Looking for ground chicken recipes that are both healthy and full of flavor? Ground chicken is a lean, protein-packed alternative to beef or pork, making it the perfect base for everything from quick weeknight dinners to meal prep lunches.
In this article, you’ll discover 21 ground chicken recipe ideas that range from light lettuce wraps to hearty casseroles. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for one, there’s a ground chicken dish here for you.
Why Cook with Ground Chicken?
Ground chicken is incredibly versatile and absorbs flavors beautifully. Here’s why you should consider it in your meal rotation:
- Lean and Healthy: Lower in fat than ground beef or pork.
- Budget-Friendly: Often cheaper than other meats.
- Quick Cooking: Perfect for fast weeknight meals.
- Neutral Flavor: Takes on spices, sauces, and seasonings easily.
1. Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
A lighter take on takeout, these Asian-inspired lettuce wraps combine sautéed ground chicken with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin, and crunchy water chestnuts. Serve in butter lettuce leaves for a fresh and flavorful bite.
Tip: Top with chopped green onions and crushed peanuts for extra texture.
2. Ground Chicken Tacos
Swap out beef for ground chicken in your taco night! Season the chicken with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic. Serve in warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings.
Great for: Quick dinners, meal prep, or Taco Tuesday.
3. Chicken Meatballs in Marinara
Roll up ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and egg to form meatballs. Bake or pan-sear, then simmer in marinara sauce and serve with pasta or zucchini noodles.
Bonus: Freeze leftovers for an easy future meal.
4. Spicy Chicken Lettuce Bowls
Spice things up with Sriracha and sesame oil in your ground chicken. Serve over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice in bowls topped with avocado, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
5. Ground Chicken Chili
Looking for a healthy and hearty dinner? Try ground chicken chili with kidney beans, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and a smoky chili spice blend.
Perfect for: Cozy nights or batch cooking.
6. Chicken Sloppy Joes
Classic comfort food with a twist—use ground chicken instead of beef in your sloppy Joes. Simmer with ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and a touch of brown sugar. Serve on toasted buns.
7. Thai Chicken Basil Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow Gai)
A Thai favorite made at home! Sauté ground chicken with garlic, chilies, fish sauce, and fresh basil. Serve over jasmine rice with a fried egg on top.
8. Chicken Taco Salad
Brown your ground chicken with taco seasoning, then pile it onto crisp romaine lettuce with corn, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips. Top with creamy lime dressing.
9. Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of ground chicken, cooked rice, marinara, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Meal prep friendly: Freeze extras for later.
10. Chicken Burger Patties
Skip the beef and grill up juicy ground chicken burgers. Mix in garlic, onion, parsley, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Serve on whole wheat buns with avocado or spicy mayo.
11. Chicken Enchilada Skillet
All the flavor of enchiladas—without rolling tortillas! Cook ground chicken with enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and cheese in one skillet. Serve with tortilla chips or rice.
12. Chicken Bolognese
A lean twist on the classic Italian sauce. Use ground chicken in place of beef and simmer with tomatoes, garlic, onion, carrots, and a splash of red wine. Serve over your favorite pasta.
13. Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
Layer ground chicken with creamy ricotta, spinach, marinara, and mozzarella in this lighter version of lasagna. Use whole wheat noodles or zucchini slices for an even healthier option.
14. Korean Ground Chicken Bowls
Inspired by Korean beef bowls, this version uses ground chicken cooked with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Serve over rice with steamed veggies and a drizzle of gochujang.
15. Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
Comfort food meets lean protein. Sauté ground chicken with onions, peas, carrots, and gravy. Top with creamy mashed potatoes and bake until golden.
16. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Toss cooked ground chicken with buffalo sauce, then serve in lettuce cups with blue cheese crumbles and celery. It’s all the flavor of wings—without the mess or grease.
17. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A quick and healthy weeknight dinner. Stir-fry ground chicken with broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey or hoisin. Serve over brown rice or noodles.
18. Chicken Zucchini Meatballs
For a low-carb and moist meatball, mix ground chicken with shredded zucchini, Parmesan, and spices. Bake and serve with marinara or a yogurt dipping sauce.
19. Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Squash
Hollow out acorn or butternut squash and stuff it with a savory blend of ground chicken, quinoa, herbs, and dried cranberries for a fall-inspired dish.
20. Chicken Fried Rice
Use leftover rice and scramble it with eggs, ground chicken, peas, carrots, soy sauce, and green onions for a homemade version of fried rice that beats takeout.
21. Ground Chicken Breakfast Hash
Start your day with protein! Cook ground chicken with sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Top with a fried or poached egg for a hearty breakfast hash.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Chicken
- Don’t Overcook It: Ground chicken can dry out easily, so watch it closely.
- Use a Thermometer: Ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Add Moisture: Mix in ingredients like onions, sauces, or zucchini to avoid dryness.
- Season Generously: Ground chicken is mild and benefits from bold seasonings.
FAQs About Ground Chicken Recipes
Is ground chicken healthier than ground beef?
Yes, ground chicken is typically leaner, lower in saturated fat, and has fewer calories, making it a healthier choice for many recipes.
Can I freeze ground chicken meals?
Absolutely! Dishes like meatballs, chili, and stuffed peppers freeze well. Just cool completely and store in airtight containers or freezer bags.
What spices go well with ground chicken?
Garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, Italian herbs, Thai basil, ginger, and chili flakes are all fantastic with ground chicken.
Final Thoughts: The Best Ground Chicken Recipes for Any Day
From spicy Asian bowls to classic comfort foods, ground chicken is a true kitchen MVP. With these ground chicken recipes, you can create meals that are satisfying, healthy, and simple enough for any day of the week.
So next time you’re grocery shopping, grab a pack of ground chicken—and let your creativity (and taste buds) run wild!