If the goal is to break out of a dinner rut without blowing your grocery bill, these 13 easy ground chicken recipes are for you! I made sure to choose meals that rely on pantry seasonings, simple sauces, and budget-friendly add-ins like veggies, beans, and breadcrumbs. That way, things stay interesting all week without needing a cart full of new ingredients!
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Classic Dishes Using Ground Chicken (That Are Not Meatballs)
These classic dinners turn ground chicken into weeknight comfort food without feeling complicated. Expect familiar favorites with easy ingredients and big payoff!
1. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
You’re going to love these chicken lettuce wraps because they’re basically three simple parts that come together fast! There’s a quick hoisin soy sauce, a ground chicken and veggie filling, and a delicious peanut lime dressing. If you’re meal prepping, I’d keep the lettuce and chicken filling separate so the lettuce stays snappy!
2. Chicken Burger
Chicken Burger Recipe
These ground chicken burgers are juicy and so flavorful! The trick is a little mayo in the mix with panko, which adds moisture without making the patties heavy. I also recommend not overmixing the ground chicken to stop it from getting tough. Cook these burgers up fast and then let everyone build their own with whatever toppings you’ve got.
3. Chicken Meatloaf
Chicken Meatloaf
This chicken meatloaf is the kind of comfort dinner my family happily eats now and then again as leftovers. Grated carrot and onion melt right into the loaf so it stays tender instead of dense, and slices freeze well for easy future meals.
4. Chicken Croquettes
Chicken Croquettes
Chicken croquettes are a fun change of pace when you want something crispy and snackable for dinner, but totally homemade. Chilling the creamy chicken mixture helps the croquettes hold their shape, and freezing them before frying keeps the breading in place!
5. Chicken and Biscuit Casserole
Chicken and Biscuit Casserole
This chicken and biscuit casserole is built from simple comfort staples like ground chicken, butter, chicken broth, and a full lineup of veggies. But it’s the fluffy, cheesy, homemade cheddar biscuit topping that really seals the deal! This easy ground chicken recipe is a true family favorite.
6. Bruschetta Rigatoni alla Vodka
Bruschetta Rigatoni alla Vodka
Bruschetta rigatoni alla vodka is an easy one-pan pasta dinner that feels extra special. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so you’re not juggling extra pots, and the tomatoes, spinach, and chickpeas make it super filling. If you’re using plain ground chicken, I’d season it with garlic powder and some dried basil to add that bruschetta-style flavor!
Family Friendly Chicken Meatball Recipes
Meatballs are usually the first idea when there’s a pack of ground chicken in the fridge. They’re easy to portion, quick to cook, and fit right into pasta night, rice bowls, or a simple sub. Here are some different ground chicken meatball recipes I think you’ll love!
7. Classic Chicken Meatballs in Cream Sauce
Chicken Meatballs in Cream Sauce
These creamy chicken meatballs are a cozy dinner option that always goes over well with my family. The sauce starts with a quick butter and flour base, then turns creamy with broth, dairy, and parmesan. So easy!
8. Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Looking for something different for pasta night? Try these chicken parmesan meatballs! Parmesan and seasonings go right into the ground chicken mix, then they finish in marinara for a chicken parm flavor without the breading step. A quick sprinkle of mozzarella at the end turns it into a real weeknight win.
9. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
These Marry Me chicken meatballs are my take on the viral creamy chicken recipes, but made with ground chicken instead. Toasted buttery breadcrumbs and sun-dried tomatoes go into the mix for extra flavor, then the meatballs simmer in a rich sauce with budget-friendly canned tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and a handful of spinach.
10. Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs
Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs
Yes these sheet pan BBQ meatballs are written with ground turkey, but it’s an easy swap to ground chicken, and it works great! I love that it’s a full meal on two sheet pans with roasted peppers, onions, and pineapple, plus a little extra BBQ sauce brushed on at the end for a sticky finish.
Dishes You Can Swap to Ground Chicken
Speaking of dishes that can be swapped, these are the dinners that still work perfectly when ground chicken is what’s on hand. No need to run out to the grocery store when you can use what you’ve already got!
11. Orange Chicken
Easy Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is usually made with chicken pieces, but ground chicken works when you want it simpler and softer. You can brown a pound of ground chicken in oil, season it with salt and pepper, and then stir it right into the orange sauce once it turns glossy. If you want to bulk it out, I’d toss in extra vegetables and make a bit more sauce so nothing feels dry.
12. White Chicken Lasagna
White Chicken Lasagna Recipe
This white chicken lasagna is normally made with shredded rotisserie chicken and a creamy spinach white sauce, but ground chicken is a legit swap. Brown it first, then layer it in the same way you would the shredded chicken, so it spreads evenly through the pan!
13. Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Ground chicken is an easy swap for ground turkey in most recipes. This ground turkey stir fry is a fast skillet dinner that’s perfect for ground chicken, because the sauce is simple and bold, with soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar. It’s also a great option for meal prepping!
