Ground chicken got you in a recipe rut?
We’ve got your back with some killer swaps that’ll shake things up in the kitchen.
Swapping out ingredients can totally transform a dish from meh to amazing.
Ever run out of ground chicken just as you’re about to cook?
Yeah, we’ve been there. Good news is, you don’t have to scrap your dinner plans.
We’re here to prove there’s life beyond the usual chicken grind.
And guess what? These alternatives could even become your new faves.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is a versatile ingredient used in various recipes, including burgers, meatballs, and stir-fries.
If you’re looking for alternatives to ground chicken or want to explore different flavors and textures, there are several substitutes available.
In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for ground chicken, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you achieve similar results in your dishes.
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Turkey | Lean and mild flavor; similar texture to ground chicken | Use an equal amount of ground turkey as a substitute for ground chicken |
| Ground Pork | Rich and slightly fatty flavor; adds moisture and tenderness to dishes | Use an equal amount of ground pork as a substitute for ground chicken |
| Ground Beef | Robust flavor and slightly higher fat content compared to ground chicken | Use an equal amount of ground beef as a substitute for ground chicken |
| Tofu or Tempeh (Vegan) | Neutral taste and crumbly texture (tofu) or firm and chewy texture (tempeh); suitable for vegan diets | Use an equal amount of tofu or tempeh as a substitute for ground chicken |
| TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) – A Gluten-Free Option | Plant-based protein with a ground meat-like texture; versatile and can absorb flavors well | Rehydrate TVP according to package instructions, then use in equal amounts as a substitute for ground chicken |
Now let’s delve into each substitute in more detail:
1 – Ground Turkey
Like ground chicken, ground turkey is also an excellent substitute for traditional beef.
It contains less cholesterol and fat than ground beef but still packs a great flavor.
Ground Turkey is very similar to ground chicken because it can be used in many different applications.
Remember that when cooking or baking with either product, it is important to know your limits.
If you’re unsure how much of each product to use, just remember that they’re both interchangeable.
However, it is always best to start with less and add more.
You can always add more, but you cannot remove the ingredients once they’ve been added.
Ground Turkey gets its flavor from herbs and spices.
Typically, the spices commonly found in ground turkey are oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Key Characteristics: Ground turkey is lean and offers a mild flavor that is similar to ground chicken. It has a similar texture and is widely used as a substitute in recipes.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of ground turkey as a substitute for ground chicken. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired flavor.
2 – Ground Pork
Ground pork is another substitute for ground chicken that you can use.
However, it is not as versatile as the other substitutes discussed above.
This is because the taste of pork varies depending on what cut of meat you are using.
The only way to truly recreate the taste of ground chicken is through a combination of meats – primarily a combination of pork and turkey.
So, if the ground chicken is used primarily in tacos, it would be best to go with ground turkey or a mixture of both.
Ground Pork is very similar to ground beef in the way it is typically used – in tacos, meatballs, and patties.
However, for those who do not enjoy the taste of beef or are looking to cut calories, this may be a great substitute for you.
- Key Characteristics: Ground pork provides a rich and slightly fatty flavor that can add moisture and tenderness to dishes. It offers a different taste profile compared to chicken, but it complements various seasonings well.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of ground pork as a substitute for ground chicken. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired flavor.
3 – Ground Beef
Tacos and meatballs can be made with just about ground meat.
However, if you’re looking for a good substitute for your patties, ground beef is the way to go.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that cooking with chicken and beef is very similar – although there are some differences.
Ground beef and ground chicken can be used in any application where you would typically use either product.
This is because they’re essentially interchangeable.
However, it is important to note that ground beef may add more flavor than ground chicken.
- Key Characteristics: Ground beef has a robust flavor and slightly higher fat content compared to ground chicken. It offers a different taste but can be used as a flavorful alternative in recipes.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of ground beef as a substitute for ground chicken. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired flavor.
4 – Tofu or Tempeh (Vegan)
Tofu and tempeh are not meats, but they serve as a great substitute for ground chicken in non-meat dishes.
For example, if you were making meatballs – it would be best to make them with tofu or tempeh.
Hence, these substitutes can be used in any application where ground chicken is typically used.
However, if the dish you are making is primarily chicken-based – such as a pasta or casserole dish – it would be best to use ground chicken instead.
Lastly, tofu and tempeh are great for those looking to save money and/or cut calories.
They’re both inexpensive and can be purchased at any grocery store.
- Key Characteristics: Tofu and tempeh are plant-based options suitable for vegan diets. Tofu has a neutral taste and crumbly texture, while tempeh has a firm and chewy texture. Both can absorb flavors well and provide a protein-rich substitute for ground chicken.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of tofu or tempeh as a substitute for ground chicken. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired texture.
5 – TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) – A Gluten Free Option
This is an excellent substitute for vegetarian, gluten intolerant, or looking to save money and/or cut calories.
TVP can be found at any grocery store and comes compressed into a dry patty.
It has a very similar taste and texture to ground chicken and can be used in any application where ground chicken would typically be used.
However, keep in mind that this product does contain soy and gluten, so those with an allergy or intolerance to either should avoid it.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free and inexpensive substitute, TVP is your best bet.
- Key Characteristics: TVP is a versatile textured vegetable protein that mimics the texture of ground meat. It is gluten-free and can absorb flavors well. It offers a plant-based alternative for ground chicken.
- Proper Ratio: Rehydrate TVP according to package instructions using water or broth, then use it in equal amounts as a substitute for ground chicken.
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