Ground chicken is a versatile and lean protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, these healthy ground chicken recipes are sure to satisfy. In this article, we’ll explore six delicious and healthy recipes that you can easily incorporate into your meal plan.
1. Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ground chicken lettuce wraps are a great low-carb option that’s full of flavor. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Lettuce leaves
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Stir in the bell pepper, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
- Serve the chicken mixture in lettuce leaves and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Healthy Chicken Meatballs
These healthy chicken meatballs are baked, not fried, making them a great option for a light meal. They’re perfect on their own, with pasta, or in a sub.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve with marinara sauce.
3. Ground Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This ground chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a quick and healthy option that’s packed with colorful veggies. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Cooked brown rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli.
- Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked brown rice.
4. Spicy Ground Chicken Tacos
For a fun and flavorful dinner, try these spicy ground chicken tacos. They’re quick to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Taco shells
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado, salsa
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the chicken mixture in taco shells and top with your favorite toppings.
5. Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Ground chicken stuffed peppers are a nutritious and colorful meal that’s easy to prepare. They’re great for a healthy dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the chicken mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
6. Ground Chicken Chili
Ground chicken chili is a hearty and healthy dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It’s packed with flavor and can be made in a single pot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Stir in the bell pepper, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite chili toppings.
Conclusion
Ground chicken is a fantastic ingredient that can be used in many healthy and delicious recipes. These six recipes are just a starting point; feel free to get creative and adapt them to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress your family, these healthy ground chicken recipes are sure to be a hit.