5 Quick and Flavorful Paleo Ground Chicken Recipes
A paleo diet can be an effective choice for weight loss due to its low-carb and gluten-free nature. Contrary to popular belief, following a paleo diet doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. Paleo ground chicken recipes offer a delicious and healthy option that is rich in protein. If you are looking to explore new culinary horizons while on a paleo diet, here are five must-try recipes featuring ground chicken.
### 1. Paleo Pesto Chicken Meatballs
This recipe combines the best of both worlds—it’s suitable for both paleo and keto diets. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these meatballs are a protein-packed delight that also provides healthy fats.
**Ingredients:**
– ½ cup of raw walnuts or pine nuts
– 3 cloves of garlic
– 4 oz fresh basil leaves
– ½ tbsp. light flavored olive or avocado oil
– 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
– ½ tbsp. sea salt
– ¼ tbsp. black pepper
– 2 tbsp of nutritional yeast
– 1 lb ground chicken
– Pesto (1/4 cup and 2 tbsp)
– 1 egg
– ¼ cup of blanched almond flour
– 2 tbsp of Italian seasoning
– ½ tbsp. sea salt
– 1/8 tbsp. black pepper
**Cooking Method:**
1. Blend walnuts or pine nuts, garlic, basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and nutritional yeast until smooth.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F and drizzle some cooking oil on a baking sheet.
3. Combine ground chicken, pesto, egg, almond flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Mix the paste and ground chicken together and form meatballs.
5. Bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes.
6. Serve with cooked spaghetti, rice, or noodles.
### 2. Spicy Chicken Patties
These spicy chicken patties are a quick and easy breakfast option that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1 medium grated and squeezed zucchini
– 1 clove minced garlic
– ¾ tbsp. kosher salt
– ½ tbsp. black pepper
– ¼ tbsp. onion powder
– ¼ tbsp. cayenne pepper
– 1 ½ tbsp. canola oil
**Cooking Method:**
1. Combine all ingredients except for oil.
2. Form the mixture into small patties.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes on each side.
5. Serve with honey mustard, Creamy Dijon, or Greek Yogurt.
### 3. Chicken Avocado Burger
This chicken avocado burger is a healthy and delicious option that can be prepared in minutes using simple ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1 large avocado, cut into chunks
– 1 clove chopped garlic
– 1/3 cup panko crumbs or Almond meal
– 1 minced Jalapeno or poblano (Optional)
– ½ tbsp. salt
– ¼ tbsp. pepper
**Cooking Method:**
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Form the mixture into patties.
3. Grill the patties for 4 to 5 minutes on a medium heat grill pan.
4. Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
5. Serve on a burger with your preferred veggies.
### 4. Ground Chicken Taco Salad
This taco salad is a flavorful and low-carb option that is also whole30-friendly. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days and paired with your favorite salads.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 tbsp cumin
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– ½ tbsp. ground coriander
– ½ tbsp. onion powder
– ½ tbsp. garlic powder
– ½ tbsp. oregano
– 1/8 tbsp chipotle chili powder
– 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
– 1 lb ground chicken
– ¾ tbsp. fine sea salt
– ¼ cup chicken broth
– 1 tbsp lime juice
**Cooking Method:**
1. Combine the spice mixture in a small bowl.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add ground chicken, salt, and spice mixture.
4. Cook until browned and moisture evaporates.
5. Add chicken broth, lime juice, and sauté until well coated.
6. Serve hot.
### 5. Chicken Piccata Meatballs
These chicken piccata meatballs are a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner option with a zesty lemon flavor.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 finely minced garlic cloves
– Zest of a medium lemon
– ¼ cup chopped parsley
– ½ tbsp. salt
– ½ tbsp. black pepper
– Red pepper flakes (optional)
– ¾ cup almond flour
– 1 large egg
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 tbsp butter (for sauce)
– 2 finely minced garlic cloves (for sauce)
– 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (for sauce)
– 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (for sauce)
– ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (for sauce)
– 2 tbsp capers (for sauce)
**Cooking Method:**
1. Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl.
2. Form mixture into balls and cook in a skillet with olive oil.
3. In a separate skillet, prepare the sauce with butter, garlic, arrowroot powder, chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers.
4. Add meatballs to the sauce and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot and garnish with parsley.
Incorporate these delicious and healthy paleo ground chicken recipes into your meal plans for a flavorful and nutritious dining experience. Let your taste buds savor the goodness of these quick and easy-to-prepare dishes.
### 2. Paleo Chicken and Mushroom Lettuce Wraps
This recipe is a delightful fusion of savory ground chicken with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, all wrapped up in crunchy lettuce. This dish is not only paleo but also low in carbs, making it perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp coconut oil
– 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
– ½ tbsp. sea salt
– ¼ tbsp. black pepper
– 8 large lettuce leaves
– Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds
### 3. Paleo Ground Chicken Taco Salad
Who doesn’t love a good taco salad? This recipe puts a paleo spin on a classic dish, using ground chicken instead of beef and a homemade paleo-friendly taco seasoning. Top it off with some fresh avocado and tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– ¼ tbsp. ground cumin
– ¼ tbsp. paprika
– ¼ tbsp. garlic powder
– ¼ tbsp. onion powder
– ¼ tbsp. sea salt
– ¼ tbsp. black pepper
– 2 cups mixed salad greens
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, chopped
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
### 4. Paleo Ground Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
This one-pan recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory ground chicken, while the addition of fresh herbs makes the dish really pop.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 2 large sweet potatoes, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp coconut oil
– 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
– ½ tbsp. sea salt
– ¼ tbsp. black pepper
### 5. Paleo Ground Chicken Stir-fry
A delicious and nutritious take on a traditional stir-fry, this recipe swaps out the rice for cauliflower rice, keeping it low carb and paleo-friendly. The mix of colorful vegetables and ground chicken makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1 cup cauliflower rice
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup snow peas
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp coconut oil
– 2 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce, if not strict paleo)
– ½ tbsp. sea salt
– ¼ tbsp. black pepper
Paleo ground chicken recipes are a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. They are not only delicious and nutritious but also quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re new to the paleo diet or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure to be a hit. Remember, the key to a successful paleo diet is variety, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to keep your meals exciting and satisfying. Happy cooking!
