10 Protein-Rich Poultry Dishes to Spice Up Your Menu

You're looking to spice up your menu with protein-rich poultry dishes. You can try chicken fajitas, turkey burgers, or chicken tikka masala for a start. Smoked chicken wings and baked chicken thighs are also great options.

But that's not all - you can explore even more delicious and healthy choices, and it's worth discovering what other tasty poultry dishes are out there that can elevate your meals.

1. Chicken Fajita Recipe

Spicy chicken fajita recipe with sautéed onions and bell peppers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning
• 4 small flour tortillas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Slice the chicken into thin strips and season with fajita seasoning.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until tender.
5. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
6. Warm the flour tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble the fajitas by placing the cooked chicken and vegetables onto the tortillas and serving immediately.

2. Grilled Turkey Burgers

Grilled turkey burgers are a healthy alternative to beef burgers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other desired toppings

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic.
3. Add olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the bowl and mix until just combined.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape into patties.
5. Grill the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill.
7. Assemble the burgers with desired toppings.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

3. Baked Chicken Thighs

Tender and juicy chicken thighs baked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange the chicken thighs on it.
6. Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

4. Roasted Duck Breast

Crispy roasted duck breast with a savory flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 duck breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the duck breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
3. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the duck breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes.
6. Brush the duck breasts with honey during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
7. Let the duck breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

5. Chicken Tikka Masala

Creamy Indian-inspired chicken dish with rich flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, ghee or oil, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the bowl and mix until coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, cook the onions until they're lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
6. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
7. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cooked chicken.
8. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over basmati rice.

6. Pan Seared Chicken

Pan seared chicken is a juicy and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

7. Turkey Meatball Subs

Turkey Meatball Subs are a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• Provolone cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, onion, and garlic.
3. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
8. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce.
9. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for a few minutes to coat them evenly.
10. Slice the sub rolls in half and toast them in the oven for a few minutes.
11. Assemble the subs by placing a few meatballs on each roll, followed by a spoonful of marinara sauce and a slice of provolone cheese.
12. Return the subs to the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
13. Remove the subs from the oven and sprinkle with chopped basil leaves.
14. Serve immediately and enjoy.

8. Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

A Mexican-inspired dish filled with shredded chicken and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shredded cooked chicken
• 2 large tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno to the skillet and cook until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese.
4. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the chicken mixture onto half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make the second quesadilla.
9. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

9. Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoked chicken wings are tender and flavorful, perfect for appetizers or snacks.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1/4 cup smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Place the chicken wings in the smoker, leaving space between each wing for even cooking.
5. Smoke the chicken wings for 2-3 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. After 2 hours, brush the chicken wings with barbecue sauce.
7. Remove the chicken wings from the smoker and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

10. Chicken Caesar Wrap

Grilled chicken, crispy romaine, and parmesan in a savory wrap.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1 large flour tortilla
• 1/2 cup romaine lettuce
• 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped bacon

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.
5. Spread Caesar dressing on the tortilla.
6. Arrange the sliced chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and bacon on the tortilla.
7. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap up tightly.
8. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Conclusion

You've explored 10 protein-rich poultry dishes to elevate your menu. Notably, a single serving of chicken can provide up to 30 grams of protein, fueling your body for hours. With these dishes, you'll never run out of options to spice up your meals and meet your daily protein needs, making every bite a satisfying experience.