In today's fast-paced world, many people seek healthier options to feed their families. Ground chicken can be a great choice for those looking to manage their weight while still enjoying delicious and satisfying meals. Ground chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from stir-fries and skillets to pasta dishes and tacos. It is quick-cooking and easy to thaw, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Benefits of Ground Chicken for Weight Loss
Ground chicken is a lean protein source that can aid in weight loss. Its high protein content helps keep you feeling full longer, reducing the likelihood of snacking between meals. Additionally, ground chicken is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. It may also help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Choosing the Right Ground Chicken
When purchasing ground chicken, you may encounter both ground chicken and ground chicken breast. Ground chicken typically consists of both white and dark meat and is usually around 97% to 99% lean. Ground chicken breast, on the other hand, has even less fat, which can make it dry when used in certain recipes like burgers or meatballs. For stir-fries or soups, either option can be used.
Ground Chicken Recipes for Weight Loss
Here are some delicious and healthy ground chicken recipes that can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals:
Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
This quick and healthy stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights. It's protein-packed and features lean ground chicken, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful sauce made with coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Read also: Lean Ground Beef for Weight Loss
Ingredients:
- Ground chicken (ground chicken or ground chicken breast)
- Fresh broccoli
- Coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Minced garlic
- Arrowroot flour
Instructions:
- Cook ground chicken in a large skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add oil to the skillet and sauté mushrooms until tender.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in water and broccoli florets. Season with salt and pepper (omit salt if using low sodium soy sauce).
- Cover and steam until broccoli is softened but still has a little crunch.
- While broccoli is steaming, whisk together coconut aminos, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, chili powder, ground ginger, and arrowroot flour in a jar.
- Pour sauce into the skillet and stir for 2 minutes, until thickened.
- Serve over rice (white, brown, or cauliflower) or roasted potatoes. Top with fresh parsley or green onions.
Healthy Ground Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Burgers: These burgers are made with fresh ingredients, bacon bits, reduced-fat shredded cheese, garlic, and ranch seasoning.
- Chicken Tacos: Bake the tacos in the oven for cheesy, crispy shells. The chicken is cooked on the stovetop with seasonings.
- Zucchini and Chicken Fritters: Zucchini adds moisture, while chicken provides protein. Add lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and spices for flavor.
- Greek Chicken Bowls: Combine the chicken with cauliflower rice, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, and parsley.
- Chicken Meatballs: Use chicken breasts ground in a food processor. Add cilantro, black pepper, and cayenne for zesty flavors.
- Chicken Ramen: Combine ground chicken with green onions, snap peas, carrots, and onions in a garlicky ginger sauce with sriracha and oyster sauce.
- Teriyaki Chicken Skillet: This dish includes garlic, zucchini, scallions, coleslaw mix, and ground chicken, with slivered almonds and teriyaki sauce.
- Stuffed Peppers: Pack peppers with ground chicken, tomatoes, black beans, green chilies, and garlic.
- Chicken Burrito Bowls: Serve rice, corn, reduced-fat shredded cheese, and avocado with chicken seasoned with chili powder, coriander, onion powder, and oregano.
- Barbeque Chicken Bowls: Combine cauliflower rice, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions with barbeque sauce.
- BBQ Chicken Skillet: Combine yellow squash, red onions, ground chicken, and quinoa with low-sugar BBQ sauce and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Spicy Chicken Bowls: This dish has flavors of soy sauce, chili pepper sauce, and chicken broth, with toasted sesame oil.
- Caprese Chicken: A warm rendition of the classic Caprese salad with ground chicken, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar.
- Chicken Salad: Combine ground chicken, red onions, olives, tomatoes, and kidney beans, topped with thousand island dressing and salsa.
- Thai Chicken: Transform ground chicken with larb sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar, plus Serrano chilies, shallots, garlic, and red onions.
- Spinach and Onion Chicken Meatballs: These meatballs are made with extra lean ground chicken, spinach, and onions, with a cream cheese and garlic sauce.
- Low Carb Chicken Casserole: This casserole uses cauliflower rice, ground chicken, red onion, diced tomatoes, and green chili peppers, with cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A copycat recipe for PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps with ground chicken, mushrooms, garlic, and basil.
- Weight Watchers Chicken Taco Soup: This soup is filled with veggies, ground chicken, and beans, seasoned with taco seasoning.
- Chicken Patties: These patties include ground chicken, green onions, and parsley.
- Zucchini Boats: Fill zucchini with ground chicken, onions, spinach, and mushrooms, topped with mozzarella cheese.
- Ground Chicken Tacos: Combine ground chicken with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and corn tortillas.
- Chicken Meatloaf: This meatloaf has fresh basil and mozzarella cheese.
- Avocado Ranch Chicken Burger: This burger features a ground chicken patty with green onions, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, topped with lettuce, tomato, and onion.
- Baked Chicken Meatballs: These meatballs have black pepper, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, and onion powder.
- Mexican Chicken and Rice: This one-pot meal combines ground chicken, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and reduced-fat shredded cheese with express rice.
Additional Ground Chicken Recipes
Here are some more ground chicken recipes to inspire your weight loss journey:
- Easy Ground Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans
- Stuffed Pepper Skillet
- Gluten-Free Baked Chicken Meatballs
- Instant Pot Stir Fry with Ground Chicken and Ramen Noodles
- Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Ground Chicken and Zucchini Enchilada Skillet
- Hidden Cauliflower Taco Meat
- Taco Casserole
- Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage
- Crispy Ground Chicken Tacos
- Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Creamy Ground Chicken Meatballs
- Chicken Sausage Rolls
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats (Chicken Parmesan)
- Spicy Ground Chicken Stir Fry
- Greek Inspired Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers with Rice, Herbs, and Feta
- Easy Orange Ground Chicken
- Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Ground Chicken Stir Fry
- Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Muffins
- Ground Chicken Meatloaf
- Chicken Curry Meatballs
- Ground Chicken Pizza Crust
- Crockpot Lasagna
Tips for Cooking with Ground Chicken
- When cooking ground chicken, use a spatula to crumble the meat and cook it until it is no longer pink.
- Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef or ground turkey in most recipes.
- To add flavor to ground chicken, use a variety of seasonings, herbs, and spices.
- Ground chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Read also: Flavorful Ground Turkey Mediterranean Dishes
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