Spicy Ground Chicken Recipe: A Quick & Healthy Meal Option
If you’re looking for a meal that is both healthy and full of flavor, this Spicy Ground Chicken recipe is a must-try! Created during my healthy eating days, it’s a quick, low-fat, and protein-packed dish that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you serve it on top of rice or wrap it in a soft tortilla, this dish offers a satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With the combination of lean ground chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty kick from salsa, it’s a well-rounded, easy-to-make meal for those busy nights when you’re craving something delicious yet nutritious.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Chicken |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Servings | 4 servings (approx.) |
| Course | Main dish |
Ingredients
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people, but can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs. The ingredients include a mix of lean meats, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 lb (450g) | Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier option. |
| Ground turkey | 1 lb (450g) | For extra lean protein, you can substitute all or part of the chicken with turkey. |
| Zucchini | 1 medium | Adds a fresh, mild flavor and moisture to the dish. |
| Green bell pepper | 1 | Adds a nice crunch and sweetness. |
| Onion | 1 medium | For depth of flavor, use yellow or white onion. |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup | Use any type of mushrooms you prefer, sliced. |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Fresh garlic adds an aromatic, savory punch. |
| Chunky salsa | 2-3 cups | Adds spice and moisture, choose your favorite heat level. |
| Flour tortillas | 4 | For wrapping, or serve over rice for a gluten-free option. |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing the vegetables, use extra virgin olive oil for flavor. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 238.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 97.5 mg |
| Sodium | 853.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g |
| Sugar | 8.7 g |
| Protein | 23.9 g |
Step-by-Step Instructions
This dish comes together quickly, and the steps are straightforward to follow. You can prepare the vegetables and cook the chicken in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Here’s how to make it:
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Prepare the Veggies: Start by washing and slicing all your vegetables. Slice the zucchini into half-moons, chop the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for a bit more flavor. Add the ground chicken (and turkey, if using) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for about 10 minutes or until fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
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Add the Veggies: Now, add the sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet. Stir well and cover. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. Do not drain the liquid that is released from the vegetables.
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Combine Chicken and Salsa: Add the cooked ground chicken (and turkey) back into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine. Then, pour in the chunky salsa, mixing everything thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a little extra salsa or a splash of water.
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Serve: Once the dish is ready, you can serve it in one of two ways. For a quick and low-fat option, serve it in soft flour tortillas, wrapping them up like burritos. If you’re looking for a gluten-free choice, serve the spicy ground chicken and veggie mixture over a bed of rice. Either way, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired, and enjoy your healthy, spicy ground chicken dish!
Pro Tips and Variations
- Spice it Up: If you like extra heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salsa.
- Make it Vegetarian: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the ground chicken and turkey with crumbled tofu or a meat substitute like lentils or tempeh.
- Use Whole Wheat Tortillas: For an extra boost of fiber, opt for whole wheat tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas.
- Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers! Store any remaining spicy ground chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for later use.
- Try Different Vegetables: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Sweet corn, spinach, or even cauliflower could make great additions or substitutions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Ground Chicken dish is the perfect combination of lean protein and fresh vegetables, making it a great option for a balanced meal. It’s packed with flavor from the garlic, onion, and salsa, and the veggies add a satisfying texture and nutritional boost. Not only is it low in fat, but it’s also versatile enough to adapt to various dietary needs, whether you’re watching your carbs, avoiding gluten, or just looking for a quick, healthy dinner solution.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a simple weeknight dinner, or feeding a hungry family, this Spicy Ground Chicken recipe is bound to become a favorite. The best part? It’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it the ideal option for busy days when you still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Final Thoughts
This recipe shows that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. By using fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle. And with the option to serve it over rice or in tortillas, you have flexibility to cater to your personal tastes and dietary preferences. Give this Spicy Ground Chicken recipe a try, and you’ll have a healthy meal that everyone in the family will enjoy!
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