Ground chicken breast is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be used in many quick and easy recipes. However, properly cooking ground chicken is important to avoid foodborne illness. So how long does it take to cook ground chicken breast thoroughly and safely?
The answer depends on a few key factors:
Amount and thickness
The total amount of ground chicken you are cooking and the thickness of the patties or other shapes will impact cook time. For example, four thin 4-ounce patties will cook faster than two thick 8-ounce patties. General guidelines based on thickness are:
| Thickness | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch thick | 5-7 minutes per side |
| 3/4 inch thick | 7-9 minutes per side |
| 1 inch thick | 10-12 minutes per side |
For ground chicken crumbles or other loose shapes, the total amount will impact cook time. For example, 1 pound of ground chicken crumbles will take about 10-15 minutes to cook through while 2 pounds may need 15-20 minutes.
Cooking method
Pan-frying, broiling, baking, sautéing, and simmering in sauce will all yield different cook times. High, direct heat from pan-frying or broiling will cook the chicken fastest. Low, indirect heat from baking or simmering will take longer.
Here are some estimated guidelines for common cooking methods:
| Cooking Method | Cook Time Per Side/Total |
|---|---|
| Pan-frying | 4-8 minutes per side |
| Broiling | 10-15 minutes total |
| Baking at 350°F | 20-25 minutes total |
| Simmering in sauce | 15-20 minutes total |
The thickness of the chicken and amount will again also impact times.
Internal temperature
The safest way to ensure ground chicken is fully cooked is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Ground chicken is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the chicken to be opaque all the way through without any pink color. Cut into the thickest part or middle of patties to double check there is no pink inside. The juices should also run clear with no traces of blood or pink.
Cooking to 165°F internal temperature will destroy any harmful bacteria that could be present in raw chicken. Checking with a meat thermometer is especially important for thick portions which take longer to cook through to the center.
Safety Tips
When cooking ground chicken, keep these safety guidelines in mind:
Avoid cross-contamination
Raw chicken can harbor bacteria like Salmonella. Be sure to wash hands, utensils, cutting boards, and counters that have touched raw chicken before using with cooked chicken or other ingredients. Better yet, designate certain cutting boards only for raw meat and others for produce.
Don’t eat undercooked chicken
Ground chicken, like other ground meats, can pose a higher risk for foodborne illness if not fully cooked to a safe internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to confirm doneness, especially with thicker portions.
Cook thawed chicken right away
Chicken thawed in the refrigerator should be cooked within 1-2 days. Chicken thawed in the microwave or in cold water must be cooked immediately. The bacteria on raw chicken can start multiplying rapidly at temperatures above 40°F.
Handle leftovers properly
Cooked ground chicken leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours and eaten within 3-4 days. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F. Discard any chicken that smells bad or develops a slimy texture.
Following basic food safety practices will help protect you from illness when preparing ground chicken. Taking its thickness and the cooking method into account will ensure it cooks long enough to reach safe internal temperatures.
Tips for Cooking Ground Chicken
Beyond basic safety, there are some easy tips to cook flavorful, juicy ground chicken every time:
Season well
Ground chicken has a mild flavor compared to beef or pork. Boost the flavor by seasoning with salt, pepper, spices, herbs, garlic, onion, etc. Seasonings can be mixed right into the raw meat before cooking. Brining ground chicken in salty water for 30 minutes adds moisture and flavor too.
Avoid overmixing
For patties and meatballs, mix the ground chicken just until combined – overmixing develops the protein too much causing dense, rubbery texture.
Use a meat thermometer
It takes the guesswork out of doneness. Chicken might brown on the outside before reaching 165°F inside. The thermometer eliminates safety risks.
Don’t press patties
Resist the urge to press on chicken patties while they cook. This forces out moisture and causes them to cook up dense and dry.
Rest before serving
Let cooked patties, cutlets or other pieces rest 5 minutes before slicing into them. This allows juices to re-distribute so they don’t run out after cutting.
Cook in batches
Avoid overcrowding the pan which steams the chicken, making it dry. Cook patties in batches for even browning.
Keep it juicy
Patties stay juicier when cooked to just done and not well-done. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. And mix in a little cornstarch which helps retain moisture.
Retain shape
For meatballs and patties, refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help them hold their shape better during cooking.
Mastering the art of cooking ground chicken takes some practice but is worth it for quick, healthier meals. Follow cooking time guidelines based on amount and thickness, and always use a thermometer for safely cooked chicken every time.
Common Ground Chicken Recipes
Beyond burgers and patties, ground chicken is endlessly versatile. Here are cooking times for some favorite recipes:
Chicken Parmesan (Baked)
- 1 lb ground chicken patties, 3/4 inch thick – bake at 400°F for 15 minutes
- Top with tomato sauce and cheese last 5 minutes
Stuffed Bell Peppers
- 1 lb ground chicken + rice/veg stuffing – bake stuffed peppers at 375°F for 35 minutes
Chicken Meatballs
- 1-inch balls, baked at 425°F for 15-18 minutes
- Simmered in tomato sauce 10 minutes after baking
Chicken Tacos
- 1 lb ground chicken sautéed until no longer pink, 8-10 minutes
- Seasoned with taco seasoning
Chicken Banh Mi
- 1 lb ground chicken sautéed until cooked through, 10 minutes
- Add veggies last 2 minutes
Chicken Soup
- 1 lb ground chicken simmered in broth 15 minutes until no longer pink
- Vegetables added last 5 minutes
The cook times really vary based on cooking method. But in general, 1 pound of ground chicken crumbles or patties will need 15-25 minutes of cooking time depending on thickness. Use a food thermometer to confirm 165°F for safety.
Conclusion
Ground chicken cook times fall anywhere between 5-25 minutes depending on the thickness, cooking method, recipe, and use of a meat thermometer. Pan-frying thin patties takes just 5-7 minutes per side. Thick patties may need upwards of 15 minutes total cook time whether pan-fried, baked, or simmered in sauce.
The safest bet is to use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F, especially with thicker portions. This ensures any bacteria are killed during cooking.
Master proper ground chicken food safety, account for thickness and cooking method, and use a thermometer for perfect results every time no matter what you’re making. With a little practice, you’ll be able to estimate cook times for your favorite ground chicken dishes.