Spice up your weekly meal prep with this flavorful Ground Chicken Curry! It's packed with bold, aromatic spices like curry powder and garam masala, making every bite better than the last. Ground chicken gets cooked up with garlic powder, red onions, and fresh Roma tomatoes for a burst of freshness, while a little coconut milk adds that rich, creamy texture we all love in a good curry. Serve it over fluffy quinoa, and you've got a meal that’s not only easy to whip up but also perfect for keeping you satisfied all week long. It’s simple, comforting, and seriously delicious—because meal prep doesn’t have to be boring!
Ingredients for Ground Chicken Curry Meal Prep
- Ground chicken: Lean and packed with flavor, ground chicken is the perfect base for this meal prep. It soaks up all those spices beautifully, and let's be real, it’s a nice switch-up from the usual chicken breast we’ve all been overusing in meal prep. Plus, it cooks quickly, which is always a win when you're juggling a busy week.
- Tomato paste: Think of this as your flavor booster. A small amount of tomato paste packs a punch of rich, tangy goodness and helps thicken the sauce without turning it into soup. It’s like the unsung hero of this dish, silently doing all the heavy lifting while keeping your curry bold and tasty.
- Red onion: Red onions add that sweet yet sharp contrast, and when sautéed, they release a natural sweetness that balances all the spices. Plus, let's be honest—chopping onions is one of the most satisfying kitchen tasks, right? (Or maybe that’s just me!)
- Roma tomatoes: These little guys are perfect for breaking down into the curry, bringing that fresh, juicy bite while helping to balance out the richness of the coconut milk. Plus, they bring in just the right amount of acidity to brighten the whole dish.
- Garlic powder: We love garlic, but we don’t always love peeling and mincing it, especially when time is tight. Enter garlic powder: all the garlicky flavor, none of the prep hassle. It blends right into the curry and saves you the tears (and the garlic fingers).
- Curry powder: This is the spice blend that’s doing most of the heavy lifting in this dish. Warm, earthy, and packed with flavor, it brings that unmistakable curry vibe that’s equal parts cozy and bold. The minute it hits the pan, your kitchen’s going to smell like you know exactly what you’re doing.
- Garam masala: If curry powder is the muscle, garam masala is the brains. It adds a layer of complexity, with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom coming together to give the dish a depth of flavor that’ll have everyone asking, “What’s your secret?”
- Coconut milk: This is where the magic happens. Coconut milk turns all those bold spices into a creamy, velvety sauce that coats every bite. It cools down the heat and brings just the right amount of richness without making it feel too heavy—perfect for a meal prep that keeps you full but not weighed down.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Ground chicken curry is perfect for meal prep because it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend together. You’re basically giving your taste buds a flavor boost just by letting it sit in the fridge overnight. Meal prep made easy—and tastier! - How long can I store it in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. That means you’ve got lunch (or dinner) sorted for almost half the week! Plus, it makes for the ultimate quick-grab meal when you’re running short on time but still want something hearty. - Can I freeze it?
Totally! Ground chicken curry freezes like a dream. Portion it out into individual servings, freeze it, and then reheat it whenever you're ready. This way, you’ve got meals on hand for weeks, which is perfect for those “I’m too tired to cook” nights. Just heat and eat! - Can I swap out the ground chicken?
Yes! This recipe is super flexible. You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey, beef, or even a plant-based meat alternative. The curry sauce is the real MVP here, so the protein you choose will still get that same delicious, spiced flavor. - Is it spicy?
That’s totally up to you! The spice level really depends on the curry powder you’re using. If you like it mild, go easy on the heat, but if you're into that sweat-inducing spice, feel free to turn it up a notch. Customize it based on your spice tolerance—no judgment here! - What can I serve it with?
Rice is the obvious go-to, but don’t stop there! Cauliflower rice works great if you’re watching carbs, or you can try quinoa for an extra protein boost. Not feeling grains? Serve it over a bed of greens for a light, veggie-packed option. It’s a versatile dish, so pair it with whatever works for you! - Can I add veggies?
Definitely! This curry welcomes all the veggies you’ve got. Throw in spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas. The more veggies you add, the heartier (and healthier) it gets. Plus, it’s a great way to clean out the fridge! - Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but heads up—it won’t be as creamy. Light coconut milk will still give you that coconut flavor but with a thinner texture. If you’re looking to cut calories, it’s a solid option. However, if you’re all about that rich, creamy curry, go for full-fat coconut milk for maximum indulgence. - What if I don’t have garam masala?
No worries! Garam masala adds a nice warm, slightly sweet flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can still make this curry delicious. You can try substituting with a dash of cinnamon, cumin, or even allspice to mimic that cozy flavor profile. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Good news: It’s already dairy-free! Thanks to the coconut milk, you get that rich, creamy sauce without a drop of dairy. It’s perfect if you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan, or just prefer dairy-free recipes. Plus, coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the curry spices!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ground Chicken Curry
- Choose the Right Chicken: Ground chicken comes in different options, from lean to mixed. If you're aiming for a healthier meal, lean ground chicken is great. But if you're craving a little extra flavor and juiciness, don’t be afraid to use a mix of white and dark meat. You get that tender bite with all the richness that screams comfort food.
- Bloom the Spices: This one’s non-negotiable. Blooming your curry powder and garam masala in hot oil releases the full depth of flavor—basically, it’s like waking up the spices. Toss them in before adding anything else, and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds. Think of it as giving your curry a strong, flavorful foundation. Skip this step, and your curry might just taste like you’re missing the main event.
- Roma Tomatoes: When it comes to fresh tomatoes, go with Romas. They have less water content and more flesh, which means they’ll hold their shape while cooking and blend beautifully into the sauce. Slice them small so they melt into the curry and balance that tangy, sweet flavor with all those bold spices.
- Low and Slow: Resist the urge to rush the cooking process. Let the sauce simmer after adding the tomatoes and spices, allowing all the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens. A good curry is all about patience, so grab a drink, sit back, and let the stove do its thing.
- Add Garlic Powder Early: Garlic powder is one of those unsung heroes in this dish. Add it in with the spices early on, so it has time to blend into the sauce and mellow out. Nobody wants to bite into a curry that tastes like they dumped raw garlic on top at the last second. Let the heat do its thing and bring out all those savory garlic notes.
- Leftovers are Your Friend: If you think this curry is good on day one, wait until you taste it the next day. Letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to deepen and mingle even more. It’s one of those dishes that just keeps getting better, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch. Tomorrow’s lunch is going to be amazing.
More Meal Prep Recipes!
- Healthy Chicken Curry Wraps
- Sweet Chili Chicken Meal Prep
- Leftover Chicken Curry Meal Prep
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Meal Prep
- Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
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Recipe
Ground Chicken Curry Meal Prep
Spice up your weekly meal prep with this flavorful Ground Chicken Curry! It's packed with bold, aromatic spices like curry powder and garam masala, making every bite better than the last. Ground chicken gets cooked up with garlic powder, red onions, and fresh Roma tomatoes for a burst of freshness, while a little coconut milk adds that rich, creamy texture we all love in a good curry.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 5 Bowls
Calories 448 kcal
Ingredients
Ground Chicken Curry
- 1 ½ lb ground chicken
- 1 cup red onion chopped
- 2 roma tomatoes cubed
- 13.5 oz low fat coconut milk 1 can
- 2 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Quinoa (optional)
- 1 cup quinoa
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic powder, curry and garam masala powders. Cook for 30 seconds, constantly stirring.
Add the ground chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring and breaking the meat into small pieces.
Add the rest of the ingredients, stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low-medium heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Cook Quinoa (or your favorite carb) according to package instructions.
Serve on a bed of quinoa or rice.
Recipe Notes
Please refer to the sections above the recipe card for any further instructions or questions.
Nutrition Facts
Ground Chicken Curry Meal Prep
Amount Per Serving (1 Bowl)
Calories 448 Calories from Fat 198
% Daily Value*
Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 117mg39%
Sodium 203mg9%
Potassium 1128mg32%
Carbohydrates 33g11%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 333IU7%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 49mg5%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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