Looking for easy ground chicken recipes with few ingredients? These dishes are perfect for quick weeknight meals, requiring minimal prep and pantry staples. Whether you’re craving a cheesy wrap, a hearty soup, or a flavorful stir-fry, these recipes deliver big flavor with just a handful of ingredients.‍ For even more inspiration, try using an AI recipe generator like Crumb to create customized meals based on what you have in your kitchen!

How to Cook Ground Chicken Like a Pro

Cooking ground chicken may seem simple, but there are a few key secrets to making it juicy, flavorful, and never dry. Here’s how to cook ground chicken the right way:

  • Use a little oil – Since ground chicken is leaner than beef, adding a bit of oil prevents it from sticking and keeps it moist.
  • Don’t overcook it – Ground chicken cooks fast! Once it turns white and no longer pink, it’s done. Overcooking makes it dry.
  • Season early and layer flavors – Adding salt, garlic, or soy sauce while cooking helps infuse the meat with flavor instead of just seasoning at the end.
  • Break it up properly – Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles for even cooking.
  • Let it brown – Instead of stirring constantly, let the chicken sit for a minute to develop a nice golden color. This adds extra flavor.

Dig in Our 10 Favorite recipes

These are perfect for effortless meals. From cheesy wraps and hearty chili to savory stir-fries and creamy pasta, each dish is packed with flavor and made with just a few ingredients. Whether you're craving something comforting, spicy, or light, these recipes make cooking with ground chicken simple and delicious!

1. Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

These cheesy garlic chicken wraps are crispy on the outside and filled with juicy, seasoned ground chicken and gooey melted cheese. With a hint of garlic butter, they’re a perfect quick lunch or dinner that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

cheesy garlic chicken wraps
Cheesy garlic chicken wraps

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 large tortillas
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until fully cooked.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Assemble the Wraps: Lay tortillas flat, sprinkle cheese on one side, and spoon cooked chicken over the cheese.
  4. Fold and Toast: Fold the tortilla in half. Melt butter in a clean pan and toast wraps for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Serve: Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!

Want even less cleanup? These dump and bake recipes are perfect when you need a hands-off dinner with minimal prep.

2. Spicy Minced Chicken Stir-Fry

This spicy minced chicken stir-fry is a quick and bold-flavored dish that comes together in under 20 minutes. Juicy minced chicken is sautéed with garlic, chili paste, and bell peppers, creating a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness.

Minced chicken stir-fry
Minced chicken stir-fry

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb minced chicken
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili paste
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 2 tbsp green onions, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add minced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up.
  3. Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic, ginger, and chili paste. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
  5. Finish with Sauce: Stir in soy sauce and honey. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  6. Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

3. Juicy Ground Chicken Meatloaf

This ground chicken meatloaf is a healthier version of the classic dish, packed with moisture and a tangy glaze. It’s perfect for meal prep or a hearty family dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies for a complete meal.

ground chicken meatloaf
Ground chicken meatloaf

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ onion, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Glaze:

  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp mustard

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer mixture to the baking sheet and shape into a loaf.
  4. Make the Glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
  5. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes. Remove, brush with remaining glaze, and bake for another 10 minutes.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

4. Hearty Ground Chicken Chili

This ground chicken chili is packed with rich flavors, tender beans, and the perfect blend of spices. It’s a one-pot meal that’s great for cold nights and meal prepping!

ground chicken chili
Ground chicken chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
  3. Add Spices: Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer: Pour in tomatoes, beans, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese or chopped cilantro.

5. Spicy Ground Chicken Tacos

These spicy ground chicken tacos are packed with bold flavors and come together in just 20 minutes. Juicy ground chicken is seasoned with smoky spices and served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. A perfect quick and satisfying meal for taco night!

Chicken tacos
Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup sour cream or lime crema
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  2. Season & Simmer: Stir in cumin, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Add water and let simmer for 5 minutes until flavors blend.
  3. Warm the Tortillas: Heat corn tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until soft.
  4. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each tortilla with seasoned chicken, then top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and avocado slices.
  5. Serve: Drizzle with sour cream or lime crema and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Cooking for picky eaters? These kid friendly ground beef recipes are just as quick and always a hit with families.

6. Comforting Ground Chicken Soup

This ground chicken soup is a warm and hearty dish, filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It's perfect for chilly days or when you need a light yet nourishing meal.

ground chicken soup
Ground chicken soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add ground chicken to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink.
  3. Season and Simmer: Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Slow Cook: Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread.

7. Creamy Ground Chicken Pasta

This ground chicken pasta is a rich and creamy dish with a savory tomato-cream sauce. It’s a comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

ground chicken pasta
Ground chicken pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 cups penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes. Add ground chicken and cook until browned.
  3. Add Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Make it Creamy: Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss well, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

8. Cheesy Ground Chicken Casserole

This ground chicken casserole is a cheesy and satisfying baked dish with layers of chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce. It’s an easy make-ahead meal for busy days.

ground chicken casserole
Ground chicken casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook ground chicken over medium heat until fully browned. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheese. Add cooked chicken and stir until combined.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Transfer mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

9. Garlic Scallion Chicken Stir-Fry

This scallion chicken stir-fry is quick, savory, and packed with fresh green onions. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.

scallion chicken
Scallion chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup chopped scallions (green onions)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Heat Oil: In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook Chicken: Add ground chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
  3. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in garlic, soy sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Toss in Scallions: Add chopped scallions and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until slightly wilted.
  5. Serve: Enjoy over rice or as a protein-packed topping for noodles.

10. Asian Chicken Bowl with Ginger & Sesame

This Asian chicken bowl is a delicious mix of juicy ground chicken, sesame, and ginger, served over rice with fresh veggies. It’s an easy and healthy meal with bold flavors.

Asian chicken bowl
Asian chicken bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup steamed bok choy
  • 1 tbsp green onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
  2. Add Flavor: Stir in soy sauce and minced ginger. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  3. Prepare Bowl: In a bowl, add a serving of cooked rice. Arrange shredded carrots and bok choy on top.
  4. Assemble: Spoon the seasoned chicken over the rice and veggies. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
  5. Serve: Enjoy as a balanced and flavorful meal.