Feeding our bodies with enough protein every day is crucial, especially for individuals managing diabetes. Protein gives us energy, maintains our muscle mass, and balances our blood sugar. Diabetics can easily prevent blood sugar spikes by incorporating lean protein into their diet, like these easy meals with ground chicken! Ground chicken is one of the best options you can find in grocery stores because it’s affordable, versatile, and most importantly, delicious!
Here are 10 quick recipes with ground chicken that are great for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping. From chicken meatballs, to lettuce wraps, to Dietitian-Approved Healthy Chicken Chili – you will be bound to find something you love! Today’s blog has you covered whether you’re searching for new ideas or you’re brand-new to cooking ground chicken!
Easy Meals With Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is an excellent protein option for dinner tonight because it’s quick to prepare, made with whole ingredients, and blood-sugar friendly. As you scroll, you’ll find a wide range of tasty recipes, from chicken stir fry to fresh lettuce wraps to flavorful chicken pasta. Ground chicken is also a great alternative to ground beef or ground turkey. Expect ingredients filled with delicious flavors that’ll satisfy and nourish, whether you are cooking for the whole family or just treating yourself!
Is Ground Chicken Healthy for Diabetics?
Yes! Ground chicken is an excellent source of protein for people with diabetes. Why? Because it is a lean protein option that is low in fat, and helps to stabilize blood sugar! Bonus points if you’re using ground chicken breast! Eating chicken can help you control your weight and lose weight, which is important for people with diabetes. Chicken is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and various B vitamins.
What To Make With Ground Chicken That Is Quick And Easy
Thai Basil Ground Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1 tbsp oil
- ½ onion (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup fresh thai basil
- Optional: sesame seeds, red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Step 1: Saute onion and garlic in oil until fragrant.
Step 2: Add ground chicken and cook until browned.
Step 3: Stir in sauces and sugar.
Step 4: Toss on thai basil and cook until wilted.
Step 5: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over cauliflower or jasmine rice.
If you are looking for a dish filled with spicy and savory flavors, then this Thai Basil Ground Chicken Stir Fry is for you! Only 1 lb of ground chicken is needed, and it only takes about 25 minutes to make! I love pairing it with cauliflower or jasmine rice as a yummy way to add more nutrients and vitamins to my meal!
Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- ¾ tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 can chopped water chestnuts, drained and diced
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
- 8 butter or bibb lettuce leaves
- Salt and ground lack pepper to taste
- Optional: sesame seeds, shredded carrots
Instructions:
Step 1: Set 2 to 3 tablespoons of green onions aside for garnish. Combine remaining green onions, water chestnuts, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir yellow onion in hot oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add ground chicken, garlic, and sesame oil. Cook and stir until chicken is crumbly and no longer pink, 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add hoisin mixture to chicken mixture in the skillet and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Spoon into lettuce leaves, sprinkle sesame seeds and reserved green onions on top.
Inspired by: Asian-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
This ground chicken lettuce wrap is perfect for light dinners or as an appetizer to start a family dinner. You only need 1 lb of ground chicken and 20 minutes of your time! This wrap is crunchy, fresh, and low-carb with a hint of sweetness from the sauce. Great for meal-prepping or eating fresh off the skillet!
Heavy Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Red pepper flakes
- Oil spray
- Garlic powder, onion powder
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, add ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Lightly whisk the egg first, then use your (clean!) hand or spatula to gently combine. The less you work the meat, the better!
Step 2: Use a spoon or 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to divide the mixture into 20 meatballs. They should roughly be the size of gold balls. Wet your hands and roll into balls.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer and spray the bottom of the basket with oil. Add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure there’s some space in between to allow them to get golden brown. Air fry at 350F for 8-12 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165F. Let cool slightly before serving.
Inspired by: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
I love this chicken meatball recipe because it’s juicy, simple, and perfect for meal prep! It only requires 1.5 lbs of ground chicken and takes around 30 minutes to make. I love to serve these chicken meatballs in pasta, wraps, or simply on their own with a side of veggies!
Easy Chicken Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground chicken breast
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp minced onion
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil (for cooking)
- Buns and toppings: avocado, pickles, lettuce, tzatziki (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, mayo, onion, parsley, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined (but not over-mixed).
Step 2: Form into 4 equal patties.
Step 3: Heat avocado oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
Step 4: Cook patties 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve on buns with your favorite toppings!
These juice chicken burgers are a perfect lean alternative to ground beef or turkey and a great way to hit that protein goal! I also love serving lettuce wraps as a low-carb option that is just as delicious!
Ground Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup diced yellow bell pepper (or poblano)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ Tbsp chili powder
- ½ tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 tsp arrowroot (or cornstarch)
- ¼ cup black beans (optional)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- Tortillas + toppings: cabbage slaw, guacamole, lime wedges, cilantro
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add chicken, breaking it up, and cook until it begins to brown
Step 3: Stir in garlic, onion, and bell pepper; cook until veggies soften.
Step 4: Season with cumin, chili, chipotle, paprika, oregano, red pepper, and salt. Stir well.
Step 5: Add arrowroot, black beans, and broth. Cook until thickened, about 2-4 minutes more.
Step 6: Serve warm in tortillas; top with cabbage slaw, guacamole, lime, and cilantro
I love that these ground chicken tacos are easy to customize and provide lots of variety to ensure everyone enjoys them! You only need 1 lb of ground chicken and about 20 minutes to make this yummy meal. This recipe is also great for meal prepping or leftovers for later!
Healthy Chicken Chili
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs organic chicken, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 6-12 jalapenos, seeded and minced
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 6 cups of chicken bone broth
- 1 cup canned (full-fat) coconut milk
- 4 oz can green chilies
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon ground red pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Grab a large soup pot, put over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic
Step 2: Once the garlic is fragrant, add chicken. As needed, use a wooden spoon to cook on both sides.
Step 3 : Once the chicken is about halfway cooked through, add in your pepper, onions, jalapenos, and green chiles. Mix together and let cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Now add your chicken broth and coconut milk, along with all spices.
Step 5: Stir together until well combined.
Step 6: Cover and let simmer for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Eat fresh, or consider freezing a batch (if you’ll thaw it out again!)
Grab this recipe here: https://whitnessnutrition.com/healthychickenchili/
This is a great recipe to cook when you are having people over and want to impress them:)) It’s high-protein, low glycemic, and perfect for leftovers! What more could you ask for! You need 2 lbs of chicken for this recipe, and it takes around 40 minutes to cook, but good things are worth the wait!
Spicy Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
For the cauliflower rice:
- 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: In another pan, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground chicken and break it up with a spatula. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Lower the heat and stir in sriracha, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Divide cauliflower rice into bowls. Top with spicy ground chicken. Add your favorite toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime.
Step 5: Enjoy immediately or portion into containers for meal prepping. These bowls keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
This spicy chicken bowl with cauliflower rice is great for those who like spice and is packed with protein! You just need 1 lb of ground chicken to serve over sautéed cauliflower rice in just around 30 minutes. If you want to make it diabetic-friendly, feel free to skip added sugar and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Such a yummy, unique dish to enjoy on a cozy summer day!
Chicken & Veggie Air Fryer Bowls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground chicken breast, chopped into bite-size pieces (2-3 medium chicken breasts)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- 1 tsp EACH garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: sesame seeds, green onion for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Set your air fryer to 400°F.
Step 2: Chop the veggies and chicken into small bite-size pieces and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the oil and seasoning to the bowl and toss to combine.
Step 4: Add the chicken and veggies to the preheated air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway, or until the chicken and veggies are charred and chicken is cooked through. If your air fryer is small, you may have to cook them in 2-3 batches.
Step 5: Serve over brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Inspired by: Healthy Air Fryer Chicken and Veggies | Gimme Delicious
I love this recipe because it’s great for immediate dinner or storing in containers for grab-and-go meals during the week! It’s such an easy way to nourish your body with protein and veggies, not to mention the delicious taste! But wait….there’s more! Only takes around 15 minutes to prepare and minimal mess!
Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 2 cups cooked, day-old brown rice or cauliflower rice (for lower carbs)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed stir-fry veggies)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder or two garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: sesame seeds, sriracha, lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s browned and fully cooked. Season with garlic powder. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked. Push them to the side of the pan.
Step 3: Add the frozen peas and carrots (or other chopped veggies) to the pan. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Add the rice, cooked chicken, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together for an additional 3–4 minutes, until heated through and well combined.
Step 5: Turn off heat. Stir in chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds or sriracha. Serve hot.
Inspired by: Ground Chicken Fried Rice | Munchin’ With Maddie
If you are craving takeout, try out this chicken fried rice recipe! It is so much healthier and packed with flavorful nutrients that will leave your body feeling nourished. It only takes 20 minutes and is great for leftovers! Such a great way to sneak in veggies and meet your protein goals!
Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce or hoisin (optional – check for low sugar versions)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional for thickening) + 1 tbsp water
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onion, red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Step 1:In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it is fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add broccoli, red bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry for about 5–7 minutes until just tender. If using fresh broccoli, you can add a splash of water and cover the pan for 2 minutes to help it steam.
Step 4: Return the ground chicken to the pan. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until everything is well-coated.
Step 5: Remove from heat. Top with sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving. Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
I love this chicken stir-fry because it’s packed with protein and fiber, low in added sugar, and perfect for using what’s already in your fridge. Great recipe to make when you have leftover veggies and are craving a quick, easy meal! Not only is it affordable, but also extremely flavorful!
Inspired by: Healthy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry – The Whole Cook
Ready to switch up your dinner routine?
I just shared 10 easy, protein-packed ground chicken recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights and diabetes-friendly too! If you’re still feeling overwhelmed about what to eat, or just tired of cooking the same meals, I’m here to help! Book a discovery call with me to get personalized support and fresh ideas for eating well without the stress!: https://l.bttr.to/0JNaL
