Ground Chicken Recipe Chili-Garlic Skillet With Pepper Ribbons

I’ve refined this ground chicken recipe for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal that my whole family adores. The sizzling garlic and ginger fill the kitchen with an inviting aroma, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant Chili-Garlic Skillet with Pepper Ribbons. This easy dinner idea is your new go-to for healthy eating, ensuring satisfying, family-friendly meals even on the busiest school nights.

Key Ingredients and Better Choices

Crafting this flavorful ground chicken recipe starts with quality ingredients. Focusing on fresh, wholesome components ensures a delicious and nutritious outcome.

Core list with short explanations:

• Ground chicken: 1 lb (450g) lean, provides a high-protein base that cooks quickly.
• Bell peppers (any color): 3 medium (about 3 cups sliced), sliced into ‘ribbons’ for visual appeal and quick softening. I often use a mix of red and yellow for color, or whatever’s in my crisper drawer.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, for an aromatic powerhouse of flavor.
• Fresh Ginger: 1 Tbsp, grated, adds a warm, spicy zing.
• Chili paste or sauce: 1-2 Tbsp (30g), like Sriracha or sambal oelek, allowing you to control the heat level.
• Soy sauce or tamari: 3 Tbsp (45ml), low-sodium, for salty, umami depth (use tamari for a gluten-free ground chicken recipe).
• Neutral Oil: 1 Tbsp, such as avocado or canola, for effective cooking.

Better-for-you upgrades:

• Opt for organic, lean ground chicken for premium ingredient quality.
• Choose fresh, vibrant bell peppers for maximum vitamins and flavor.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to manage sodium intake.

Smart swaps for special diets:

• Keto/Low-Carb: Serve this ground chicken recipe over cauliflower rice or in crisp lettuce wraps.
• Vegan: Swap ground chicken for plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu.
• Gluten-free: Always use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.

Freshness tips and sourcing advice:

• Look for firm, brightly colored bell peppers without soft spots.
• Buy ground chicken from a reputable butcher or trusted market.
• Consider online grocery services for convenience and quality organic ingredients.

Easy Step-by-Step Directions

This quick ground chicken recipe comes together effortlessly in one pan, making it perfect for an easy dinner idea. The goal is perfectly cooked chicken and tender-crisp vegetables.

1. Brown the ground chicken (5-7 mins): Heat 1 Tbsp avocado oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground chicken, breaking it up with a sturdy spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is deeply browned and no longer pink, ensuring a flavorful base. Drain any excess fat for a healthier finish.
2. Sauté aromatics (1-2 mins): Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.
3. Stir in sauce (1 min): Add 1-2 Tbsp chili paste and 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Stir well to combine with the chicken, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
4. Add pepper ribbons (5-7 mins): Toss in the 3 cups of bell pepper ribbons. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp but still retain a slight bite. If the skillet looks too dry, a splash of water or broth will help loosen everything up. Don’t overcook them; we want bright color and texture!
5. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding a pinch more salt or chili paste to your preference.

Inline variation notes for flavor or diet preferences:

• For extra heat, add another teaspoon of chili sauce.
• For milder flavor, reduce chili paste or use sweet chili sauce.
• Want more veggies? Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or snow peas in the last minute of cooking.

Quick-fix hacks for busy cooks:

• Prep your pepper ribbons ahead of time, storing them in the fridge for convenience.
• Use pre-minced garlic and ginger for ultimate speed on busy nights.
• This ground chicken recipe is naturally a one-pan meal for minimal cleanup, supporting quick low-carb dinners and family-friendly eating.

Best Ways to Serve and Store It

This versatile ground chicken recipe Chili-Garlic Skillet with Pepper Ribbons fits seamlessly into various mealtime scenarios. It’s a healthy, easy dinner idea that delights everyone.

• A lightning-fast weeknight dinner: Perfect for busy evenings when you need a delicious meal quickly.
• A healthy addition to your meal prep rotation: Cook a larger batch for convenient, high-protein snacks or lunches throughout the week.
• A flavorful option for potlucks or casual gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that’s simple to transport and serve.

Pairing Suggestions

Elevate your Chili-Garlic Skillet by serving it with complementary sides. These pairings offer a complete, family-friendly meal.

• Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a classic, satisfying meal.
• Use as a filling for crisp lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Toss with noodles for a complete dish, adding extra vegetables as desired.
• Serve with a simple side salad or steamed green beans for added freshness.

Storage and Reheating

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this ground chicken recipe multiple times. It’s great for meal prep recipes.

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between, or on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.

Wellness & Lifestyle Benefits of Ground Chicken Skillet

This ground chicken recipe fits easily into various health and lifestyle goals, offering a nutritious and satisfying option. It supports healthy eating habits for the entire family.

Show how it fits into health goals

• Lean protein source: Ground chicken supports weight balance and muscle health.
• Packed with colorful vegetables: Bell peppers provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Easily customizable: Adaptable to fit low-carb meals, high-protein snacks, or lower-sodium diets.

Highlights convenience, nutrition, or family value

This ground chicken recipe delivers on all fronts: convenience, nutrition, and family appeal, making it one of the best protein recipes for your rotation.

• Healthy meal prep: Cook a batch once, enjoy healthy lunches all week.
• Quick low-carb dinners: Easily adaptable for those managing carb intake.
• Best protein recipes: A flavorful way to get lean protein into your diet.
• Family-friendly meals: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to adjust for all taste preferences.

Everyday Advantages of Making This Recipe

Making this ground chicken recipe offers several advantages for busy households. It’s a smart choice for delicious, convenient, and healthy eating.

Ground chicken is often more affordable than other protein sources, contributing to cost-savings. One-pan cooking means less cleanup and more family time. You control the freshness and quality of organic ingredients that go in. It’s perfect for busy schedules, allowing a homemade meal even on the busiest nights, supporting fitness goals with its lean protein and veggie-packed goodness.

Tips, Variations, and Dietary Adjustments

Achieve test-kitchen quality results and customize your Chili-Garlic Skillet to suit diverse needs.

Pro kitchen advice for texture, flavor, or plating

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken; cook in batches if necessary for better browning. I’ve found for the best results, ensuring a good sear on the ground chicken really builds flavor.
• Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh chopped cilantro for a restaurant-quality touch and appealing presentation.

Customizations for diets

This versatile ground chicken recipe adapts well to different dietary requirements, proving it’s truly a family-friendly meal.

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Use plant-based crumbles or a mix of sliced mushrooms and bell peppers for a satisfying alternative.
• Diabetic-friendly: Ensure chili sauce is sugar-free; serve with cauliflower rice to keep carb counts low.
• Kid-approved: Reduce the chili paste significantly or omit entirely, adding a tiny splash of maple syrup or honey for sweetness if preferred.

Allergy-safe swaps

• Use gluten-free tamari for soy sauce if needed, ensuring this remains a gluten-free option.
• If allergic to sesame, skip the sesame oil and seeds entirely and use another neutral oil for cooking.

FAQs

Can this ground chicken recipe be part of a weight loss plan?

Yes, absolutely. This ground chicken recipe is lean, high in protein, and full of colorful vegetables, making it an excellent choice for weight management. Protein and fiber help keep you full longer, reducing overall calorie intake.

What’s the best way to buy ground chicken recipe ingredients online?

For convenience, look for reputable online grocery services or local farm delivery options. Many offer fresh, organic ingredients directly to your door, saving time and ensuring quality for your ground chicken recipe.

Is this ground chicken recipe good for weekly meal prep?

Absolutely! This ground chicken recipe reheats beautifully and holds up well in the fridge for 3-4 days. I like to divide individual portions into freezer-safe containers for quick lunches, pulling one out the night before.

Can I use frozen ground chicken for this Chili-Garlic Skillet?

Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking for best results and even browning.

What kind of peppers work best for pepper ribbons?

Any bell peppers work wonderfully, but a mix of red, yellow, and orange adds fantastic color, visual appeal, and a range of sweet flavors to this ground chicken recipe.

How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust it for kids?

It’s moderately spicy with 1-2 tbsp chili paste. You can easily reduce or omit the chili for a kid-friendly version, or use a sweet chili sauce for milder flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this ground chicken dish?

Yes, absolutely! Broccoli florets, snap peas, or shredded carrots are all excellent additions. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they remain tender-crisp in your ground chicken recipe.

Conclusion

This Chili-Garlic Ground Chicken Skillet with Pepper Ribbons truly is your go-to for an easy, flavorful, and healthy family meal. I find it’s a great way to enjoy a quick, homemade dinner even on the busiest evenings. Save this delicious ground chicken recipe to your Pinterest board for stress-free future meals!

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