10 Flavorful Ground Chicken Recipes You Can Make In Minutes

Yes, you can eat well on a budget without sacrificing flavor. Talk to anyone lately, and the topic comes up: food is more expensive because of inflation. That’s why ground chicken is having a moment. Cheaper than chicken breasts and leaner than other types of ground meat, ground chicken is the secret ingredient to cooking well and spending less. Bonus: it also freezes beautifully so that you can take advantage of supermarket discounts. We’ll admit ground chicken can be blah, but luckily it’s not hard to amp up the flavor. Need proof? These ground chicken recipes are anything but boring. Even better, most of them are ready in 30 minutes or less.

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1. Italian Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers evoke fond memories of weeknight dinners in the ‘80s. Super filling and slightly retro, this dish is still a charmer. Modern updates such as brown rice instead of white and lean ground chicken instead of beef transform this into a simple, healthy meal.

Try the recipe at Well Plated.

2. Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken

The gochujang sauce packs the perfect amount of punch, bringing a smoky-spicy flavor to ground chicken. The Korean chile paste can be found online or in the Asian foods section of your supermarket. Top the ramen with steamed broccoli or mushrooms for a vitamin and potassium boost.

Try the recipe at Pinch of Yum.

3. Healthy Ground Chicken Feta Burgers with Spinach

Chicken and feta are a perfect pair: the tangy, salty Greek cheese adds plenty of flavor to plain ground chicken and helps keep the meat moist when cooking. Continue the Mediterranean theme by tucking these patties into whole wheat pita bread (instead of buns) and drizzling them with tzatziki or plain yogurt.

Try the recipe at Haute and Healthy Living.

4. Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos

The search is over. We’ve found a healthy way to indulge in the ultimate comfort food: fully-loaded nachos. Homemade sweet potato chips are a spicy-salty companion for an array of delectable toppings. The recipe calls for turkey, but we subbed in ground chicken with delicious results. Mixing lentils with chicken is a clever move that adds more fiber and protein.

Try the recipe at Nourished by Nic.

5. Chicken Sausage Rolls

If you’re the kind of person who reaches for a snack in the afternoon (who isn’t), it’s time to make your own healthy version. These satisfying sausage rolls are made with ground chicken and a whopping five vegetables. They’re super flavorful, thanks to a pop of dried herbs.

Try the recipe at Maple and Mango.

6. Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

A short ingredient list and short cook time (thanks to the Instant Pot) make this flavorful soup a weeknight dinner winner. It’s also gluten- and dairy-free and can easily be made low-carb with cauliflower rice instead of white rice. Just cook the cauliflower rice separately on the stovetop and stir it in once the soup is done.

Try the recipe at The Movement Menu.

7. Paleo Pesto Chicken Meatballs

These paleo, keto, and Whole30-approved meatballs couldn’t be easier to make, and the fresh and fragrant pesto sauce feels just right for spring. Serve them on their own or with spaghetti squash noodles for an easy, healthy weeknight dinner you’ll want to make on repeat.

Try the recipe at Paleo Running Momma.

8. Thai Basil Chicken Bowls

These budget-friendly chicken bowls get a punch of flavor from fish sauce, rice vinegar, fresh basil, and thinly sliced chili peppers. They also take just 30 minutes to make. If you want, use honey in place of brown sugar — there’s not a lot, just enough to add a touch of sweetness — and swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice or a lettuce leaf wrap instead.

Try the recipe at Damn Delicious.

9. One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta

All the flavors of fajitas, all the comfort of pasta in a one-pot recipe? No, you’re not dreaming. Opt for whole-wheat pasta and, if you like, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Just make sure it has at least some fat, so it doesn’t break when stirring it into the hot pasta.

Try the recipe at Nutmeg Nanny.

10. Orange Ground Chicken Rice Bowls

No cornstarch, no frying, all the flavor in this riff on the takeout favorite. Serve over brown rice with a hefty serving of steamed broccoli for a feel-good weeknight dinner.

Try the Recipe at Frugal Nutrition.

Read next: 9 Healthy Ground Pork Recipes You’ll Obsess Over