This roundup of easy ground chicken recipes will make meal prep or weeknight dinners a breeze. Most of the recipes on this list can be made in less than thirty minutes with just one pan. You’ll find primarily low fat and high protein recipes, but there are some low carb options as well.
Ground Chicken vs Ground Turkey
In case you’re wondering, you can probably substitute ground turkey or even ground beef for most recipes in this post.
That said, the debate between chicken and turkey isn’t even close. Ground chicken has a mild flavor and works perfectly with any recipe. It’s also easy to find low fat percentages like 97% lean ground chicken just like turkey.
And if you’re having trouble finding lean options or any ground chicken option in your store, you can ask your butcher to grind some for you or make your own ground chicken (with or without a meat grinder) using chicken breasts, thighs, or other parts of the chicken. It’s economical, fresh, and easier than you’d think.
Now, let’s get to some of our favorite recipes for ground chicken!
Breakfast Recipes
Using ground chicken as a substitute for pork is an awesome way to make lower fat, lower calorie breakfast dishes.
Mexican Chorizo
Now you can make healthier breakfast tacos, scrambles, dips, or any recipe that calls for Mexican-style ground chorizo. This is one my favorite ground chicken meal prep recipes since you can pair it with so many things for quick, high protein breakfasts.
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fat: 6g
Recipe: Ground Chicken Chorizo
Breakfast Sausage Patties
This is easily one of my favorite recipes with ground chicken. You get all the peppery, herbaceous flavors you love about breakfast sausage without all the fat of classic pork sausage.
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 0g
- Fat: 3g
Recipe: Chicken Breakfast Sausage
Southern-Style Sausage Gravy
Take the same breakfast sausage seasoning from above and make creamy black pepper gravy. It goes perfectly with low fat Greek yogurt biscuits that will remind you of classic buttermilk biscuits.
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 4g
Recipe: Healthy Chicken Sausage Gravy
Breakfast Meal Prep Bowls
These breakfast bowls are made with roasted potatoes, peppers, and onions with scrambled eggs and spicy ground chicken crumbles. If you’re looking for a breakfast meal prep option, this is a great starting point.
- Calories: 465
- Protein: 42g
- Carbs: 31g
- Fat: 17g
Recipe: Chicken Breakfast Meal Prep Bowls
Pasta Recipes
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, and the like?
Spaghetti and Meatballs
This is easily one of my favorite recipes from this year, and there’s no way a dish this satisfying should have the macronutrient ratios it does.
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 10g
Recipe: Spaghetti and Italian Chicken Meatballs
My Ultimate Protein Mac and Cheese
I tested some of the internet’s most popular recipes for protein mac to develop an ultimate version. My version all cooks in one pan with real pasta a crunchy bacon and panko breadcrumb topping. It shouldn’t be as decadent for a high protein recipe, but it is called the ultimate for good reason.
- Calories: 475
- Protein: 41g
- Carbs: 43g
- Fat: 18g
Recipe: Best Protein Mac and Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
A 30-minute recipe for creamy mac and cheese made with high protein chickpea pasta, lean ground chicken, and bubbly broiled Monterey jack cheese.
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 31g
- Fat: 16g
Recipe: Buffalo Ground Chicken Mac and Cheese
Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac & Cheese
Who doesn’t love chicken bacon ranch as a flavor combo?
- Calories: 405
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 19g
Recipe: Ground Chicken Mac and Cheese
Cheeseburger Pasta
A one-pan recipe with ground chicken, high protein chickpea pasta, a low fat burger sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an indulgent dish that you wouldn’t expect to be packed with so much filling protein and fiber.
- Calories: 275
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 19g
- Fat: 13g
Recipe: Cheeseburger Ground Chicken Pasta
Asian Inspired Recipes
Ground chicken is perfect for pairing with umami sauces for simple rice bowls or a stir fry with added veggies.
Sweet and Spicy Chicken and Broccoli
This is one of my favorite one-pan meals. Pan roasted broccoli and ground chicken come together with a sweet chili, sriracha, and honey sauce in about 20 minutes.
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 11g
Recipe: The Best Ground Chicken and Broccoli
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps (better than P.F. Chang’s)! A quick (less than 30 minutes), easy, and healthy dinner that tastes delicious!
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 9g
Recipe: Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Firecracker Ground Chicken
Chili oil cooked chicken with a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for serving with rice or cauliflower rice.
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 0g*
- Fat: 11g
*With zero-calorie Swerve brown sugar substitute. Carbs increase slightly with regular brown sugar.
Recipe: Low Crab Firecracker Chicken
Thai Basil Chicken
A healthier spin on Pad Kra Pao made with ingredients you should be able to find in any grocery store.
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 7g
Recipe: Thai Basil Ground Chicken
Dan Dan Noodles
This twist on traditional dan dan noodles swaps ground pork for lean ground chicken, peanut butter or tahini for low fat powdered versions, and the noodles for a Carba-Nada alternative that’s high protein and fiber.
- Calories: 405
- Protein: 39g
- Carbs: 37g
- Fat: 13g
Recipe: Low Fat Dan Dan Noodles
5-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Sugar-free orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and ground chicken come together to make a crazy simple dish that’s perfect for meal prep bowls with roasted broccoli and a low carb rice blend.
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 33g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 8g
Recipe: Orange Ground Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Spicy Coconut Ground Chicken
Rich and creamy chicken simmered with coconut milk, gochujang, and honey that goes perfectly with rice or cauliflower rice and a side of broccoli.
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fat: 10g
Recipe: Chili Coconut Ground Chicken
Thai Curry Ground Chicken and Rice
Taking a page out of the book of another recipe on this list in the Greek ground chicken skillet, this one-pan combo pairs Thai Curry Right Rice with spicy ground chicken, peanuts, and more goodies. It comes together in no time at all and reheats like a dream, making it great for meal prep.
- Calories: 415
- Protein: 36g
- Carbs: 37g
- Fat: 14g
Recipe: Ground Chicken and Thai Curry Right Rice
Bang Bang Chicken Dip
If you’re a fan of bang bang shrimp or anything with bang bang sauce, you’ll love this low fat creamy chicken dip and the baked wonton chips for dipping.
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 6g
Recipe: Bang Bang Ground Chicken Dip
Japanese Barbecue Ground Chicken
This recipe cooks ground chicken with a homemade Japanese BBQ sauce modeled after the infamous Bachan’s sauce. It’s super flavorful and is paired with half calorie rice and light yum yum sauce.
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 8g
Recipe: Japanese Barbecue Chicken
Tacos, Quesadillas, and Tex Mex
Healthy Taco Tuesdays just got easier!
Ground Chicken Tinga
Classic Mexican chicken tinga made even easier with ground chicken.
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 6g
Recipe: Ground Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Chicken Taco Casserole
This taco casserole is the perfect pick for the next time you need a really, really simple recipe. There’s virtually zero prep required. You’ll have a golden brown baked cheese crusted casserole in about 30 minutes.
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 12g
Recipe: Mexican Ground Chicken Casserole
Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Sometimes you just need a classic stuffed pepper. This version has a slight twist, using low carb cauliflower rice instead of rice. The rest of the gang is pretty standard fare like black beans, fire roasted corn and tomatoes, and taco seasoned ground chicken.
- Calories: 205
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 5g
Recipe: Mexican Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Tex-Mex Chicken Enchiladas
A Tex-Mex style blend of ground chicken and rice stuffed inside lower carb tortillas and baked with red enchilada sauce and shredded cheddar.
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 31g
- Fat: 14g
Recipe: Ground Chicken Enchiladas
Chipotle BBQ Chicken Tacos
Mix up the flavors of your next Taco Tuesday with these ground chicken tacos. The chicken is cooked with a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce and served on tortillas with a fresh mango salsa.
- Calories: 105
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 5g
Recipe: Ground Chicken Tacos
Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
A 5-ingredient recipe with ground chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and just enough cheese to make an awesome high protein snack or appetizer.
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 14g
Recipe: Ground Chicken Quesadillas
Soup and Chili
Ground chicken is an awesome high protein soup or chili base, whether it’s in the form of chicken meatballs or the main protein in hearty chili.
Chicken Meatball Soup
This chicken meatball soup is like an Italian Wedding Soup, but is much more hearty, healthy, and flavorful! It’s the perfect balanced and comforting soup that’s kid-friendly too!
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 9g
Recipe: Meatball Barley Soup
White Bean Chicken Chili
This slow cooker White Bean Chicken Chili is a hearty, flavorful, and easy weeknight meal that can feed the whole family. Top with avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, and shredded cheese for a full-on, mouthwatering meal.
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fat: 7g
Recipe: Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili
Tex-Mex White Bean Chicken Soup
One of my favorite meals with ground chicken, this is a Texas spin on white bean soup with ground chicken, bacon, salsa verde, corn tortillas, and Mexican spices.
- Calories: 255
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 3g
Recipe: Tex-Mex Ground Chicken Soup
Creamy Buffalo Ground Chicken Chili
A dairy-free creamy chili with buffalo ground chicken, chili beans, fresh herbs, and filling veggies.
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 8g
Recipe: Buffalo Ground Chicken Chili
Meatballs and Meatloaf
I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing chicken meatballs everywhere these days. And for good reason. They’re a much healthier choice than traditional meatballs.
Butter Chicken Meatballs
Check out this Indian inspired ground chicken meatball recipe made fast and easy in 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight recipe, meal prep, or healthier take out recreation you can share with the whole family.
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 18g
Recipe: Low Carb Butter Chicken Meatballs
Baked Chicken Meatballs
Whether you need an easy dinner protein option, healthy appetizer, or meal prep option, baked ground chicken meatballs are a great choice. They’re easy to make in bulk or throw on a sheet pan with other vegetables like the Greek meatballs and potatoes recipe linked below.
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 4g
Recipes: Sriracha BBQ Chicken Meatballs or Greek Chicken Meatballs and Potatoes
Sweet Chili Chicken Meatballs
The air fryer is the perfect way to make crispy on the outside, tender on the inside chicken meatballs. This version includes a sweet chili glaze with ginger and garlic seasoned ground chicken.
- Calories: 75
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 2g
Recipe: Air Fryer Ground Chicken Meatballs
Smoked Chicken Meatballs
I’ve given you baked, air fried, and just about any other way to make ground chicken meatballs. So why not smoked as well? You’ll find a buffalo and sriracha BBQ like the baked version linked below.
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 4g
Recipes: Traeger Smoked BBQ Chicken Meatballs or Buffalo Chicken Smoked Meatballs
Chicken Meatloaf
A twist on a classic comfort recipe, this Chicken Meatloaf is the easiest weeknight dinner recipe! Made with ground chicken and pantry staples, this recipe comes together quickly.
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 41g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fat: 20g
Recipe: Ground Chicken Meatloaf
Burgers and Sandwiches
Who says cheeseburgers don’t fit in a healthy diet?
California Style Smash Burgers
In-N-Out without the calories? I’m In-N-In.
- Calories: 395
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 15g
Recipe: Smash Burgers with Ground Chicken
Indian Ground Chicken Burgers
Indian flavors carry through these chicken burgers served with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt slaw.
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 31g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fat: 14g
Recipe: Indian Chicken Burgers
Chipotle Chicken Cheesesteak
Extra lean ground chicken breast teams up with onions, peppers, jalapeño peppers, and a homemade chipotle mayo in this 30-minute cheesesteak fix. And don’t miss out on the loaded cheesesteak fries or nachos here!
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fat: 12g
Recipe: Ground Chicken Cheesesteak
Spicy Sloppy Joes
Swap relish for diced pickled jalapeño peppers in your next batch of sloppy joes. Trust me!
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 5g
Recipe: Spicy Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
Skillets and Casseroles
I’m a HUGE fan of one pan meals, and the following recipes are all great examples of awesome meals you can make with just a skillet.
Greek Chicken, Rice, and Veggies
If you’re a fan of chicken bowls with lots of rice and veggies, then you’ll love this combo. Lean ground chicken, protein packed Right Rice, and roasted vegetables come together to make one of my favorite meal prep recipes.
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 11g
Recipe: Mediterranean Ground Chicken and Rice Skillet
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
A spin on the classic extra cheesy broccoli and rice casserole, this version cooks ground chicken, short grain rice, and broccoli in one skillet for an easy cheesy one pan meal.
- Calories: 405
- Protein: 31g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 14g
Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Spicy Ground Chicken and Broccoli
Unlock the power of the humble chili garlic sauce with this one pan ground chicken and veggie combo.
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 10g
Recipe: Chili Garlic Ground Chicken and Broccoli
Ground Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
If you’ve been avoiding shepherd’s pie or cottage pie for fear of all the dirty dishes, this version comes together in one pan thanks to pre-made mashed potatoes. There’s also a low carb cottage pie version that uses pre-made mashed cauliflower.
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 16g
Recipe: Easy Chicken Shepherd’s Pie
Honey Balsamic Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
The sauce in this recipe should be bottled and sold.
- Calories: 255
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 23g
- Fat: 8g
Recipe: Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Wrapping Up
And that’s all the healthy ground chicken recipes I have for you.
Like I mentioned in the introduction about being able to substitute ground chicken for ground turkey or beef, you can easily go from beef to chicken as well. So check out my round up of thirty macro friendly ground beef recipes next to get some more ideas of what to make with ground chicken.
Capri
Sunday 14th of November 2021
All of these options look so delicious! I plan to make my way through this list, one dish at a time! :) Thanks for sharing!