Last updated on November 21, 2023
Ground poultry has a reputation for being a lean alternative to ground beef, but each type is delicious in its own right. In this guide, we'll explain the differences between ground turkey and ground turkey. ground chicken to give you a better understanding of each protein. You learn:
- Where they come from
- The Difference Between Ground Turkey vs. ground chicken
- How to use each protein
While there is a lot to consider when choosing ground turkey vs. ground chicken, there really can't be anything wrong with that. Complete with four delicious recipes, we hope this guide gives you the confidence to experiment with both proteins in the kitchen.
What is land in Turkey?
Ground turkey, which can often be found in the meat section of your supermarket, is made by combining a mixture of dark and light turkey meat with leftover skin and fat. You can also get ground turkey through ButcherBox. The result is a ground meat mixture that is lean, high in protein and easy to use in many delicious applications, such as chili, burgers, meatballs and rice bowls.
Most ground turkey meat is made from extra turkey thighs and legs rather than more expensive turkey breast meat. For that reason, it is usually a fairly affordable piece of ground beef. It contains less than 15% fat, although you can often find it even leaner. It is a popular substitute for ground beef, which has a higher fat and calorie content.
FYI: Many regular turkey brands take turkey meat, skin and fat from the bone and treat it with additives to achieve an attractive color and non-crumbly texture.
You can also grind your own turkey at home using a meat grinder or food processor.
What is ground chicken?
Like ground turkey, ground chicken is often found in the meat section of the grocery store. You can also order it from ButcherBox.
Minced chicken is made with both dark and white meat from a chicken. It may also contain a bit of goosebumps. Ground chicken often has a light pink color when raw and white when cooked. It takes on the color of the spices and sauces you use!
Ground chicken is also a popular substitute for ground beef, thanks to its lower fat and calorie content. It can be used in many of the same ways as ground turkey. Some great ideas include stir-fries, tacos, and stuffed peppers.
Again, you can paint your own chicken all at home.
What is the difference between ground turkey and ground chicken?
Both ground turkey and ground chicken are ground poultry and actually have more similarities than differences. They are mild in flavor, have a similar nutritional profile, and can be used in most of the same applications. So if you're preparing a stir fry and only have ground chicken on hand when the recipe calls for ground turkey, go ahead and make the substitution.
If we're getting really gritty, ground turkey is generally a little leaner than ground chicken. It contains fewer calories, less sodium, more iron and more protein. Yet the differences are virtually negligible.
4 ground turkey and ground chicken recipes to try
Meatballs with Parmesan chicken
Crispy, juicy little bites with a cheesy interior - do we have your attention? ThisMeatballs with Parmesan chickenis like the classic Italian Chicken Parmesan, in bite-sized form.
Ground chicken is the perfect protein to make these juicy little meatballs that add a familiar flavor and fun texture. These meatballs are rolled in a breadcrumb layer and crisped in a frying pan with hot oil.
These meatballs are delicious with your favorite pasta (we love spaghetti and marinara sauce here), or with a fresh salad. They are also a good snack to warm up when hunger strikes.
Spicy Chicken Larb (Larb Gai)
Ready to fill your kitchen with fresh aromas? ThisSpicy chicken innardsthe recipe is inspired by the original dish from Laos and Northern Thailand.
To make it, you need to make your own roasted rice powder, which gives the dish a characteristic nutty flavor. Use a wok to fry some ground chicken seasoned with fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, cilantro, mint, scallions, shallots, red Thai chili and rice powder. As you can imagine, ground chicken absorbs the vibrant flavor beautifully.
Serve this larb gai in crispy salad cups or with sticky rice.
Speldag Ground Turkey Chili
Chili is the ideal use for minced meat, and thisSpeldag Ground Turkey Chiliis no exception. There's just enough heat to pique your interest, but you can temper it completely with a little sour cream and cheddar.
While ground turkey may be a leaner alternative to ground beef in this chili, everything else looks pretty familiar. You will find the essential chili spices, such as cumin, garlic powder, chili powder and cayenne pepper. There is a hint of poblano pepper for extra spice. Red beans and tomatoes round out the dish.
The best part about turkey chili? All the trimmings! Go all out with sour cream or Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, cilantro, avocado, spring onions and oyster crackers or tortilla chips.
Turkey sliders with ginger mayonnaise
Everyone knows a turkey burger, but if you want to change up the format a bit, try thisTurkey sliders with ginger mayonnaise. It is sweet, spicy and seasoned with warming ginger.
The slider comes with ground turkey, gluten-free panko, scallions, dried cranberries, eggs, coconut and a dash of salt and pepper. They're the perfect size for a hearty starter or snack, or you can serve some with a salad for a complete meal.
The ginger mayo is the simplest of them all: combine mayonnaise, grated fresh ginger and kosher salt. You want to spread this over everything.
Courtney Hamilton
Courtney Hamilton is a writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in journalism, blogging, communications and other media. She has written for publications such as PaleoHacks, PaleoPlan, Center for American Progress, OC Weekly, and more.
See more of her work atwww.courtney-hamilton.com.
