Easy Ground Chicken Recipe
Okay, this one’s a lifesaver. You’ve had those nights when you open the fridge, stare at that pack of ground chicken, and think, “Now what?” Been there.
That’s why this ground chicken skillet recipe is in my back pocket.
It’s quick, full of flavor, and goes with just about anything. You’ll love it. Let’s make dinner easy tonight, yeah?
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 lb ground chicken
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
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1 zucchini, chopped
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1/4 cup chicken broth or water
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Fresh parsley or green onions for topping (optional)
How to Make Ground Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Step 3: Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add the ground chicken. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
Step 5: Add bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 6: Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
Step 7: Mix in the tomato paste and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with fresh herbs if you like.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip browning the chicken—it adds flavor.
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Don’t overload the pan. It needs space to cook evenly.
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Don’t forget to season as you go.
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Don’t add too much liquid—you want a saucy skillet, not soup.
Recipe Best Tips
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Use a nonstick or cast-iron skillet for best results.
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Chop your veggies small so they cook quickly.
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Ground chicken is lean, so don’t overcook it.
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Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
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Over rice or quinoa
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In lettuce wraps
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On top of baked potatoes
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In taco shells
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With a side of crusty bread
Storage and Freezing
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
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Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead?
A: Yep! It works exactly the same way.
Q: What other veggies can I add?
A: Mushrooms, spinach, corn, or even chopped kale are all great.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: Nope. But you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want a kick.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, it keeps really well for meal prep.
Q: What if I don’t have tomato paste?
A: You can use a little ketchup or skip it. It’ll still taste good.
Q: Can I add cheese?
A: Of course. A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top is delicious.
Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: The chicken should be no longer pink, and the veggies tender.
Conclusion
There it is—a ground chicken skillet that you can whip up fast and count on to taste amazing.
You don’t need fancy stuff. Just a few fresh things, one pan, and boom—dinner.
Try it out and let me know how it turned out for you.
You Might Also Want To Try
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Ground Chicken
A one-pan ground chicken skillet full of veggies, flavor, and easy steps. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and great for leftovers too.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Fresh herbs for topping (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Step 3: Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add the ground chicken. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
Step 5: Add bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 6: Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
Step 7: Mix in the tomato paste and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
- You can swap in other veggies based on what you have.
- Make it spicy by adding hot sauce or chili flakes.
- Keeps great for meal prep.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4Amount Per Serving Calories About 250
