Exciting Ways to Use Ground Chicken in Your Cooking

1. Chicken Bolognese

A chicken version of classic Bolognese sauce is possibly the best use of ground chicken. Ground chicken is lighter than the usual beef or pork ragu while still packing plenty of flavor.

Sautéing aromatics like onion, carrot, celery and garlic builds a flavor base before adding the ground meat. Chicken thigh meat works better than breast since it has more fat for richness. A touch of milk or cream lends a silky texture while tomato paste and red wine vinegar contribute acidity and sweetness.

Finish it off with some fresh basil or parsley at the end. Served over pasta like penne, rotini or orzo, this chicken Bolognese is simple yet totally satisfying.

2. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

In this dish, crisp lettuce leaves cleverly replace tortillas or pita. Use cool iceberg or butter lettuce so that your lettuce wraps are soft, and crunchy and can provide a simple base for the flavorful chicken filling. Skipping the bread slashes carbs while showcasing the bright Asian flavors.

The chicken filling also comes together quickly in one pan with minimum ingredients. Serve this as an appetizer or light meal and these wraps will please both healthy eaters and picky kids.

3. Thai Basil Chicken

Fragrant Thai basil is the star of this dish. Unlike other basil varieties, Thai basil has an anise-like aroma that sets it apart. Along with spicy serrano chiles and pungent fish sauce, it provides the hallmark Thai notes.

Quick-cooking ground chicken is what makes this dish weeknight-friendly. Stir-frying the chicken with some chillies, green onions, and exciting Thai spices maintains the flavors and textures in the man. Thai basil chicken usually comes with jasmine rice and a squeeze of lime. 

4. Chipotle Chicken Tacos

If you're looking to change up your traditional taco experience, go with the Chipotle ground chicken taco. Unlike beef, ground chicken offers a more delicate texture and milder flavor that pairs well with assertive taco spices and toppings. Chipotle chiles lend a smoky, spicy warmth that complements the chicken perfectly.

Queso fresco, avocado, cilantro, and lime brighten up the common taco toppings but you can also go with salsa verde, mole sauce or herbs like cilantro or mint to really customize your tacos.

5. Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs

These Chinese-inspired chicken meatballs offer a flavorful twist on basic Italian-style meatballs. Made with equal parts ground chicken and water chestnuts, they have a bouncy, crunchy texture. The water chestnuts provide extra moisture and a fun crispness in each bite.

Traditional Kung Pao ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic and ginger are used to flavor the meatballs which are then fried briefly until golden brown. The resulting meatballs have a lighter consistency compared to beef or pork versions.

Served over rice with a sticky Kung Pao sauce, these represent global spices in a comforting manner. For more meatball variation, check out our list of exciting meatball recipes.

6. Chicken Burger

Nothing satisfies a burger craving like a juicy chicken patty. Ground chicken is a lighter, leaner alternative to beef burgers, while still delivering on flavor. Seasoning is key when dealing with mild chicken meat. A blend of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne are the usual suspects for the flavor.

Panko breadcrumbs help bind it together and keep the patties tender. Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and melted cheese are classic burger toppings that pair well but you can also go for tangy pickles, peppery arugula, crunchy slaw or roasted red peppers.

While fried chicken sandwiches may be trendy, a simple grilled chicken burger offers a more versatile, lighter take on chicken.

Related: 17 Good Sides For Burgers To Amp Up Your Burger Night

7. Italian Wedding Soup

This comforting soup, steeped in Italian-American tradition, gets its name from the tiny "wedding" dumplings that appear alongside the meatballs. But did you know that the original version actually used tiny pasta instead of meatballs? Ground chicken meatballs are a delicious modern twist, offering a heartier texture.

Traditionally, the broth is flavored with vegetables like escarole, spinach, and mini pasta shapes but feel free to add your own artistic touches with chopped carrots, celery, or even kale. For more protein, you can also add in some cooked chicken breast alongside the meatballs for a double whammy of goodness.

8. Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes

Move over, classic Sloppy Joe! This ground chicken version offers a lighter, healthier take on the beloved sandwich. In this version, the goodness of a juicy burger is combined with the comforting smokiness of sloppy joes

But the real star of the show is the cheese. While cheddar is a classic choice, don't be afraid to experiment! Pepper jack adds a kick, mozzarella stretches beautifully, and Monterey Jack are also good options. Top it off with your favorite burger fixings like pickles, onions, and a dollop of sour cream and feast away!

9. Chicken Casserole

This chameleon of a dish has countless variations, making chicken casseroles perfect for using up leftover chicken and pantry staples. In addition to being the ultimate comfort food, this dish also invites you in with its adaptability.

You can swap the rice for pasta or mashed potatoes, the creamy sauce for a zesty tomato base or a cheesy broccoli gratin. You can even use rotisserie chicken or leftover Thanksgiving turkey to give it a new lease on life.

10. Curried Chicken Pot Pie

The magic of this lies is the golden, flaky crust that protects the aromatic filing made with ground chicken, fragrant spices, and colorful vegetables. While more popular in the UK and Europe, this dish offers a warm hug on a chilly day, no matter where you are.

The chicken filling gets its vibrant soul from spices like turmeric, garam masala, and ginger. Carrots, peas, and potatoes are common companions, adding pops of color and texture. And the beauty? You can easily swap these veggies for your favorites, like mushrooms, green beans, or even lentils if you'd like.

11. Steamed Chicken Dumplings

Believe it or not, the humble chicken dumpling predates its porky cousin! While pork dumplings dominate today, chicken dumplings were the original stars. From the Japanese Gyoza to the Taiwanese Xiao Long Bao, each region puts its unique spin on this timeless dish.

Thinner wrappers create a translucent cover, showcasing the vibrant filling within. Thicker ones can also be used if you prefer a chewier experience. A soupy version of this dumpling involves a broth, while pan-fried options result in crispy bottoms and pillowy tops.

Whether it's the Chinese Shumai with its open tops or the Korean Mandu with its unique dipping sauces, each bite is an exploration of cultural nuances.

12. Chicken Seekh Kebabs

Hailing from the vibrant streets of South Asia, Chicken Seekh Kebabs are a feast for the senses. Ground chicken, seasoned with fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, gets skewered and grilled until smoky. This isn't your average ground chicken dish; the key lies in the "seekh" – a long, thin shape achieved by mincing the meat with onions and herbs.

These juicy skewers are often enjoyed as street food, served with cooling raita, fresh chutney, and warm naan. But you can easily recreate the magic at home!

13. Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Ground chicken makes a tasty, lighter stuffing for baked stuffed peppers versus ground beef or sausage. With its mild flavor, chicken blends in well with aromatics like onion, garlic, herbs and spices. Compared to denser, greasier beef or pork, ground chicken yields a lighter, cleaner-tasting stuffing that lets the other ingredients shine.

Rice, quinoa or breadcrumbs help bind it together while adding bulk and texture. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil or oregano lend bright flavor and color. Popular add-ins to the stuffing include shredded carrot, cheese and spinach that boost nutrition.

14. Chicken and Spinach Lasagna

Trading traditional ground beef for chicken and spinach gives lasagna a fresh, lighter twist. The combination of chicken and spinach works both in terms of nutrition as well as flavor. The chicken and spinach balance each other nicely between the tender noodles, savory sauce and gooey cheese. Compared to traditional meaty lasagna, this version feels fresher thanks to the greens, chicken and herbs.

15. Slow-cooker Chicken Chili

In this dish, the mild chicken builds delicious flavor slowly when simmered for hours in a slow cooker. The broth is mixed in with diced tomatoes, beans, onions, garlic, spices and beer to keep it moist and packed with texture. The slow cooker allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors over low, gentle heat.

16. Crispy Chicken Parm Balls

These bite-sized foods are usually served as an appetizer or main course and are considered a surefire hit with all ages. Think chicken nuggets with a grown-up twist!

Preparation involves coating juicy chicken meatballs in breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, before appearing golden in the oven or pan. You can serve this with a marinara sauce for dipping, along with sides like pasta, garlic bread, or a simple salad. And the best part? They're easy to share, making them perfect for parties or family gatherings.

17. Chicken Fries

Think you can't make "fries" out of meat? Think again! Chicken Fries are a kid-friendly alternative to their potato counterparts. Ground chicken gets mixed with herbs and spices, shaped into fry-like sticks, and baked or pan-fried.

While not yet a dominant force in fast food chains, Chicken Fries have found their way into many home kitchens as a healthy and creative way to incorporate more protein into snacks and meals. They're perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces like ketchup, BBQ, or honey mustard, and can be paired with a salad or vegetables for a balanced plate.

18. Chicken Parm Pizza

Forget pepperoni and pineapple, Chicken Parm Pizza is where classic Italian flavors meet pizza perfection. It all starts with a crispy pizza crust topped with different pizza toppings along with a vibrant tomato sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and tender bites of breaded chicken. It's like your favorite chicken Parmesan dish transformed into a shareable party pleaser.

It's the combination of savory tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and the crisp, slightly salty Parmesan-crusted chicken that makes this dish so irresistible. This unlikely pizza hero thrives in areas with strong Italian-American influences, but its unique blend of comfort food and pizza joy is winning hearts (and stomachs!) worldwide.

19. Homemade Chicken Meatloaf

For a lighter, healthier take on classic meatloaf, using ground chicken is the way to go. With less saturated fat than ground beef, chicken offers a more delicate texture and milder flavor. But a small amount of ground pork or beef can be blended in for more richness if desired. Baking until just cooked through keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy.

Once the meatloaf is ready, top it with ketchup or glaze for a sweet tanginess. Served with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes and green veggies, so that every can enjoy the classic flavors of the holidays.

20. Panko Chicken Patties

Another great way to utilize ground chicken for an easy weeknight dinner is turning them into chicken patties that are coated with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Made from ground chicken thigh meat, the patties stay juicy and tender. Chopped onion, garlic, herbs and spices are also mixed with the meat.

These chicken patties cook up faster and lighter than beef burgers, so you can either have them on their own or add them between buns for juicy burgers. Ready-to-cook chicken patties are also available premade for even quicker cooking.