10+ Healthy Ground Chicken Recipes Dinners for Quick and Delicious Meals
Ground chicken is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your weeknight dinners. It’s leaner than other meats, making it a healthier choice for those looking to enjoy delicious meals without the extra calories. You can create a variety of satisfying dishes that not only taste great but also fit into a balanced diet.
Incorporating ground chicken into your meals brings both flavor and nutrition to your table. From stir-fries to hearty casseroles, there are countless ways to transform this ingredient into a delightful dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, these healthy ground chicken recipes will help you serve up meals that everyone will love.
1) Spicy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Spicy ground chicken lettuce wraps are a quick and tasty meal. You can prepare them in about 25 minutes. These wraps are perfect for a healthy dinner option.
Start by cooking the ground chicken with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. This gives the chicken a bold flavor. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes to let the flavors mix well.
Once the chicken is ready, spoon it into crisp lettuce leaves. You can add toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro for extra taste. Enjoy these wraps as a light meal or a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Lettuce leaves (such as iceberg or romaine)
- Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes more.
- Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves and add toppings.
- Serve immediately.
Lemon Herb Ground Chicken Skillet
This Lemon Herb Ground Chicken Skillet is a quick and tasty dinner idea. You’ll enjoy bright flavors and it’s healthy, too. All you need is a skillet, and you’re ready to go!
Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they’re soft. Then, add the ground chicken, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
Next, stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and herbs like oregano and thyme. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Serve this dish warm, and enjoy it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add ground chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes and serve warm.
Ground Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ground chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and filling. You get the benefits of lean protein from the chicken and lots of nutrients from fresh vegetables.
Start by cooking the ground chicken in a hot skillet. Use a little oil to keep it from sticking. You can add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for added color and crunch.
Adding garlic and ginger gives it a flavorful twist. After the chicken is cooked through, pour in your favorite sauce, like teriyaki or stir-fry sauce. Cook for just a couple more minutes to let everything blend together.
This dish is easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Serve it over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup stir-fry sauce
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/180°C).
- Add ground chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
- Pour stir-fry sauce over the mixture and stir gently.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is hot.
Healthy Chicken Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
This dish is a great way to enjoy a healthy, low-carb meal. You’ll love how the chicken meatballs pair with fresh zucchini noodles. It’s tasty and easy to make.
To start, combine ground chicken with shredded zucchini, garlic, and Italian seasoning. You can also add breadcrumbs for texture. Form the mixture into meatballs. For juicier meatballs, consider adding some cheese.
Next, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. While they cook, spiralize your zucchini to create noodles. Sauté the noodles in a bit of olive oil just until tender.
Toss the cooked meatballs with the zucchini noodles and your favorite sauce. A garlic butter sauce can really elevate the flavor. This meal is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded zucchini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix ground chicken, zucchini, garlic, and seasoning in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Spiralize the zucchini and sauté in olive oil.
- Serve meatballs over zucchini noodles with sauce.
5) Ground Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Ground chicken and quinoa stuffed peppers are a tasty and healthy dinner option. They are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. This dish combines lean protein from the chicken and fiber from quinoa.
For the stuffed peppers, start with some vibrant bell peppers. You can use any color you like. Cut them in half and remove the seeds.
Next, cook your quinoa according to the package instructions. Mix the cooked quinoa with ground chicken, diced tomatoes, and your favorite spices. You can also add black beans for extra protein.
Fill each pepper half with the chicken and quinoa mixture. Bake them in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The peppers should be tender when done.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can black beans (rinsed)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Spices (like cumin, salt, and pepper)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Mix cooked quinoa, ground chicken, black beans, and diced tomatoes in a bowl.
- Stuff the mixture into each bell pepper half.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6) Thai Basil Ground Chicken Bowl
The Thai Basil Ground Chicken Bowl is a delicious and easy dish to make at home. It combines ground chicken with vibrant veggies and the fragrant flavor of Thai basil.
To start, you’ll need ingredients like garlic, shallots, and chili peppers. These add great taste and a little heat. Cook the ground chicken until it’s browned, and then mix in your other ingredients.
The secret is in the sauce. Use soy sauce, fish sauce, and a bit of sugar to balance out the flavors. You can also toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition.
Serve this dish over rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It’s not just tasty; it’s also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chili peppers, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and shallots, sauté until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the chili peppers.
- Mix in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Add the Thai basil and mix until wilted.
- Serve over rice or quinoa.
7) Ground Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
These Ground Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a tasty and healthy option for dinner. The ground chicken is lean and cooks quickly, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by preparing the avocado salsa. Combine diced avocados, tomatoes, lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Let it chill in the fridge for a little while to let the flavors meld.
For the tacos, cook the ground chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. You can season it with taco spices or use your favorite seasoning blend. Once the chicken is cooked through, warm the tortillas.
Assemble your tacos by layering the ground chicken, avocado salsa, and any other toppings you enjoy, like shredded lettuce or cheese.
8) Mediterranean Ground Chicken Salad
This Mediterranean Ground Chicken Salad is not only tasty but also healthy. You’ll enjoy fresh flavors and a mix of textures that make a perfect meal.
Start with lean ground chicken, season it with warm spices, and combine it with crisp veggies like cucumber and tomato. Then, add a drizzle of lemon juice for a bright kick.
For a flavorful dressing, use olive oil, Greek yogurt, and herbs to tie everything together.
This dish is filling and can be served warm or chilled, making it great for meal prep or quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or mint)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
- Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the diced vegetables.
- Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, and herbs for the dressing.
- Combine chicken with veggies and dressing. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm or chilled. Enjoy!
9) Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
The Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is a simple and tasty meal that you can prepare quickly. It combines ground chicken cooked in a flavorful teriyaki sauce with vegetables. You can serve it over rice for a fulfilling dinner.
Start by cooking the ground chicken in a skillet. Add some diced onions and garlic to enhance the flavor. When the chicken is browned, pour in the teriyaki sauce and let it simmer.
Feel free to throw in your favorite vegetables like broccoli and carrots. They add color and nutrition to your dish. This meal is not only delicious but also healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- Cooked rice for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the ground chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and mix well.
- Add broccoli and carrots, then simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Serve the mixture over cooked rice.
10) Ground Chicken Chili with Black Beans
Ground chicken chili with black beans is a hearty and healthy meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and easy to make. You’ll love the combination of lean meat, protein-rich beans, and spices.
Start by browning ground chicken in a pot. Then, add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers for flavor. Stir in black beans and diced tomatoes for a nutritious boost. Spice it up with chili powder and cumin.
Let the chili simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve it hot and enjoy a warming meal that’s both filling and healthy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
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In a pot, brown the ground chicken over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
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Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until soft.
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Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Simmer for 15 minutes, then serve hot.