onions, olives, tomatoes, and kidney beans. The salad is plenty flavorful since you top it with thousand island dressing and salsa.
- Thai Chicken: Transform your ground chicken into Thai chicken with the help of larb sauce, which is made from fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar.
- Spinach and Chicken Meatballs: These meatballs are impressively nutritious since they are made with extra lean ground chicken, spinach, and onions.
- Chicken Casserole: The ground chicken is paired with red onion, diced tomatoes, and green chili peppers. The cream cheese and cheddar cheese make the casserole extra creamy.
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps: With ground chicken, mushrooms, garlic, and basil, your taste buds are met with savory and refreshing flavors.
- Chicken Taco Soup: It is filled with many yummy veggies and ground chicken. It also has beans, so combined with the meat, you have tons of protein to keep you satisfied.
- Chicken Patties: Some of the best components include ground chicken, green onions, and parsley.
- Zucchini Boats: This recipe’s ingredients include ground chicken, onions, spinach, and mushrooms.
- Ground Chicken Tacos: With onions, garlic, bell peppers, and corn tortillas, you are in for a treat.
- Meatloaf: Plus, it has hints of fresh basil and mozzarella cheese, so what’s not to love?
- Ranch Chicken Burger: Our Salty Kitchen explains how to make a delectable ground chicken patty with green onions, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
- Baked Chicken Meatballs: They have black pepper, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, plus garlic and onion powder to provide them with plenty of flavor.
- Mexican Chicken and Rice: Our Mexican chicken and rice recipe is a fantastic option because it is healthy with ingredients like ground chicken, peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
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