Easy One Pan Ground Chicken Casserole : A Healthy, Family-Friendly Dinner

When you need a quick, healthy, and filling dinner that the whole family will love, look no further than this easy one pan ground chicken casserole. Packed with lean protein, hearty rice, veggies, and bold taco-inspired flavors, this casserole is a complete meal made in just one skillet. That means less cleanup, less hassle, and more time to sit and enjoy with your family.

Whether you’re exploring chicken and ground turkey recipes, searching for easy healthy dinner ground chicken ideas, or craving casseroles with ground chicken, this recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and customizable with your favorite toppings and sides.

Here’s how to make this delicious dish step by step — plus helpful tips, substitutions, and storage advice so you can make it your own.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pan Ground Chicken Casserole

This casserole is a weeknight dinner dream come true:

• One pan only: No need to dirty multiple dishes.
• Fast & simple: Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Healthy & hearty: Made with lean ground chicken, rice, and plenty of flavor.
• Customizable: Top with cheese, avocado, sour cream, or hot sauce.
• Family-approved: Mild spices make it kid-friendly, but easy to spice up for adults.

If you enjoy recipes like cabbage fat-burning soup or healthy air fryer zucchini, this healthier dinner recipe families will also become a regular on your menu.

Healthier Dinner Recipes Families Will Enjoy

It’s not always easy to find a dinner that pleases everyone at the table, but this one delivers. Ground chicken is a lean, high-protein alternative to ground beef that keeps the meal light yet satisfying. The rice adds comforting carbs, while the spices and optional toppings bring just enough excitement to make everyone happy.

This is one of those ground turkey and chicken recipes you’ll keep coming back to whenever you need a balanced, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients for Casseroles with Ground Chicken

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (180g) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups (600ml) chicken broth
• 1 (10oz/285g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for Ground Chicken with Rice Recipes

• Large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Healthy Dinner Ground Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Ground Chicken

Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper and transfer to a plate.

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Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook another minute.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the ground chicken back to the skillet along with uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and more salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top and cover for another 2–3 minutes, just until melted. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

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Tips for Perfect Ground Turkey and Chicken Recipes Every Time

• Use lean ground chicken to keep it healthy but avoid extra lean, which can dry out.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot diced tomatoes.
• If you prefer brown rice, adjust the cooking time and add a bit more liquid as needed.
• Don’t skip covering the skillet — it’s crucial for cooking the rice evenly.

Ground Chicken and Beef Recipes: Can You Mix the Two?

Absolutely! If you want a slightly richer flavor, you can swap half the ground chicken for ground beef. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef before proceeding with the recipe.

Ground Chicken Slow Cooker Variation

For a hands-off version, you can make this dish in your slow cooker:
Brown the ground chicken and sauté vegetables first. Then transfer everything to the slow cooker, including uncooked rice, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours, until rice is tender. Add cheese just before serving.

Easy Dinner Recipes with Turkey Meat: How to Substitute Ground Turkey

Ground turkey works just as well here. Use it exactly as you would the chicken — brown it in the skillet and proceed with the recipe as written. Both are lean, high-protein options that keep this casserole healthy and delicious.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Ground Chicken Casserole

This dish is a full meal on its own, but you can round it out with some simple sides:
Mexican eggs benedict — great for brunch.
Cucumber dill salad — refreshing and crisp.
A handful of tortilla chips on the side for crunch.
Sliced avocado, lime wedges, and salsa for topping.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers of Ground Chicken Casserole

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.

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Easy One Pan Ground Chicken Casserole FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?
You can, but reduce the broth by half and cook for a shorter time since the rice just needs to heat through.

Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely — corn, zucchini, or spinach are great additions.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action: Make This Healthy Casserole Tonight

This easy one pan ground chicken casserole is everything a busy weeknight dinner should be — healthy, satisfying, and simple to prepare. With just one pan and a few staple ingredients, you can have a delicious dinner on the table that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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