Looking for healthy ground chicken recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor? You’re in the right place! Ground chicken is one of those versatile proteins that works in just about everything – from quick weeknight dinners to meal prep Sunday sessions.
It’s lean, budget-friendly, and cooks faster than you’d think. Whether you’re tired of the same old chicken dinner recipes or just want to switch things up from ground beef, these ideas will keep your dinner rotation exciting.
1. Asian-Inspired Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These are what I make when I want something light but packed with flavor. The crunch of the lettuce combined with savory chicken? Chef’s kiss.
Begin by warming one tablespoon of sesame oil in a large frying pan at medium-high heat.
Add 1 pound of ground chicken and break it up with a wooden spoon – you want it crumbly, not chunky.
Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Now here’s where the magic happens: add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Toss in 1 can of drained water chestnuts (chopped), 2 diced green onions, and 1 cup of shredded carrots.
For the sauce, mix together 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sriracha (more if you like heat).
Pour this over your chicken mixture and let everything get coated real good. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve the mixture in butter lettuce leaves – they’re sturdy enough to hold everything.
Top with extra green onions, sesame seeds, and maybe some crushed peanuts if you’re feeling fancy.
This is one of those easy ground chicken meals that feels way more impressive than the effort you put in.
2. Ground Chicken Burgers with Hidden Veggies
Okay, so ground chicken burgers can be tricky because they dry out easier than beef. But this recipe? Game changer.
In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds of ground chicken with 1 grated zucchini (squeeze out the excess water first – this is important!), 1/2 cup of finely grated carrots, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (panko works great), 1 beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix it with your hands but don’t overmix or you’ll end up with tough burgers.
Form into 4 to 5 patties, making them slightly wider than your buns because they’ll shrink. Here’s the trick: make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb – prevents them from puffing up weird in the middle.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side.
You want an internal temperature of 165°F. Don’t press down on them while cooking (I know it’s tempting!) because that squeezes out all the juices.
Serve on whole wheat buns with avocado, tomato, lettuce, and a smear of Greek yogurt mixed with a little sriracha.
These are genuinely one of the best ways to cook ground chicken while sneaking in vegetables.
3. Ground Chicken Meatballs in Marinara
Ground chicken meatballs are lighter than traditional beef ones but still super satisfying? Yes, please.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground chicken, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of milk – this keeps them moist. Mix until just combined.
Roll into golf-ball sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. While they’re baking, warm up your favorite marinara sauce (homemade or jarred, no judgment).
Once the meatballs are done, drop them into the sauce and let them simmer for 5 minutes so they soak up all that tomato goodness. Serve over whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, or even in a sub sandwich.
The texture is tender, the flavor is there, and you’ve got yourself an easy dinner with ground chicken that the whole family will actually eat.
4. One-Pan Ground Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
Stir fries are my go-to when I need dinner on the table in 20 minutes flat. This one’s packed with veggies and protein.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat – and I mean HIGH.
Add 1 pound of ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, for about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, add bell peppers (any color, sliced), snap peas, broccoli florets, and sliced mushrooms.
Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender – you don’t want them mushy. Add the chicken back in.
For the sauce: whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of chicken broth.
Pour it over everything and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything nicely.
Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice if you’re going super healthy. This is what to make with ground chicken for dinner when you want something quick, colorful, and actually nutritious.
5. Ground Chicken Meatloaf with a Healthy Twist
Don’t sleep on ground chicken meatloaf! It’s lighter than beef but still gives you that comfort food vibe.
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix 1.5 pounds ground chicken, 1 cup of rolled oats (instead of breadcrumbs for extra fiber), 1 finely diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 grated carrot, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Press the mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. For the glaze, mix 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon mustard. Spread half of this on top.
Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temp hits 165°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing – this helps it hold together better.
The oats make it hearty without being heavy, and honestly? Leftovers make the best sandwiches the next day.
6. Ground Chicken Taco Bowls
What to make with ground chicken for dinner when you want something quick? Taco bowls! These are ridiculously customizable and perfect for meal prep too.
Brown 1 pound of ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 6 minutes. Drain any excess liquid (chicken releases more water than you’d think).
Add 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and a pinch of cayenne.
Stir in 1/4 cup of water and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is coated and the liquid evaporates.
Now build your bowls! Start with a base of cilantro lime rice or lettuce, add the seasoned chicken, then pile on black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt (it’s like sour cream but healthier).
Want to make it even better? Add some pickled jalapeños and a squeeze of lime. This is one of those simple healthy ground chicken recipes that never gets boring because you can switch up the toppings every time.
7. Ground Chicken Casserole with Sweet Potato and Spinach
Casseroles get a bad rep but this one is legitimately healthy and delicious.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Dice 2 medium sweet potatoes into small cubes and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them for 20 minutes while you prep everything else.
Brown 1 pound of ground chicken in an oven-safe skillet. Add 1 diced onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes.
Throw in 3 cups of fresh spinach and let it wilt down – takes maybe 2 minutes. Add the roasted sweet potatoes back in along with 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of coconut milk (or regular milk works too).
Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Top with 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and pop the whole skillet in the oven for 15 minutes until bubbly.
This ground chicken casserole is one of those recipes where you get vegetables and protein all in one dish. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since it’s all in one pan!
8. Thai-Inspired Ground Chicken Basil (Pad Krapow Gai)
This is what to make with ground chicken easy dinners when you want big flavors fast. It’s a Thai street food classic!
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 Thai chilies (or regular red chilies if you can’t find Thai ones) – cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add 1 pound ground chicken and break it up, cooking for 5-6 minutes until no pink remains.
Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce.
Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in a huge handful of fresh Thai basil leaves – they’ll wilt from the residual heat.
Serve over jasmine rice with a fried egg on top (the runny yolk mixing with the rice is everything). This might be one of the best recipes with ground chicken you’ll ever try, seriously.
9. Pressure-Cooker Curried Chicken Meatball Wraps
Got an Instant Pot or pressure cooker? This recipe is about to become your new favorite.
First, make the meatballs: combine 1 pound ground chicken, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs.
Set your pressure cooker to saute mode and brown the meatballs in batches with a little oil – they don’t need to be cooked through, just browned on the outside. Remove them. In the same pot, saute 1 diced onion until soft. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of curry powder, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala.
Add the meatballs back, close the lid, and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the rest.
Serve in whole wheat wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce (Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and a pinch of cumin). The meatballs are tender, the sauce is creamy, and you’ve got dinner in under 30 minutes total.
10. Mediterranean Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are one of those dinners that looks impressive but is actually super straightforward.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut 4 bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
Brown 1 pound of ground chicken in a skillet. Add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 3 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup of cooked quinoa (or rice), 1 can of diced tomatoes (drained), 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped kalamata olives, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Stuff this mixture into the pepper halves – really pack it in there. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle more feta on top, and bake for another 10 minutes.
The peppers get tender, the filling is flavorful, and you’ve got a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and whole grains all in one package. This is definitely one of those healthy recipes ground chicken that feels like restaurant quality.
11. Ground Chicken Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout)
Who needs takeout when you can make fried rice at home in 15 minutes? Plus it’s a great way to use up leftover rice.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Scramble 2 eggs and set aside. Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the same pan and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Push the chicken to one side and add diced carrots, peas, and corn to the other side – cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add 3 cups of day-old rice (fresh rice gets mushy in fried rice – this is crucial!), the scrambled eggs, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
Stir everything together over high heat for 3-4 minutes until the rice gets slightly crispy in spots. Add sliced green onions right at the end.
This is one of those chicken dinner recipes that’s actually healthier and tastier than ordering in. Plus you control the sodium and can pack in way more vegetables.
12. Spinach & Chicken Phyllo Pie (Spanakopita Style)
This looks fancy but I promise it’s easier than you think. And it’s such a crowd pleaser!
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 1 pound of ground chicken with 1 diced onion until the chicken is done and the onion is soft. Add 10 ounces of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry – seriously, squeeze out ALL the water), 1 cup of crumbled feta, 1/2 cup of ricotta, 2 eggs, fresh dill, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well.
Brush a 9×13 baking dish with melted butter. Layer 6 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with butter (work quickly because phyllo dries out fast).
Spread the chicken mixture on top. Layer another 6 sheets of phyllo on top, each brushed with butter.
Score the top into squares before baking – makes cutting easier later. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
The phyllo gets all flaky and buttery while the filling stays creamy. It’s one of those dinner recipes using ground chicken that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
13. Ground Turkey or Chicken Recipes: Southwest Skillet
This works with either ground turkey or chicken – they’re pretty interchangeable in this recipe!
Brown 1 pound of ground chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced bell pepper, 1 diced onion, and 1 can of black beans (drained). Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 cup of frozen corn, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt. Let everything simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens up a bit.
Top with shredded cheese and cover for 2 minutes to let it melt. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and maybe some crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
It’s colorful, it’s flavorful, and it’s one of those easy ground chicken meals that you can have on repeat without getting bored. The leftovers are great in burritos too!
14. Ground Chicken Zucchini Boats
Last but definitely not least – zucchini boats! These are perfect for when you want something light but still filling.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut 4 medium zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh. Chop up the scooped-out zucchini.
Brown 1 pound of ground chicken in a skillet. Add the chopped zucchini, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish and fill them with the chicken mixture. Top with a little mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
These are naturally low-carb, packed with vegetables, and seriously satisfying. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that makes you feel good about what you’re eating!
Final Thoughts
Here’s something most people don’t realize about ground chicken – it’s incredibly absorbent, which means it takes on flavors better than most proteins.
That’s why marinades, spices, and sauces work so well with it! The key to cooking with ground chicken is keeping it moist (since it’s so lean) and not being afraid to season generously.
One pro tip? Always let your cooked dishes rest for a few minutes before serving – whether it’s meatballs, burgers, or meatloaf.
This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps everything tender. And if you’re batch cooking, ground chicken freezes beautifully for up to three months.
Just portion it before freezing so you can grab exactly what you need!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some healthy ground chicken recipes for dinner?
If you’re looking for healthy ground chicken recipes for dinner, think balanced and simple. Recipes like lettuce wraps, taco bowls, stuffed peppers, zucchini boats, and stir fries are all great options. They combine lean ground chicken with vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. The key is to avoid heavy cream sauces and deep frying. Bake, sauté, grill, or pressure cook instead. These methods keep calories in check while still delivering flavor. Ground chicken works especially well in quick weeknight dinners because it cooks fast and absorbs seasoning beautifully.
Are there any 3 ingredient ground chicken recipes?
Yes, and they’re surprisingly good. One simple idea: ground chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa. Cook the chicken, stir in seasoning and salsa, simmer for a few minutes, done. Another option is ground chicken, teriyaki sauce, and frozen mixed vegetables for an easy stir fry. You can also mix ground chicken with pesto and mozzarella for quick baked meatballs. Three ingredient ground chicken recipes work best when one ingredient brings bold flavor, like a sauce or spice blend.
What are some low calorie ground chicken recipes?
Low calorie ground chicken recipes usually focus on high-protein, high-vegetable combinations. Zucchini boats, lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice bowls, and stuffed bell peppers are excellent choices. Use ground chicken breast for even leaner results. Skip excess oil and measure sauces carefully. Baking or air frying instead of pan-frying in lots of oil also helps reduce calories. Because ground chicken is naturally lean, it fits perfectly into calorie-conscious meal plans without feeling restrictive.
Are there heart healthy ground chicken recipes?
Absolutely. Heart healthy ground chicken recipes focus on lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil. Try a Mediterranean-style skillet with tomatoes, spinach, olive oil, and herbs. Replace breadcrumbs with oats in meatloaf for added fiber. Limit sodium by using low-sodium broth and soy sauce. Pair your ground chicken meals with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. When prepared thoughtfully, ground chicken can easily fit into a heart-friendly eating pattern.
What are some easy recipes using ground chicken?
Some of the easiest recipes using ground chicken include burgers, meatballs, fried rice, taco bowls, and casseroles. Ground chicken cooks quickly, usually in under 10 minutes in a skillet. Just brown it, season generously, and build from there. It blends well with global flavors too – Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican, or classic Italian. That versatility makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast but still want something homemade.
Can I use recipes using ground chicken breast instead?
Yes, recipes using ground chicken breast are even leaner than regular ground chicken. You can substitute it in any of the dishes listed above. The only thing to remember is that ground chicken breast has less fat, so it can dry out quicker. Add moisture with ingredients like grated zucchini, a splash of broth, yogurt-based sauces, or a bit of olive oil. Don’t overcook it, and always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What makes healthy recipes using ground chicken successful?
Healthy recipes using ground chicken succeed when they balance moisture, seasoning, and cooking method. Since ground chicken is lean, adding vegetables like onions, spinach, or grated carrots helps keep it juicy. Spices, fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus prevent it from tasting bland. Cooking at medium to medium-high heat ensures browning without drying it out. Resting dishes like meatloaf or burgers before slicing also helps lock in juices.
What are good ground chicken meal prep ideas?
Ground chicken meal prep ideas include taco bowl bases, cooked meatballs, seasoned stir fry mixtures, and breakfast scrambles. Cook a large batch, cool it completely, then portion into airtight containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for about 3 months. You can repurpose the same batch into different meals – wraps one day, salads the next, rice bowls later in the week. That flexibility makes ground chicken ideal for efficient weekly planning.
