If you asked me what my kitchen superpower is, I’d probably say it’s my slow cooker. That humble pot has saved me on countless busy nights and has turned out some truly delicious meals. And one of my absolute favorite things to throw in? Ground chicken!
Ground chicken slow cooker recipes are so versatile. It’s lean without being bland, and it takes on spices and flavors like a champ. Plus, it’s usually a pretty budget-friendly option compared to some other proteins. But the absolute best part is, when cooked low and slow, it becomes incredibly juicy and tender.
Let’s get cooking! Here are some of my favorite ground chicken slow cooker recipes, tips for perfect results, and ideas for sides and meal prep.
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Key Takeaways
- Ground chicken slow cooker recipes are delicious, lean protein perfect for the slow cooker.
- Slow cooking lets you create incredible flavor with minimal effort.
- You can make a huge variety of dishes, from chili to Asian lettuce wraps.
- A few simple tips will ensure your ground chicken comes out juicy and flavorful every time.
The Best Ground Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes
1. Crowd-Pleasing Ground Chicken Chili
Ground Chicken Chili Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 pound | Can use ground turkey as a substitute |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped | |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | |
| Chili powder | 2 tablespoons | Adjust to your preferred heat level |
| Cumin | 1 tablespoon | |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon (optional) | Adds a touch of smoky flavor |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Kidney beans | 1 (15-ounce) can | Drained and rinsed |
| Black beans | 1 (15-ounce) can | Drained and rinsed |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 (28-ounce) can | Undrained |
| Chicken broth | 1 (14.5-ounce) can | Or use vegetable broth |
Ground Chicken Chili Instructions
- Brown the Chicken (Optional): Heat the olive oil in your slow cooker over medium heat (if your model allows). Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. If your slow cooker doesn’t have a browning function, do this in a skillet on the stovetop.
- Add Everything Else: Add the onion and garlic to the slow cooker (or skillet) and cook until softened about 2 minutes. Then, add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chili is heated through, the flavors have melded, and the chicken is cooked.
- Taste and Adjust: Give your child a taste and adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper, chili powder) to your liking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle your delicious chili into bowls. Top with your favorite chili fixings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, or tortilla chips!
Asian-Inspired Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients for Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Chicken | 1 pound | Lean or ground turkey can be substituted. |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup | Low-sodium preferred, adjust to taste. |
| Ginger | 1 tablespoon | Minced or grated. |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced or grated. |
| Green Onions | 4 | Chopped, white and green parts separated. |
| Water Chestnuts | 1/2 cup | Chopped. |
| Hoisin Sauce (Optional) | 1-2 tablespoons | Adds a sweet and savory flavor. |
| Vegetable Oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Sesame Oil (Optional) | 1 teaspoon | Toasted sesame oil adds extra depth. |
| Sriracha (Optional) | To taste | For a spicy kick. |
| Lettuce Leaves | 1 head | Bibb lettuce or romaine work well. |
| Other Toppings (Optional) | – | Chopped peanuts, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, lime wedges. |
Detailed Instructions for Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps:
- Prep the Veggies: Wash and chop the green onions, water chestnuts, and ginger. Mince or grate the garlic. Separate the white and green parts of the green onions.
- Marinate the Chicken (Optional): Combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic in a bowl. Add the ground chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients (optional).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken (drained if marinated) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the Flavor: Add the remaining soy sauce, ginger, garlic, white parts of the green onions, and water chestnuts to the pan with the cooked chicken. Stir-fry for another minute or two, letting the flavors meld.
- Season to Taste: Add a splash of sesame oil (optional) and season with additional soy sauce, sriracha (if using), or salt and pepper to your preference.
- Assemble and Serve: Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Fill each lettuce leaf with a spoonful of the chicken mixture. Top with chopped peanuts, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice, as desired. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful Asian-inspired ground chicken lettuce wraps!
Ground Chicken Bolognese
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 pound | Use 85/15 for a richer flavor |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped | |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | |
| Crushed tomatoes | 28-ounce can | |
| Tomato sauce | 15-ounce can | |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Red wine (optional) | ¼ cup | Adds depth of flavor |
| Favorite pasta | 12 ounces | Cooked according to package directions |
Instructions
- Prep and Brown: Heat the olive oil in your slow cooker over medium heat (if your slow cooker has this function) or in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring constantly. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Combine and Simmer: Transfer the browned chicken mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red wine (if using). Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over your favorite cooked pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips:
- For a richer sauce, brown the chicken in a bit of butter instead of olive oil.
- Add other vegetables like chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This sauce freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for easy meals.
Slow Cooker Ground Chicken Tacos
Chicken Tacos Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 pound | Lean or regular, your preference |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet (or DIY) | Store-bought or your favorite homemade mix |
| Salsa | 1/2 cup | Choose your heat level |
| Diced tomatoes (optional) | 1 (14.5 oz) can | Adds extra texture and juiciness |
| Toppings of your choice | Get creative! | See below for ideas |
Chicken Tacos Instructions
- Brown if you like: If you prefer, brown the ground chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds flavor but isn’t strictly necessary.
- Dump and go: Add the ground chicken, taco seasoning, salsa, and diced tomatoes (if using) to your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred: Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken right in the slow cooker.
- Serve: Fill your favorite taco shells (hard or soft), and pile on your toppings!
Topping Ideas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- Diced onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Avocado or guacamole
- Hot sauce
- Lime wedges
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Ground Chicken Recipes
- To Brown or Not to Brown: Browning the ground chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth of flavor. However, if you’re short on time, skipping this step won’t ruin your meal! The chicken will still cook through and become tender.
- Fat Matters: If you use very lean ground chicken (like 93/7), your dishes might lack a bit of richness. A little fat helps keep things juicy! Try 85/15 for a good balance. Of course, if you prefer super lean, adjust recipes accordingly.
- Spice it Up: Slow cooking can mellow out flavors, so don’t be afraid to go bold with those spices! Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika are a great starting point but don’t limit yourself.
- Fighting Dryness: Nobody likes dry chicken. To prevent this, consider adding a source of moisture (diced tomatoes, broth, a bit of sauce). Shorter cooking times for certain recipes can also help.
Essential Slow Cooker Tools and Ingredients
- Your Trusty Slow Cooker: Size matters! If you usually cook for one or two, a smaller slow cooker is perfect. Big families might need the capacity of a 6-quart or larger model.
- Spice Cabinet Staples: You’ll want chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper at the ready-for-most ground chicken slow cooker recipes.
- Pantry Power: Canned tomatoes (diced or crushed), beans (black, kidney, pinto), and broth (chicken or vegetable) are common ingredients that are good to have on hand.
Ground Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes Meal Prep Ideas
- Freezable Feasts: Many ground chicken slow cooker recipes freeze beautifully! Chili, “Bolognese”, and taco filling are great options. Cook, cool, and freeze in portions for busy nights.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Chop veggies like onions and peppers in advance and store them in the fridge to save time when you’re ready to cook.
- Batch Cooking Boss: Double (or triple!) a recipe on the weekend and you’ll have meals ready for the week ahead. It’s a lifesaver!
Sides and Pairings for Ground Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes
Let’s round out those meals! Here’s some inspiration:
- Rice: Simple, classic, and a perfect base for saucy dishes. Brown rice or wild rice add extra nutrition.
- Salads: A green salad adds freshness to contrast richer dishes like chili or meatballs.
- Roasted Veggies: Toss your favorites with olive oil and seasonings and roast them while your slow cooker does its thing.
- Breads: Cornbread pairs perfectly with chili. Crusty bread is great for dipping in sauces.
- Creative Toppings: Cheese, avocado, salsa, fresh herbs, sour cream… get creative! These little finishing touches take your dishes to the next level.
FAQs
Q: Can I use raw ground chicken in my slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! While browning adds flavor, it’s not essential. The raw ground chicken will cook safely and become tender in the slow cooker.
Q: How do I know when my ground chicken is cooked through in the slow cooker?
A: Ground chicken, like all poultry, is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the best way to check. If you don’t have one, the chicken should be opaque and juices should run clear.
Q: My ground chicken dish turned out dry. What can I do?
A: Here are some tips:
Choose slightly fattier chicken: Very lean ground chicken can dry out.
Add moisture: A bit of sauce, broth, or diced tomatoes can help.
Shorten cooking time: Overcooking is a common culprit. Try checking your dish a bit earlier next time.
Q: Can I substitute ground turkey in these recipes?
A: Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute in most ground chicken slow cooker recipes. Keep in mind that ground turkey is often even leaner than ground chicken, so you might want to add a touch of olive oil for extra moisture.
Q: Can I freeze slow-cooker ground chicken meals?
A: Many dishes freeze beautifully! Soups, chili, and sauces like “Bolognese” – are ideal for freezing in individual or family-sized portions. Cool completely before freezing.
Q: I don’t have a slow cooker. Can I adapt these recipes for the stovetop?
A: Definitely! Most ground chicken slow cooker recipes can be made on the stovetop. You’ll likely need to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts slightly. Brown the chicken first, then simmer the dish in a pot over low heat until the chicken is cooked through and flavors have developed.
Ground Chicken Slow Cooker Recipes Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker pro or a newbie, ground chicken is your new best friend. Its versatility, ease of use, and budget-friendly nature make it a weeknight superstar.
I hope these recipes, tips, and ideas have inspired you to unlock a world of delicious and effortless meals. Remember, have fun, experiment, and customize your dishes to make them your own.
Let your slow cooker do the work so you can enjoy tasty, satisfying meals without the stress!
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