When dinner needs to be quick, filling, and made with simple ingredients, this Ground Chicken Skillet recipe checks every box.

Ground chicken is cooked with colorful vegetables, garlic, and a savory blend of seasonings, then finished with melted cheese for a hearty one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s comforting enough for a family dinner but light enough to enjoy any night of the week.

I make Ground Chicken Skillet whenever I want something homemade without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to adapt depending on what’s in the refrigerator, and cleanup is always a breeze since everything cooks in one pan. I usually serve it with rice or crusty bread, but it’s just as satisfying on its own. If you’re looking for an easy dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Everything cooks in one skillet.
• Packed with protein and vegetables.
• Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Easy to customize with different vegetables.
• Great for meal prep.
• Family-friendly and budget-friendly.
• Minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground chicken – Ground chicken cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious seasonings. Regular ground chicken stays especially juicy, but lean ground chicken works well too.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Olive oil helps cook the vegetables and keeps everything from sticking to the skillet. Avocado oil is another great option.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced – Onion adds sweetness and creates a flavorful base for the skillet. Dice it evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic adds bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and vegetables. Freshly minced garlic gives the best results.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced – Bell pepper brings color, sweetness, and a little crunch to the dish. Any color bell pepper works well.
• 1 zucchini, diced – Zucchini cooks quickly and blends beautifully with the other vegetables while adding extra nutrition.
• 1 cup corn kernels – Corn adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of texture. Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work well.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained – Diced tomatoes add moisture and a rich, savory flavor without making the skillet too watery.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs that complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Paprika gives the skillet a mild smoky flavor and beautiful color. Smoked paprika is a great substitute if you want a richer taste.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder boosts the fresh garlic flavor and seasons the chicken evenly.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Onion powder adds another layer of savory flavor that ties everything together.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Salt enhances the flavors throughout the dish. Adjust to your taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Black pepper adds gentle warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Cheddar melts into the skillet and adds a rich, creamy finish. Monterey Jack or mozzarella are also excellent choices.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Fresh parsley adds color and a bright finish just before serving.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese)

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How to Make Ground Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Cook the vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink.

Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients

Stir in the zucchini, corn, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Melt the cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately on its own or with your favorite side dishes.

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Recipe Variations

Mexican Ground Chicken Skillet

Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and add black beans, diced green chiles, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Serve with avocado and salsa.

Cheesy Ground Chicken Skillet

Use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese for an extra cheesy version.

Ground Chicken and Potato Skillet

Add diced potatoes at the beginning of cooking and sauté until tender before adding the chicken.

Low-Carb Ground Chicken Skillet

Skip the corn and add extra zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or cauliflower for a lower-carb meal.

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What to Serve With Ground Chicken Skillet

• Steamed white rice
• Brown rice
• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Cauliflower rice
• Green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Steamed green beans

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How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator

Store leftover Ground Chicken Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooled skillet meal in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken

Ground chicken cooks quickly and can become dry if left on the heat too long. Cook it just until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Adding watery vegetables without draining

If using canned tomatoes or frozen vegetables, drain any excess liquid to prevent the skillet from becoming watery.

Overcrowding the skillet

Use a large skillet so the ingredients cook evenly instead of steaming.

Adding the cheese too early

Wait until the vegetables are cooked before adding the cheese. This helps it melt smoothly without overcooking.

Skipping fresh herbs

A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens the entire dish and adds fresh flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Ground Chicken Skillet ahead of time?

Yes. This recipe is great for meal prep and stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely. Frozen corn, broccoli, peas, or mixed vegetables work well. Add them directly to the skillet and cook until heated through.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Simply leave out the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

What other vegetables can I use?

Mushrooms, spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, carrots, and yellow squash all work well in this recipe.

Can I serve Ground Chicken Skillet over rice?

Definitely. It’s delicious served over white rice, brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even pasta for a heartier meal.