Ever wondered how to transform that package of ground chicken in your fridge into a delicious meal in under 30 minutes? Many home cooks overlook ground chicken as a versatile protein, assuming it’s bland or difficult to work with. Nothing could be further from the truth!
With these Easy ground chicken recipes, you’ll discover just how adaptable and flavorful this lean protein can be. From savory burgers to hearty casseroles, ground chicken provides the perfect canvas for quick, nutritious meals that the whole family will love.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite ground chicken recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited but you still want something delicious and satisfying. These recipes require minimal prep work and simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
Let’s start with a family favorite that combines the savory goodness of ground chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of teriyaki sauce. These bowls are customizable, nutritious, and can be on your table in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground chicken (93% lean recommended for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving
Timing
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes – that’s 40% faster than traditional chicken teriyaki recipes that require marinating and longer cooking times!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before you begin cooking, measure out all ingredients and have them ready to go. This “mise en place” approach will make the cooking process much smoother, especially since this recipe comes together quickly. Chop all vegetables and have your sauce ingredients measured and combined.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper while cooking to build flavor from the beginning.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and onions begin to soften. The aromatics will infuse the chicken with delicious flavor – don’t skip this important step!
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables
Add the bell pepper and broccoli to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender. If you prefer softer vegetables, cover the skillet for 2 minutes to steam them slightly. For extra crunch, add the vegetables later in the cooking process.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Finish
Pour the teriyaki sauce, honey, and rice vinegar over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the teriyaki chicken mixture over cooked rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. For an extra flavor boost, drizzle with a small amount of sriracha or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
Nutritional Information
This Easy ground chicken recipes provides a balanced meal with approximately:
Calories: 320 per serving (without rice)
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 12g (primarily from the teriyaki sauce and honey)
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 650mg (varies based on teriyaki sauce used)
Ground chicken contains approximately 40% less fat than ground beef, making this a heart-healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The addition of colorful vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to make this dish even more nutritious? Consider these simple swaps:
• Replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
• Use low-sodium teriyaki sauce or make your own to control salt content.
• Swap honey for monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce sugar content.
• Add more vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or carrots to increase fiber and nutrients.
• For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
• Use ground chicken breast (99% lean) instead of regular ground chicken for an even leaner protein source.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your ground chicken teriyaki bowls with these serving ideas:
• Create a build-your-own bowl bar with various toppings like avocado slices, shredded carrots, edamame, and different sauce options.
• Serve in lettuce cups for a refreshing, low-carb alternative to rice bowls.
• Wrap the mixture in large flour tortillas for teriyaki chicken wraps – perfect for lunch on the go.
• Add a fried egg on top for an extra protein boost and delicious runny yolk that creates a rich sauce.
• Pair with a simple miso soup for a complete Japanese-inspired meal.
• For meal prep, divide into containers with compartments keeping the rice separate from the chicken mixture until ready to eat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the ground chicken – Ground chicken can quickly become dry. Cook just until no longer pink for the juiciest results.
- Not breaking up the chicken enough – Use a wooden spoon to break the chicken into small, even pieces for better sauce absorption and texture.
- Adding all vegetables at the same time – Different vegetables have different cooking times. Add denser vegetables like broccoli before quick-cooking ones like bell peppers.
- Using cold teriyaki sauce straight from the refrigerator – This can lower the temperature of your dish. Let sauce come to room temperature or add it earlier in the cooking process.
- Not tasting and adjusting seasonings – Always taste before serving and adjust with more soy sauce, honey, or a splash of rice vinegar as needed.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This Easy ground chicken recipes makes excellent leftovers and is perfect for meal prep:
• Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Store the chicken mixture separately from rice for best texture.
• To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• For freezing, cool completely then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prep components ahead of time: chop vegetables and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and mix sauce ingredients and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• For best flavor when storing, add fresh garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds just before serving rather than before storage.
Conclusion
Ground chicken deserves a prime spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. With its lean profile, versatility, and ability to absorb flavors, it’s the perfect protein for quick, healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste.
This teriyaki bowl recipe is just the beginning of what you can create with Easy ground chicken recipes. From tacos to meatballs, burgers to stir-fries, the possibilities are endless.
Have you tried this recipe? What are your favorite ways to use ground chicken? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next busy weeknight when you need a delicious meal in a hurry!