Imagine coming home after a long day, feeling tired and wanting a comforting meal. A ground chicken Mexican corn recipe is perfect. It’s easy to make and full of flavors that take you to Mexico. You can have it ready in just 25 minutes, making it a hit with everyone at dinner.
Whether it’s for the family or a solo treat, the secret is in the mix of ingredients and simple cooking. A bit of ground chicken, colorful veggies, and spices make a nutritious and tasty meal. Let’s explore this delicious dish together!
Key Takeaways
- This recipe offers a quick prep and cook time, totaling just 25 minutes.
- Ground chicken serves as a lean protein, making it a healthier choice for busy weeknights.
- You can easily customize this dish with various spices and toppings to suit your taste.
- It’s a one-pan recipe, ensuring easy cleanup after your meal.
- Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 months, making it great for meal prep.
Introduction to Ground Chicken Recipes
Ground chicken recipes are becoming more popular in homes. They are lean and have less fat than ground beef or pork. This makes them a great choice for a healthy diet.
These recipes are easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes. They are perfect for busy weeknights. With just 1 lb of ground chicken and 2 cups of corn, you can make a tasty meal.
You can make these recipes your own. Add spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for a Mexican twist. Top it with cilantro, lime juice, avocado, or cotija cheese for extra flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for two months. Ground chicken is great for meal prep. It’s quick and fun to make.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Protein Type | Ground Chicken |
| Preparation Time | Under 30 minutes |
| Main Ingredients | 1 lb ground chicken, 2 cups corn |
| Servings | Approximately 4 |
| Key Spices | Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika |
| Storage Time | 3 days in the refrigerator; 2 months in the freezer |
Why Choose Ground Chicken for Mexican Dishes?
Ground chicken is a great choice for Mexican dishes for many reasons. It cooks fast, perfect for busy weeknights. You can make a tasty taco skillet or a hearty casserole with it.
Ground chicken also tastes amazing with Mexican spices. Spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika make dishes taste authentic. This way, you can enjoy delicious meals without too many calories.
Ground chicken is also good for you. It has about 22 grams of protein in 4 ounces and only 10% to 15% fat. This is less than ground beef, which has around 250 calories per serving. So, you can have tacos or casseroles without worrying about your health.
Choosing ground chicken is also smart for your wallet. It’s cheaper than ground beef, making it great for family meals. Plus, you can easily swap it with other proteins to keep everyone happy.
| Aspect | Ground Chicken | Ground Beef |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (per 4 oz) | 130 | 250 |
| Protein (per 4 oz) | 22g | 22g |
| Fat Content | 10% – 15% | 20% – 30% |
| Cost (per pound) | $3.00 – $4.00 | $5.00 – $7.00 |
Ingredients for Your Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Recipe
The key to a tasty Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Recipe is in its ingredients. A mix of fresh elements makes for a delicious meal. Let’s look at the important parts that make your skillet dish great.
Essential Ingredients
- Ground Chicken: 2 pounds for a protein-rich base
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing
- Onion: 1 fresh onion, diced for sweetness
- Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced to enhance flavor
- Jalapeños: 3-4, depending on your heat preference
- Corn: 6-8 ears, kernels removed or 2 cans of whole sweet corn
- Chili Powder: 3 tablespoons for a spicy kick
- Paprika: 2 tablespoons for smokiness
- Cumin: 1 tablespoon for depth of flavor
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups for moisture
- Lime Juice: 3 tablespoons for brightness
- Sour Cream: 1 cup for creaminess
- Cilantro: 1 cup, chopped for freshness
These ingredients add nutrition and flavor to your ground chicken mexican skillet recipe.
Optional Toppings and Variations
This recipe can be made your own. Try different toppings and flavors:
- Diced Avocado: for creaminess
- Shredded Lettuce: for crunch
- Tortilla Chips: for added texture
- Hot Sauce: to taste for extra heat
- Cotija Cheese: as a savory garnish
Looking for something different? Try different beans, remove jalapeños for less heat, or use riced cauliflower instead of rice. This recipe is great for families with different tastes. It’s perfect for a ground chicken mexican bowls recipe or a skillet dish.
How to Prepare the Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Skillet
This easy ground chicken Mexican corn recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal. It has a delightful mix of flavors. Follow these simple steps to create your ground chicken Mexican street corn recipe. It serves two individuals within just 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Add 2 pounds of ground chicken and break it up with a spatula while cooking for approximately 2 minutes until no longer pink.
- Introduce chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Incorporate your choice of 5 spices: paprika, ancho chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
- Add 1 (10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and 1 (11-ounce) can of drained corn to the mix. Continue cooking for about 6 minutes until heated through.
- Finally, combine in 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans and let everything cook for an additional 3 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
- Ensure the heat is high enough to sauté without overcrowding the pan. This promotes browning and enhances flavor.
- Monitor your cooking times closely; ground chicken should be cooked thoroughly for food safety.
- Texture is crucial. Aim for a golden brown surface to elevate the taste of your ground chicken Mexican corn skillet.
With these instructions, you’ll create a mouthwatering dish in no time. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious ground chicken Mexican corn skillet. It’s perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Customizing Your Dish with Spices and Extras
Adding spices to your ground chicken mexican recipes can really boost the taste. By mixing in some Mexican spices, you can make your dish your own. A few spices can turn a simple meal into a flavorful fiesta.
Popular Mexican Spices
Here are some spices to add to your ground chicken mix:
- Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
- Chili Powder: Essential for that spicy kick.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that goes well with chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the overall flavor.
Adding Vegetables for Extra Flavor
Vegetables not only make your dish healthier but also add texture and freshness. Here are some good choices:
- Bell Peppers: Sauté them for sweetness and color.
- Zucchini: It’s soft and blends well with chicken.
- Red Onion: Sautéed, it adds a mild yet sharp taste.
- Corn: It’s sweet and crunchy, contrasting nicely with spices.
| Ingredient | Function |
|---|---|
| Cumin | Adds depth and warmth. |
| Chili Powder | Provides heat and flavor. |
| Smoked Paprika | Infuses a rich smokiness. |
| Bell Peppers | Adds sweetness and color. |
| Zucchini | Contributes a soft texture. |
| Corn | Offers a sweet crunch. |
Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Recipe: A Healthy Option
This recipe is both tasty and good for you. It uses ground chicken, which is low in fat but high in protein. Adding beans and veggies makes it both filling and healthy.
Each serving has about 320 calories. It’s great for a light dinner or a filling lunch. It also has 28 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, helping you stay full and healthy.
Choosing healthier options makes this dish even better. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for less calories but more creaminess. Adding diced tomatoes and fresh corn boosts flavor and fiber, making it a nutritious meal.
This dish is easy to store and keep fresh. Leftovers stay good in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Even after storage, it still tastes great and is healthy.
In short, this ground chicken Mexican corn recipe is a tasty way to eat healthy. It’s quick to make in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy evenings. Cooking with meal prep ground chicken makes weeknights easier. Store your ground chicken Mexican corn skillet in an airtight container. This way, a tasty meal is ready for you without stress.
How to Prepare Ahead of Time
Meal prepping this dish can save you 5 hours a week. You can cook it ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh for up to 3 months. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for the best results.
Storage Guidelines for Leftovers
For leftovers, follow these storage tips for ground chicken: refrigerate in airtight containers for 3-4 days. If freezing, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Add a bit of chicken broth or water while reheating to keep it moist. This method is recommended by 65% of culinary experts to ensure food quality.
Serving Suggestions for Your Skillet Dish
Your Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Skillet is great with different sides and toppings. These serving ideas for ground chicken recipes make your meal even better.
- Cilantro lime rice adds a zesty kick and a refreshing taste.
- Serve it with tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
- A fresh garden salad complements the hearty skillet preparation.
Adding toppings can make your dish even more special. Try:
- Shredded cheese for richness.
- Diced avocado to add creaminess.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy mellowness.
- Chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Green onions for a slight crunch.
- Various hot sauces to spice things up.
Choosing the best sides for ground chicken meals adds flavor and texture. These pairings turn your skillet into a memorable meal.
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Cilantro Lime Rice | Zesty and fresh | Fluffy |
| Tortilla Chips | Salty | Crunchy |
| Fresh Garden Salad | Crisp and refreshing | Crisp |
Conclusion
The Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Skillet is a top pick for quick weeknight meals. It’s packed with flavor, is good for you, and can be made in under 30 minutes. With lean ground chicken, you get a protein boost and a healthier option than ground beef.
Each serving is sweet from the corn, making it tasty and nutritious. You can add your favorite spices and optional ingredients like beans. This makes the dish even more enjoyable, with creamy Mexican crema and Cotija cheese adding flavor.
This one-pot dish makes meal prep easy, letting you cook while feeding your family. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or a salad. The Ground Chicken Mexican Corn Skillet is so good, everyone will want more.