We’ve fallen in love with our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe, a wholesome twist on everyday ingredients that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that combines lean ground chicken with hearty kale, making it ideal for busy weeknights when we crave something healthy without the fuss.
Drawing from fresh, vibrant produce, this recipe highlights how easy it is to create balanced meals at home. We’re confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, offering a delicious way to boost your greens while keeping things light and energizing.
Ingredients
In our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe, we gather simple, nutrient-packed ingredients that make this dish both wholesome and easy to prepare. Below, we’ve listed them in the order they’re used, with prep notes for clarity.
- Ground chicken: 1 pound, lean and fresh, as the base protein for a light, energizing meal.
- Kale: 4 cups, chopped and stems removed, to add hearty greens that wilt perfectly during cooking.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely diced, for building a flavorful foundation.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, to infuse aromatic depth right from the start.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin, for sautéing and enhancing the overall taste.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon, ground, to season and boost the savory notes as we mix in the spices.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, smoked variety, for a subtle smokiness that complements the chicken.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to taste, added during cooking for balanced flavor.
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, to finish and elevate the spices.
- Chicken broth: ½ cup, low-sodium, used to create a moist, flavorful mixture toward the end.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed, for a bright, fresh finish just before serving.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe seamlessly, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure efficiency and safety in the kitchen. These items build directly on the ingredients we’ve outlined, allowing us to chop, sauté, and season with precision for a quick, nutritious meal.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools and equipment, organized by their primary function in the recipe:
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: We use this for browning the ground chicken and wilting the kale. Opt for a non-stick version that’s at least 12 inches in diameter to accommodate all ingredients without overcrowding.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for dicing the onion and chopping the kale. We recommend a sharp, 8-inch blade to make prep work faster and more accurate.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, wooden or plastic board provides a stable surface for all our chopping tasks. We suggest one that’s at least 12×18 inches to handle multiple ingredients at once.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for our spices and liquids. We prefer a set that includes 1-cup, ½-cup, and various spoon sizes for ease.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: This tool helps us stir and mix ingredients without scratching the skillet. We find it indispensable for evenly distributing flavors like cumin and paprika.
- Garlic Press (Optional): If we’re mincing garlic by hand isn’t preferred, this speeds up the process. We use it to quickly prepare garlic for adding to the pan.
With these tools in hand, we transition smoothly from gathering ingredients to executing the steps, making our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe a straightforward kitchen win.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our wholesome ingredients and essential tools for the Ground Chicken Kale Recipe, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal that balances lean protein with vibrant greens.
Prep Work
Before we begin cooking our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe, let’s prepare the ingredients for efficiency and safety.
- Chop the kale: Start by washing 4 cups of fresh kale under cold water, then remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for even wilting and texture.
- Dice the onion: Peel and dice one medium onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure it caramelizes evenly and releases its sweet aroma.
- Mince the garlic: Take 2-3 cloves of garlic and mince them finely using a knife or garlic press, allowing their pungent flavor to infuse the dish without overwhelming it.
- Measure spices and liquids: In separate bowls, measure out 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to keep everything at hand for seamless transitions.
Cooking
With our ingredients prepped, we move to the cooking phase of the Ground Chicken Kale Recipe, where the lean ground chicken browns to a golden crisp and the kale wilts into a tender, emerald green bed of flavor.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, then add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes until they turn fragrant and translucent, building a savory base.
- Brown the chicken: Add 1 pound of lean ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a silicone spatula as it cooks for 5-7 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, releasing juicy flavors and a rich, golden color that fills the kitchen with an inviting aroma.
- Incorporate spices and kale: Sprinkle in the ground cumin and smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their earthy warmth, then add the chopped kale and ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth, covering the skillet for 3-4 minutes to wilt the kale into a vibrant, slightly crisp texture while the broth creates a light, steaming sauce.
- Season and simmer: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice, letting the mixture simmer uncovered for 2 minutes to meld the zesty brightness of the lemon with the hearty greens and chicken, resulting in a dish that bursts with smoky, tangy notes.
Assemble and Serve
Finally, we assemble our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe into a cohesive, energizing meal that’s ready to enjoy, highlighting its fresh colors and balanced flavors for a satisfying finish.
- Combine elements: Give the cooked mixture a final stir to ensure the chicken, kale, and spices are evenly distributed, creating a harmonious blend where the tender chicken contrasts with the slightly chewy kale.
- Plate the dish: Spoon the warm mixture onto plates, garnishing with a sprinkle of extra smoked paprika for visual appeal and an added layer of depth, allowing the vibrant greens to pop against the golden chicken.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe hot, savoring its light, invigorating taste that combines the subtle crunch of kale with the succulent juiciness of chicken, perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner that leaves you feeling nourished and energized.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so making our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe ahead of time is a smart way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal without the last-minute rush. This approach not only saves time but also allows the spices to meld with the lean ground chicken and hearty kale, enhancing the dish’s vibrant, earthy flavors for an even more satisfying experience.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
To streamline your cooking process, we recommend preparing the core components of our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe up to 24 hours ahead:
- Wash and chop the kale: Rinse 4 cups of kale thoroughly, remove stems, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and crisp.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic: Prepare 1 medium onion (diced) and 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced). Place them in a sealed bag or container in the fridge to prevent oxidation and maintain their pungent aroma.
- Measure spices and liquids: Combine 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Measure out ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice separately, then store in the fridge for quick access.
Cooking the Full Recipe Ahead
If you prefer to cook the entire dish in advance, follow these steps to ensure optimal results:
- Complete the full preparation and cooking instructions as outlined in the previous section, including browning the 1 pound of lean ground chicken, sautéing the onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and incorporating the kale and spices until everything is tender and well-seasoned.
- Allow the cooked mixture to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes to avoid condensation.
- Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly.
For longer storage, we suggest freezing portions of our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe. Here’s a quick overview of storage options in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Keep in the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) to preserve the fresh, tangy notes from the lemon juice and prevent the kale from wilting. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Divide into individual portions for easy thawing; use freezer-safe bags or containers to lock in the dish’s moist texture and bold flavors. |
Reheating and Serving Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe, reheat it gently to maintain its tender texture and bright flavors:
- From the refrigerator: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore moisture and enhance the savory profile.
- From the freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above. For a quicker option, microwave in a covered, microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway, but we prefer the stovetop method to keep the kale’s vibrant green color and the chicken’s juicy consistency intact.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we make it simple for you to incorporate more wholesome, greens-packed meals like our Ground Chicken Kale Recipe into your routine.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Ground Chicken Kale Recipe as a simple way to boost your meals with nutrients and flavor. It’s perfect for fitting more greens into our busy routines while keeping things light and satisfying.
By trying it out you’ll discover how easy it is to make wholesome eating a habit. Let’s keep exploring fresh twists on favorites to energize our days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ground Chicken Kale Recipe?
This recipe features lean ground chicken combined with fresh kale for a wholesome, flavorful meal. It’s designed for busy weeknights, offering a balanced mix of protein and greens that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Perfect for adding more veggies to your diet while keeping things light and energizing.
What ingredients are needed for the Ground Chicken Kale Recipe?
You’ll need 1 pound of lean ground chicken, 4 cups of chopped kale, 1 medium diced onion, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, low-sodium chicken broth, and lemon juice. These simple, nutrient-rich ingredients create a tasty, healthy dish with minimal prep.
What tools are required to make the Ground Chicken Kale Recipe?
Essential tools include a large skillet for cooking, a chef’s knife and cutting board for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. A garlic press is optional for quick mincing. These items make the process straightforward and efficient.
How do I prepare the Ground Chicken Kale Recipe?
Start by prepping ingredients: wash and chop kale, dice onion, and mince garlic. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, brown the ground chicken, add spices and kale, then stir in broth and lemon juice. Cook until kale wilts and flavors blend, about 15-20 minutes. Serve hot for a quick, nutritious meal.
Can I make the Ground Chicken Kale Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like chopping kale and dicing onion up to 24 hours in advance. You can also cook the full dish ahead: let it cool, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavors, making it ideal for meal prep.
How should I store the Ground Chicken Kale Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture, or microwave briefly. This keeps the dish fresh and flavorful for later enjoyment.