food
By Heath Goldman
•
Published Apr 14, 2020
Chicken breast, we love you, but sometimes we want to whip up a dinner that’s even easier. Enter ground chicken. Healthier and more affordable than ground beef, it cooks quickly and freezes well (hellooo, leftovers). We usually opt for lean ground chicken, but you can totally mix in some dark meat to add some extra juicy oomph. Read on for 32 non-boring ways to put ground chicken recipes to work.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
1. Slow-cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs
We love meatballs and we love chicken tikka masala.
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Kristen Kilpatrick / The Defined Dish
2. Oven-baked Chicken Kofta Wraps
A healthier option than a carb-y tortilla, and they’re also crisp, cool and refreshing.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
3. Whole30 Chicken Meatballs
Few things are as satisfying as juicy, tender meatballs.
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Skinny Taste / One and Done
4. Spicy Stir-fried Chicken And Shredded Brussels Bowls
Brussels sprouts in a stir-fry? Why not?
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
5. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
These bites are spicy, tangy and perfectly tender. Make a double batch and freeze half. Trust us.
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6. Instant Pot Mexican Casserole
Finally, a casserole that’s not a snooze-fest. With veggies, whole grains, protein and dairy, you’ve got all the food groups covered.
7. Extra Cheesy Classic Homemade Lasagna
The secret to this creamy dish is a mix of spicy chicken sausage and ground chicken. Psst, we won’t tell if you shave off time with no-boil noodles.
8. Healthy Chicken Burgers
Don’t forget about that spinach basil pesto and mozzarella. We have Coterie Member Monique Volz to thank for this baby.
ERIN MCDOWELL
9. Thai Lettuce Wraps
Sauté and season the meat, then scoop it into crisp leaves of Boston lettuce. Top it off with simple homemade pickles and a touch of hot chiles. Easy.
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10. Tuscan Chicken Meatball Sandwiches
Loaded with Parmesan and garlic with just a hint of sun-dried tomato, these guys are anything but boring. Even the kiddos will love them, we promise.
Well Plated
11. Avocado Burger With Chipotle Yogurt Sauce
Sure, anyone can put avocado on a burger but putting one inside the patty takes your dish to another level. Easy to make, even easier to devour.
What's Gabby Cooking
12. Chicken Bolognese
PureWow Coterie member Gaby Dalkin really ups the ante with dark ground meat (and crispy pancetta, of course).
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Damn Delicious
13. Sesame Chicken Potstickers
These flavor-packed bites take just as long to whip up as thawing the frozen version but taste so much better. Plus, if you make a bunch, you can freeze them and enjoy all week long.
14. Mini Chicken Chili Cups
Long gone are the days of serving up food in a regular old bowl. Enter these adorable tortilla cups.
15. Light Chicken Enchiladas
Packed with crumbled chicken and then topped with shredded Manchego and a spicy enchilada sauce. Oh yeah, and it only takes 30 minutes to make.
16. Ground Chicken And Spinach Noodle Bake
Delicious layers of noodles, meat sauce, vegetables and cheese. Think of it as a lazy version of lasagna (but still just as fancy).
17. Enchilada Chicken And Quinoa-stuffed Bell Peppers
Peppers aren’t just for tossing in a stir-fry, you know. They’re also the perfect vessel for something delicious like this medley of ground chicken, healthy grains, melted cheese and fresh jalapeño.
18. Chicken Meatball Noodle Soup
Your favorite soup just got a serious upgrade. Tip: Make extra meatballs for the freezer and team them with buttery pasta.
19. Easy Stuffed Pasta Shells
You could almost make this hearty (and truly impressive) pasta dish with your eyes closed. Almost.
Additional reporting by Alexandra Hough
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Damn Delicious
20. Butter Chicken Meatballs
A delicious new take on the humble meatball? yes please.
Ambitious Kitchen
21. Bbq Chicken Burgers
Not only are these burgers mouthwateringly tasty, they’re also pretty darn good for you.
Half Baked Harvest
22. 20-minute Heirloom Tomato Basil Chicken Parmesan Bolognese
Tip: If you don’t have fresh tomatoes available, sub in two cups of your fave marinara instead.
23. Barbecue Meatloaf
This gluten-free loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour.
24. Mozzarella-stuffed Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
A fun twist on the classic Italian dish you know and love. Don’t forget to garnish with some basil leaves and grated Parm for maximum effect.
25. Lasagna-stuffed Zucchini Boats
Take your average lasagna and step it up a notch. And by that we mean use Parmesan, mozzarella and ricotta and bake it in our favorite green squash.
The Modern Proper
26. Baked Chicken Meatballs With Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Noodles + pesto + tender, savory meatballs = a match made in kid or adult heaven.
Damn Delicious
27. Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
A healthier version of your favorite Thai appetizer.
Spend with Pennies
28. Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Meatloaf gets a makeover.
Inspiralized
29. Chicken And Carrot Cups
When in doubt, put everything in a muffin tin and bake it.
Plays Well with Butter
30. Skillet Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
The secret to pleasing a crowd of hungry people: cheesy meatballs and lots of crusty bread.
Damn Delicious
31. Chicken Burrito Bowl
Your new fave meal prep recipe.
Well Plated
32. Baked Chicken Meatballs
Easy, tasty and done in 35 minutes.
Heath Goldman
Food Editor
From 2017 to 2019 Heath Goldman held the role of Food Editor covering food, booze and some recipe development, too. Tough job, eh?
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