Let’s talk about the hero of the fridge: ground chicken.

It’s lean, versatile, budget-friendly, and ready to take on any flavor you throw its way. This week, I’m sharing three of my favorite recipes using this one simple ingredient—each one easy, flavorful, and family-approved.

Whether you’re cooking for game night, a cozy weeknight dinner, or something in between, these dishes are sure to become go-to staples in your kitchen.

1. Chicken Burger Sliders

Mini burgers with big flavor—great for lunch, snacks, or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground chicken

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning

1 egg

½ cup breadcrumbs

Salt & pepper to taste

Slider buns

Optional: cheese slices, pickles, cold slaw or spicy mayo

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix ground chicken, garlic, onion powder, herbs, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Form into small patties (about 8–10). Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Serve on slider buns with desired toppings.

Freezer tip: Make a double batch and freeze uncooked patties for quick weeknight meals.

2. Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken Meatball Bowls

Takeout flavor at home—sweet, sticky, and full of bold flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken

1 egg

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 green onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

Salt & pepper

For the Glaze:

¼ cup soy sauce

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice

1 tsp sesame oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Mix meatball ingredients and form into small balls. Bake for 18–20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients (except slurry). Bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, 1–2 minutes. Toss baked meatballs in the glaze. Serve over rice, quinoa, or in lettuce cups. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.

3. Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet

All the comfort of chicken parm, minus the frying.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground chicken

1 egg

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt & pepper

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella

¼ cup grated Parmesan Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, mix chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs. Heat a large oven-safe skillet with a bit of oil and sear meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Add marinara sauce to the skillet, spooning over meatballs. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Why It Works: One Ingredient, Endless Possibilities

With just one main ingredient—ground chicken—you can create meals that feel completely different. From fun sliders to bold Asian-inspired bowls to cozy Italian comfort, these recipes stretch your dollar and your creativity.

Pro tip: Buy ground chicken in bulk and portion it out for freezer meal prep. You’ll always be one step ahead.

Which recipe are you making first? Snap a pic and tag me @lovinglifewithlisawashington_

I’d love to see your kitchen magic in action and always remember to Set the table with love!