Are you looking for a lean, versatile protein that cooks up in a flash? Ground chicken is your answer! It’s a superstar for quick weeknight dinners, letting you create healthy and flavorful dishes without fuss. From stir-fries to tacos, the possibilities for delightful ground chicken recipes are endless. Get ready to discover your new go-to protein, starting with our incredibly easy and delicious Sesame Ground Chicken.
Why You’ll Love Ground Chicken Recipes
Ground chicken recipes are a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Here’s why this humble protein deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:
- Lean Protein Power: It’s an excellent source of lean protein, helping you stay full and energized.
- Lightning Fast Cooking: Ground chicken cooks significantly faster than other proteins, perfect for busy evenings.
- Incredibly Versatile: It effortlessly adapts to various cuisines, from Asian-inspired dishes to Italian-American classics.
- Budget-Friendly Choice: Often more affordable than other ground meats, it helps you stretch your grocery budget.
- Health-Conscious Option: Easily replace higher-fat meats in your favorite meals for a healthier twist.
Featured Recipe: Sesame Ground Chicken
Our Sesame Ground Chicken is a true family favorite, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice. This dish comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice when time is short but you still crave a homemade, flavorful meal. It’s truly one of the best quick ground chicken recipes you can make!
Ingredients for Sesame Ground Chicken
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating fantastic ground chicken recipes. This Asian-inspired dish uses simple items for maximum flavor.
- Protein: 1 teaspoon olive oil, 2 pounds ground chicken breast (or 8% fat).
- Aromatics: 1/2 cup diced yellow onion, 2 tablespoons chopped garlic.
- Sauce Base: 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1-2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil (to taste, start with 1 and add more if desired), 1/3 cup chicken broth.
- Thickener: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (this creates a slurry for thickening).
- Garnish: Chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, Fresh black pepper to taste.
Notes/Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Adjust the chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level. If you don’t have fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder works in a pinch. Ground turkey also makes an excellent substitute here.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to whip up delicious ground chicken recipes. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick:
- Large skillet or non-stick pan
- Whisk or fork for mixing sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Step-by-Step Instructions: Sesame Ground Chicken
Follow these simple steps to create this delicious Sesame Ground Chicken. Cooking with ground chicken is wonderfully straightforward, perfect for beginners!
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften. Next, stir in the chopped garlic and cook for just one minute longer until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Brown Chicken
Add the 2 pounds of ground chicken to the skillet with the aromatics. Use a sturdy spatula or spoon to break up the chicken into small, even pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until all the pink is gone and the chicken is fully browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Drain Excess
Once the chicken is fully cooked, you might notice some accumulated drippings in the skillet. Carefully tilt the pan and drain off any excess liquid or fat. This prevents your sauce from becoming watery and ensures better flavor concentration.
Step 4: Season Chicken
Now that the chicken is cooked and drained, season it simply. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the ground chicken. This builds a foundational layer of flavor.
Step 5: Prepare Sauce
In a separate small bowl, combine the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and chicken broth. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the brown sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well-combined. This step ensures a smooth, consistent sauce.
Step 6: Combine & Thicken
Pour the prepared sauce directly over the cooked ground chicken in the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is completely coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. While it simmers, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture (the slurry) while continuously stirring. Continue to stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has noticeably thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve
Taste the sesame ground chicken and adjust any seasonings if necessary. You might want a little more soy sauce for saltiness or a touch more sesame oil for nutty depth. Transfer the delicious chicken mixture to serving plates. Garnish generously with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an appealing finish. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Cooking Ground Chicken
Mastering ground chicken recipes is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will ensure your chicken is always flavorful and perfectly cooked.
- Avoid overcooking: Cook ground chicken until just done, preventing it from becoming dry and rubbery.
- Break up evenly: Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat into consistent, small pieces for even cooking and texture.
- Season generously: Ground chicken can be mild, so don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices or sauces.
- Deglaze the pan: After browning, add a splash of broth or water to scrape up any browned bits; these add incredible depth of flavor.
- Test for doneness: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. The USDA provides essential guidance on safe minimum internal temperatures for ground poultry.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile sesame ground chicken is fantastic in many ways, and leftovers store beautifully.
Serving Suggestions: This dish shines when served over steamed white or brown rice. For a lighter meal, try it with cauliflower rice or crisp lettuce cups. It’s also delicious tossed with ramen noodles or alongside a simple side salad.
Storage: Store any leftover cooked ground chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can easily freeze cooked ground chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze in individual portions for quick meal prep. It stays fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Variations:
- Protein Swaps: Easily swap the chicken for ground turkey, pork, or even lean ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Add Vegetables: Boost nutrients by stirring in cooked broccoli florets, snap peas, shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or crunchy water chestnuts.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preference, or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Sweetness: Reduce the brown sugar for a less sweet sauce, or use a stevia-based brown sugar alternative.
- Umami Boost: A dash of oyster sauce or a teaspoon of fish sauce will deepen the savory, umami flavor.
Nutrition Information (General for Ground Chicken)
Ground chicken is a fantastic choice for a healthy diet, offering a lean protein source. Choosing ground chicken breast often means lower fat and calorie counts compared to other ground meats. It provides essential amino acids and supports muscle health.
| Nutrient | Amount (per 4 oz serving, cooked) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165 |
| Protein | 31g |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 80mg |
Note: Nutrition values can vary based on specific product, fat content, and added ingredients. This table is for plain, cooked ground chicken breast.
FAQ About Ground Chicken Recipes
Here are some common questions about cooking with ground chicken to help you make the most of your meals.
Can I use frozen ground chicken? Yes, you can. Always thaw frozen ground chicken completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even doneness.
What other dishes can I make with ground chicken? Ground chicken is incredibly versatile for various ground chicken recipes. You can make meatballs, tacos, burgers, stir-fries, sloppy joes, pasta sauces, and even stuffed peppers.
How do I prevent ground chicken from being bland? Season generously! Don’t rely solely on salt and pepper; use herbs, spices, and flavorful sauces like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, or chili paste to build layers of flavor.
Is ground chicken healthier than ground beef? Generally, ground chicken (especially breast meat) is leaner and lower in saturated fat than most ground beef options, making it a healthier choice for some diets. For a detailed nutritional comparison, consider exploring resources that weigh the benefits of beef vs. chicken.
How long does cooked ground chicken last? Cooked ground chicken can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Conclusion
Ground chicken truly offers an unbeatable combination of ease, deliciousness, and healthy benefits. Its lean protein content and quick cooking time make it ideal for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. Exploring various ground chicken recipes opens up a world of flavorful possibilities, from speedy weeknight dinners to satisfying meal preps. So, don’t wait! Grab some ground chicken and try our featured Sesame Ground Chicken recipe tonight for a meal that’s both simple and incredibly tasty.