25 Easy Ground Chicken Recipes You Can Make in 20 Minutes or Less

25 Easy Ground Chicken Recipes You Can Make in 20 Minutes or Less

ByRuby Grace

Finding time to cook a healthy dinner on busy weeknights can feel impossible. You want something quick, but you also want a meal that is good for your family and tastes great. Ground chicken is the perfect solution to this problem.

Ground chicken is a lean and healthy protein. It helps your body feel full and strong without a lot of extra fat. It has a very mild flavor, which means it acts like a blank canvas. It soaks up the taste of any spices, sauces, or seasonings you add to it. You can easily use it in place of ground turkey or ground beef in almost any recipe.

We have gathered over 20 original and tasty recipes that all use ground chicken. The very best part? Every single one of these dinners can be cooked and on your table in 20 minutes or less. Let’s get cooking

Quick and Healthy Skillet Dinners

These one pan meals are the champions of busy weeknights. You cook everything in a single skillet. This means more time with your family and much less time scrubbing pots and pans.

1. Speedy Chicken and Black Bean Skillet

This recipe is a complete meal all in one pan. It is full of protein and fiber from the beans. The smoky spices give it a bold and delicious flavor.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped into small pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with the juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it softens.
  2. Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spoon to break the chicken into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until it is no longer pink.
  3. Add the chopped garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for one minute. You will smell a wonderful, spicy aroma.
  4. Pour in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juice, and the chicken broth. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a low bubble.
  5. Turn the heat down to medium low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and the sauce get a little thicker.
  6. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as you like. Serve it warm in bowls with your favorite toppings.

2. One Pan Unstuffed Chicken Peppers

This dish gives you all the great taste of classic stuffed bell peppers, but without all the hard work. You cook everything in one pan for a simple and delicious dinner.

Prep time: 7 minutes
Cook time: 13 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (any color you like), chopped into small pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with the juice
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
  2. Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook until it is browned, breaking it up with your spoon. Drain off any extra liquid if needed.
  3. Stir in the chopped garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for one more minute.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, the cooked rice, and the broth. Stir to combine everything. Let it come to a simmer.
  5. Turn the heat down, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes. This lets the peppers become tender.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Put the lid back on and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese will melt and become bubbly.
  7. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve it hot right from the skillet.

3. Creamy Tomato and Chicken Pasta

This is a rich and comforting pasta dish. It feels like it simmered on the stove for hours, but it is ready in the time it takes to boil a pot of water.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta (or any short pasta you have)
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the directions on the box. When it is done, drain it, but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the ground chicken and cook until it is browned. Drain off any extra liquid.
  4. Stir in the garlic, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you are using them. Cook for one minute.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Bring it to a simmer, then turn the heat down and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to your taste.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta is covered in sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the saved pasta water.
  8. Serve right away, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

4. Greek Chicken and Rice Skillet

This recipe brings the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. The feta cheese and lemon make it feel light, fresh, and a little bit special.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice from 1/2 a lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet that has a lid over medium high heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until it softens, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the ground chicken and cook until it is browned. Drain off any extra liquid.
  3. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and dill. Cook for one more minute.
  4. Add the rice to the skillet and stir it around for a minute so it gets coated in the flavors.
  5. Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Then, turn the heat down to low, put the lid on, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. The rice should be tender and have soaked up all the liquid.
  6. Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon juice.
  7. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Use a fork to fluff the rice and serve it right away.

5. Hearty 20 Minute Chicken Chili

Chili is a classic comfort food, perfect for cool evenings. This version uses ground chicken to make it a little lighter, but it is still full of flavor and very satisfying.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can (15 ounces) white kidney beans (cannellini), rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with the juice
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until they soften, about 4 minutes.
  2. Add the ground chicken and cook until it is browned. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks. Drain off any extra liquid.
  3. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for one minute until it smells fragrant.
  4. Add the white kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
  5. Turn the heat down and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Stir it every so often.
  6. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the chili hot in bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings.

6. Chicken and Mushroom Gravy over Toast

This is a classic, comforting dish that is often called “SOS” or creamy chipped beef. This version uses ground chicken for a lighter, faster take on a old fashioned favorite.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (like cremini or white button)
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (any kind works)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 thick slices of bread, toasted

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground chicken and sliced mushrooms together. Cook until the chicken is browned and the mushrooms are tender. Drain off any extra grease.
  2. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the chicken and mushrooms. Stir well to coat everything. Cook for one minute to cook the raw taste out of the flour.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps of flour.
  4. Bring the gravy to a low simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens to your liking.
  5. Add salt and pepper to your taste.
  6. Place a slice of toast on each plate. Spoon the creamy chicken and mushroom gravy generously over the top. Serve right away.

Global Inspired Chicken Bowls and Stir Fries

Take your taste buds on a quick trip around the world with these fast and flavorful meals. They are all served in a bowl for an easy and fun dinner experience.

7. 15 Minute Thai Chicken Bowl

This recipe is bursting with big, bold Thai flavors. The red curry paste and coconut milk create a sauce that is creamy, spicy, and absolutely delicious.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup light coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, for serving
  • Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it is browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any extra liquid.
  2. Add the chopped garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the pepper is tender crisp.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, and lime juice until the curry paste is mixed in.
  4. Pour the sauce over the ground chicken mixture. Stir to combine everything. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens a little and is bubbling.
  5. To serve, put a big scoop of hot jasmine rice in a bowl. Spoon the Thai chicken over the rice. Add your favorite toppings, like chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and an extra squeeze of lime.

8. Quick Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

This is a simple and healthy stir fry that comes together in a flash. The cabbage adds a nice crunch and makes the meal very satisfying and filling.

Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 1/2 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, cut into thin matchsticks
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it is browned. Drain off any extra liquid.
  2. Add the sliced onion and chopped garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion starts to soften.
  3. Add the sliced cabbage and carrot sticks. Stir fry everything together for 5 to 7 minutes. The cabbage should be tender but still have a little crunch.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and ground ginger.
  5. Pour the sauce over the stir fry. Toss everything to coat it well. Cook for another 2 minutes, until the sauce warms up and thickens just a little.
  6. Serve right away over hot cooked rice or noodles.

9. Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Skillet

This recipe is a little bit sweet, a little bit salty, and absolutely packed with flavor. The pineapple cooks down with the teriyaki sauce to make something truly special.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice, drained but save the juice
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice (from the can)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it is browned, breaking it up. Drain off any extra grease.
  2. While the chicken cooks, make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, the reserved pineapple juice, and the cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
  3. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Add the drained pineapple chunks.
  4. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken and become glossy.
  5. Serve the teriyaki chicken and pineapple over a bed of hot cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like.

10. Chicken and Broccoli Noodles

This recipe is a complete meal in a bowl. The savory sauce coats the noodles, chicken, and broccoli perfectly for a dinner that tastes just like takeout.

Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces ramen or udon noodles
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles according to the directions on the package. Drain them and set them aside.
  2. While the noodles cook, heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up.
  3. Add the grated ginger and chopped garlic to the skillet. Cook for one minute until it smells fragrant.
  4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they are bright green and tender crisp.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), water, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved.
  6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Cook, stirring all the time, until the sauce gets thick and coats everything. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together to combine. Serve right away, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like.

Fun Twists on Family Favorites

These recipes take classic dishes like burgers, tacos, and meatballs and give them a quick and easy ground chicken makeover. They are fun, delicious, and sure to please everyone.

11. Quick Chicken Burger Quesadillas

This is a fun mash up of a burger and a quesadilla. It is crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Kids and adults both love this creative dinner.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional for serving: salsa, sour cream, guacamole

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground chicken over medium high heat until it is browned. Drain off any extra grease.
  2. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Lay four tortillas out on a flat surface. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a layer of cheese.
  4. On top of the cheese, put some of the cooked chicken, a sprinkle of diced red onion, and a little cilantro.
  5. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to make a half moon shape.
  6. Heat a clean large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully put the quesadillas in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and the cheese should be melted inside.
  7. Take them out of the skillet and let them cool for a minute before cutting them into wedges. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

12. Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

This recipe takes the classic Sloppy Joe and gives it a spicy buffalo wing twist. It is tangy, a little spicy, and absolutely delicious on a soft bun.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Ranch dressing or extra blue cheese dressing, for serving

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook until it is browned, breaking it up with your spoon. Drain off any extra grease.
  3. Pour the buffalo wing sauce into the skillet. Stir it into the chicken and onion mixture. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until everything is hot and well mixed.
  4. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the crumbled blue cheese.
  5. Spoon the Buffalo chicken mixture onto the hamburger buns. Serve right away with a drizzle of ranch or extra blue cheese dressing.

13. Chicken and Black Bean Burgers

These burgers are a fantastic way to add extra fiber and flavor to your meal. The mashed black beans help keep the chicken burgers incredibly moist.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Your favorite burger toppings

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, add the drained black beans. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash them well. They should be mostly smooth but can have a few small chunks.
  2. To the bowl with the mashed beans, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, and cumin if you are using it. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Mix everything together gently with your hands until it is just combined. Do not over mix.
  4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and form them into patties.
  5. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan. Cook the patties for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. They should be cooked through and have a nice brown color.
  6. Serve the burgers on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

14. Chicken Piccata Meatballs

This recipe takes the classic Italian flavors of chicken piccata and turns them into quick and easy meatballs. The lemon and caper sauce is bright and delicious.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (from about 1 to 2 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the meatballs and cook them, turning them now and then, until they are browned on all sides.
  4. Carefully pour the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers into the skillet with the meatballs.
  5. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The meatballs will finish cooking through, and the sauce will reduce and thicken slightly.
  6. These are delicious served over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

15. Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs have a sweet and spicy glaze that is absolutely irresistible. They are called “firecracker” because of the kick from the buffalo sauce.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. In a separate small bowl, make the sauce. Whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  5. Gently toss the raw meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly. You can do this right in the bowl. Place the coated meatballs back on the baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  7. Serve these meatballs as an appetizer or over rice for a full meal.

Comforting Soups and Skillet Meals

These recipes are warm, comforting, and perfect for a cooler evening. They are like a hug in a bowl or a warm blanket on a plate, all ready in just 20 minutes.

16. Chicken and Corn Chowder

This is a creamy and slightly sweet chowder that is pure comfort in a bowl. It is thick, hearty, and comes together in no time.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cups frozen corn
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the ground chicken to the pot. Cook until it is browned, breaking it up with your spoon. Drain off any extra grease.
  3. Stir in the frozen corn, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the soup to a simmer.
  4. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then. This allows the flavors to blend and the soup to thicken a little.
  5. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the chowder hot in bowls, garnished with fresh chives or parsley if you like.

17. Cheesy Chicken and Rice Burritos

These are not your average burritos. The filling is made with a creamy, cheesy chicken and rice mixture that is incredibly satisfying.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people (makes 4 burritos)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground chicken until it is browned. Drain off any extra grease.
  2. Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, and salsa.
  3. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is hot and well combined. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. To assemble the burritos, warm the tortillas slightly so they are soft and easy to fold.
  5. Spoon a quarter of the chicken and rice mixture into the center of each tortilla.
  6. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
  7. Serve the burritos right away. You can also pan fry them for a minute on each side in a dry skillet to make them crispy.

18. Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe gives you all the creamy, comforting flavor of a chicken pot pie without the work of making a crust. It is a simple skillet version that is ready in minutes.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (10 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans), thawed
  • 4 biscuits, baked according to package directions

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground chicken until it is browned. Drain off any extra grease.
  2. Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup and the thawed mixed vegetables.
  3. Turn the heat down to medium and let the mixture cook until it is heated through and bubbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often.
  4. While the filling cooks, bake your biscuits according to the instructions on the package.
  5. To serve, split a warm biscuit in half and place it on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture over the top.

19. Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells

This is a quick and easy version of a classic baked pasta dish. By using pre cooked shells and ground chicken, you can have this on the table in 20 minutes.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package directions
  • 1 pound ground chicken, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed completely dry
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked ground chicken, ricotta cheese, squeezed dry spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  3. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a small baking dish.
  4. Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the chicken and ricotta mixture. Place the filled shells in the baking dish on top of the sauce.
  5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes, or until everything is heated through and bubbly.
  6. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like.

20. Italian Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet

Gnocchi are soft little potato dumplings that cook very quickly, which makes them perfect for a 20 minute meal. This skillet dinner is pure Italian comfort food.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
  • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the ground chicken and cook until it is browned. Drain off any extra grease.
  3. Stir in the garlic, basil, and oregano. Cook for one more minute.
  4. Add the gnocchi, crushed tomatoes, and broth to the skillet. Stir everything together gently and bring it to a simmer.
  5. Turn the heat down, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The gnocchi will become tender and cook through.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Put the lid back on and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking with Ground Chicken

Here are some common questions people have when cooking with ground chicken. We hope these tips help you feel more confident in the kitchen.

Why should I choose ground chicken for my meals?

Ground chicken is a fantastic choice for healthy eating. It is a lean protein, which means it has less saturated fat than regular ground beef or even ground turkey that includes dark meat. It is also very mild in flavor, so it acts like a blank canvas. It takes on the taste of whatever spices, herbs, or sauces you use. This makes it very versatile for many different types of recipes from all around the world.

What is the best way to brown ground chicken?

The key to browning ground chicken, and not just steaming it, is to use a hot pan and not move it around too much at the beginning. Heat your oil in the skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and let it sit for a minute or two before you start breaking it apart with your spoon. This helps it get a nice, brown, flavorful crust. Also, ground chicken can release a lot of water. Make sure to drain off any extra liquid that accumulates while it cooks. This helps it brown better.

Can I use frozen ground chicken in these 20 minute recipes?

It is best to fully thaw frozen ground chicken before you start cooking. Cooking it from frozen will make it cook unevenly and will take much longer than the 20 minutes allowed in these recipes. The safest way to thaw it is to put it in the refrigerator the night before you plan to cook it. If you forget, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but you should cook it immediately after.

How can I make sure my ground chicken doesn’t dry out?

Ground chicken is very lean, especially if you buy ground chicken breast. This means it can dry out if you are not careful. Here are a few simple tips to keep it moist and tender:

  • Do not overcook it. Cook it just until it is no longer pink inside. Overcooking is the main reason meat becomes dry.
  • Add moisture to the pan. Many of these recipes include ingredients like broth, tomatoes, or sauces. These liquids help keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
  • In burgers or meatballs, adding binders like breadcrumbs and an egg, or mixing in grated vegetables like zucchini, helps hold in moisture.

Is ground chicken healthier than ground turkey?

Both ground chicken and ground turkey are healthy, lean proteins. The main difference comes from what part of the bird is ground. If you buy “ground chicken breast” or “ground turkey breast,” they are both extremely lean and low in fat. If you buy regular ground chicken or turkey, it may include darker meat and skin, which adds fat and flavor. For the healthiest choice, always look at the label and choose a package that says “93% lean / 7% fat” or higher.

More Easy and Healthy Recipes

If you liked these ground chicken recipes, you might also enjoy these other quick and healthy meal ideas from Upgraded Health.

  • 20 Easy 20 Minute Ground Beef Recipes
  • 20 Easy 20 Minute Ground Turkey Recipes
  • The 21 Most Hormone And Fat Loss Friendly Foods In The World
  • 23 Anti Inflammatory Herbs And Their Benefits

We hope these recipes make your weeknight dinners easier, faster, and more delicious. Happy cooking

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