Are you looking for quick, easy, and healthy dinner ideas? Do you crave delicious dishes but want to keep your carb intake low? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for ground chicken is perfect for busy weeknights and fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. It's packed with flavor and protein, leaving you feeling satisfied without the carb crash. This is one of those best recipes that's surprisingly versatile and easy to adapt to your taste. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. This ground chicken dish is fantastic on its own, or you can serve it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a bed of spinach for a complete and satisfying low-carb meal.
Tips for the Best Ground Chicken Dish:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked ground chicken can become dry. Cook it until it's browned and cooked through, but not tough.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Experiment with other spices like oregano, paprika, or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this ground chicken recipe with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded and healthy meal.
Variations:
- Taco Ground Chicken: Add taco seasoning instead of chili powder and cumin. Serve in lettuce cups or with low-carb tortillas.
- Mediterranean Ground Chicken: Add chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully.
- Spicy Ground Chicken: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g (depending on additions)
This easy recipe is perfect for those following a low-carb diet. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that's quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It's sure to become one of your go-to healthy meals!