Ground Chicken Recipes

What is ground chicken?

Ground chicken is a type of meat product made from finely minced or grinding boneless chicken meat. Called minced meat outside North America It is light pink in color when raw, then turns white when cooked, and will take on the color of the seasoning or sauces used.

It's often praised for being leaner and lower in fat compared to ground beef, making it a healthier protein option for many dishes.

What part of chicken is used for ground chicken?

It is typically made from a combination of chicken meat from various parts of the bird, including both white and dark meat and it might contain bits of chicken skin.

The specific blend of cuts used can vary, depending on the manufacturer or the person preparing the ground chicken. Additionally, there's a growing availability of leaner options made exclusively from chicken breast.

How do you grind chicken at home?

While it's convenient to grab a pound of ground chicken from your local supermarket, here are some tips if you prefer to mince chicken at home. If you have boneless, skinless breasts, thighs, or a combination of both, they can be easily ground using a food processor.

1. Using a food processor - One of the simplest methods for grinding meat and cleaning up afterward is to cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized cubes and add them to your food processor. Pulse until the meat is completely minced. Work in batches to ensure even grinding if you're processing a larger quantity.
2. With a chefs knife - All you need is a sharp chef's knife and a cutting board. Start by placing a large piece of meat on the cutting board. Slice it at a 45° angle without cutting all the way through, then flip it and repeat in the opposite direction. Next, slice at a 90° angle, flip, and repeat. Finally, rapidly chop the meat from left to right until it reaches the desired mince.
3. Using stand mixer - You'll need to purchase a separate meat grinder attachment for this method. Cut the meat into small pieces and freeze them for about half an hour to make the grinding process more accessible. Once semi-frozen, feed the meat into the tray on top of the grinder attachment, using the food pusher to tamp it down into the feed tube gently. Let the grinder run until no more meat is coming out.

How do you know when the ground chicken is cooked?

When fully cooked, it should no longer appear pink and should be opaque throughout. However, due to its low fat content, overcooking can lead to dryness and a crumbly texture.

The most accurate way to ensure proper cooking is to use a meat thermometer and check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C."

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can judge the doneness of ground chicken by its color change. It will start off light pink when raw and then turn light brownish or pale white when fully cooked.

How to crumble ground chicken?

Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue stirring and breaking apart, until it is evenly crumbled and cooked through.

You can also use a potato masher or large fork to break apart any larger chunks into smaller pieces if needed. Now add your favorite homemade seasoning or sauces to make into stir fry or burrito bowls to make tonight.