If you’re anything like me, you probably have a go-to recipe or two when it comes to ground chicken. But let’s be real, eating the same thing over and over can get pretty boring. That’s why I’ve rounded up 11 tasty and creative ways to use this versatile ingredient.
From meatballs and burgers to lettuce wraps and casseroles, these recipes will help you break out of your ground chicken rut and add some excitement back to your meals. So grab a pen and paper, because you’re going to want to save these!
Let’s get started
1. Ground Chicken Chorizo
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 2 Tbsp Paprika
- 2 Tbsp Ancho Chile Powder
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
- 2 Tbsp (30g) Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp (16g) Olive Oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients (paprika, ancho chile powder, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves) together in a large bowl.
- Add the ground chicken and vinegar to the bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chorizo mixture for at least 8 hours, up to 2 days.
- When ready to cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chorizo mixture to the hot skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 9 minutes.
Serve the ground chicken chorizo in tacos, quesadillas, breakfast dishes, or any other recipe that calls for chorizo.
2. Ground Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2-1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Allspice
- 1/2 tsp Sage
- 1/2 tsp Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil, for cooking
Instructions
Making the Sausage Patties
- Mix the Dry Spices and Brown Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, allspice, sage, and brown sugar.
- Add the Dry Spices to the Ground Chicken: Add the mixed spices to the ground chicken and mix well until evenly distributed.
- Divide the Ground Chicken: Divide the ground chicken into 10 pieces (about 48 grams or 1.8 ounces each) and press each piece between your palms to flatten.
Cooking the Chicken Breakfast Sausage
- Heat the Olive Oil: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil.
- Cook the Sausage Patties: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the sausage patties to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bottoms are a crispy brown. Flip each patty and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the patties are cooked through and reach an internal temp of 165ºF.
- Rest the Sausage Patties: Transfer the sausage patties to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with eggs and an English muffin for a tasty breakfast sandwich.
- Use in breakfast casseroles or as a side for brunch.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 Sausage Patty
- Amount Per Serving:
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 10g
This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage, providing a high-protein, low-fat breakfast option. Enjoy
3. Mediterranean Ground Chicken & Rice Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup White Rice
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Fresh Spinach
- 1/4 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/4 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cardamom
- 1/4 tsp Ground Turmeric
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Ground Chicken: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls.
- Cook the Ground Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken balls and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the white rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables and Spices: Add the cherry tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese, parsley, mint, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Roast the Skillet: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve the Mediterranean ground chicken and rice skillet hot, garnished with additional parsley and mint if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad or pita bread for a complete meal.
- This dish can be meal-prepped and reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Amount Per Serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 11g
This recipe combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the convenience of a one-pan meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
4.Cheesy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness, and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 12 oz broccoli florets, cut into small bite-size pieces
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 Tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 1 cup (180g) short grain rice, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and ranch seasoning. Cook, breaking up the chicken with a spatula, until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice and chicken broth to the skillet with the cooked ground chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked broccoli and 3/4 of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the casserole to a 9×13 baking dish and top with the remaining 1/4 of the shredded cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Serving Size: 10.5 oz
Calories: 405
Total Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 31g
This Cheesy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of ground chicken, broccoli, rice, and melty cheddar cheese makes for a satisfying and nutritious dinner the whole family will love.
5. Easy Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 dried bay leaves
For the Topping
- 32 oz Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the ground chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Flip and push to one side of the skillet. Add the olive oil and onion, celery, and carrot. Stir everything together, breaking the chicken into smaller pieces as it cooks, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the chicken mixture into a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and drizzle with the olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are lightly browned on top.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
This easy chicken shepherd’s pie is a delicious twist on the classic recipe, using ground chicken instead of lamb or beef. The hearty filling is topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
6. Honey Balsamic Ground Chicken & Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken (97/3)
- 10 oz shaved brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon (16g) olive oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (80g) balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons (63g) honey
- 2 tablespoons (30g) whole grain mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Mix the sauce ingredients (balsamic vinegar, honey, whole grain mustard, black pepper, and kosher salt) together in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the brussels sprouts. Sauté the brussels sprouts for 4-5 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl.
- If using halved brussels sprouts instead of shaved, cook them a few minutes longer.
- Add the ground chicken to the same skillet. Brown one side of the chicken until golden brown, then break it apart and fully cook through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the prepared sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and add the sautéed brussels sprouts back to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the honey balsamic ground chicken and brussels sprouts over rice, cauliflower rice, or a blend of the two.
Enjoy this quick and easy one-pan meal! The sweet and tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the lean ground chicken and brussels sprouts.
7. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs made with ground chicken are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish. The meatballs are typically mixed with buffalo sauce, egg, green onions, and seasonings, then baked until golden brown.
They can be served with blue cheese or ranch dressing and fresh veggies, making them a popular choice for game days or weeknight dinners. This recipe can also be adapted for meal prep or served as a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings
8. Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Copycat chicken lettuce wraps feature a flavorful ground chicken filling made with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onion, as well as hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and water chestnuts for crunch. The chicken mixture is served in crisp lettuce leaves, often with additional toppings like crushed peanuts, sliced green onions, and a dipping sauce on the side.
This dish is easy to make at home and provides a healthier alternative to the restaurant version by allowing you to control the ingredients. The combination of savory chicken, sweet and tangy sauce, and fresh lettuce wraps makes for a delicious and satisfying meal or appetizer.
9. Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burgers
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic burger, using ground chicken instead of beef. The patties are seasoned with chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic, and other spices to give them a bold, smoky heat.
They can be topped with cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and a creamy chipotle mayo for a complete burger experience. These chicken burgers are a healthier option that still delivers big flavor, making them perfect for summer grilling or a quick weeknight dinner
10. Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs
Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Meatballs are a quick and easy appetizer or main dish option. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, cilantro, garlic, and chipotle chiles in adobo sauce for a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
Cooking the meatballs in the air fryer results in a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender. Served with a side of salsa verde, these chipotle chicken meatballs make for a versatile and flavorful meal or snack.
