Are you looking for delicious and healthy dinner ideas that won't keep you in the kitchen all night? Craving a high-protein meal that's both satisfying and easy on the wallet? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for flavorful and versatile ground chicken is perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with protein, adaptable to your taste, and surprisingly quick to prepare. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this simple yet impressive dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken (93% lean or higher recommended)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and green bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the Chili: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and healthy high-protein meal! Top with your favorite additions like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some fresh avocado for extra flavor and creaminess.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ground Chicken Chili:
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the ground chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the chicken browns properly and doesn't steam. Work in batches if necessary.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili before serving and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want to add more chili powder for a spicier kick or more cumin for a deeper flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Variations:
- Taco Chili: Add a packet of taco seasoning instead of the individual spices. Top with your favorite taco toppings.
- Southwestern Chili: Add a diced red bell pepper and some corn for a Southwestern twist.
- Mild Chili: Omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version suitable for children.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This easy ground chicken recipe is a fantastic option for healthy meal prepping, quick weeknight dinners, and satisfying your cravings for delicious and nutritious food. Enjoy the versatility and adaptability of this high-protein powerhouse! It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying. Try it today and discover your new favorite quick dinner idea!