Are you craving a flavorful, satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Buffalo Ground Chicken recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. It's packed with bold buffalo flavor, and it's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe is a fantastic example of how easy homemade cooking can be, resulting in delicious dishes that are far superior to takeout. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds – healthy and incredibly tasty!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crumbled blue cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Simmer in Buffalo Sauce
Stir in the buffalo wing sauce and butter. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If using celery, add it during the last 2 minutes of simmering. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the buffalo ground chicken immediately over your favorite sides. We recommend rice, quinoa, or even a simple salad. Top with ranch dressing or Greek yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the skillet along with the buffalo wing sauce.
- Make it healthier: Use lean ground chicken and substitute Greek yogurt for the ranch dressing.
- Add some veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a more nutritious and colorful dish.
- Meal prep friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Simply prepare the buffalo ground chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and serve as needed.
- Serving suggestions: Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, sweet potato fries, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy recipe for buffalo ground chicken is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and variations to find your perfect buffalo chicken creation! Happy cooking!