Ground poultry has a reputation for being a leaner alternative to ground beef, but each type is delicious in their own right. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between ground turkey vs. ground chicken to give you a better understanding of each protein. You’ll learn:
While there’s a lot to consider when choosing ground turkey vs. ground chicken, you really can’t go wrong with either one. Complete with four delicious recipes, we hope this guide gives you the confidence to experiment with both proteins in the kitchen.
Ground turkey has become a popular staple in home kitchens, touted as a leaner, healthier alternative to ground beef But with its uniformly ground texture, it can be difficult to discern exactly what parts of the turkey make up this versatile protein
Let’s take a closer look at what’s really inside most packages of ground turkey:
Primarily Made from Dark Meat
Contrary to popular belief, ground turkey contains mostly dark meat from the thighs and drumsticks of the turkey Some people assume ground turkey is made from the lean breast meat, but that is often more expensive and not the typical base for commercial ground turkey
The higher fat content of the dark meat contributes moisture, flavor, and texture that prevents ground turkey from becoming dry and crumbly during cooking. This makes it an ideal choice for burgers, meatballs, tacos, and more.
Focus on Natural Ratios
According to USDA regulations, ground turkey can only contain muscle meat, skin, and fat in their natural proportions. Manufacturers are not allowed to include other fillers or byproducts.
This ensures that the fat content of ground turkey stays within 10-15%, similar to what you would find in a whole turkey thigh or drumstick. It also means the ingredients come directly from the turkey itself.
Potential Additions to Enhance Quality
While mainstream ground turkey cannot contain fillers, some additional ingredients may be added during processing to affect the texture, moisture, and visual appeal.
Small amounts of salt, seasonings, or broths are sometimes added. Binders like wheat or egg whites can provide a firmer texture. Leaner cuts like breast meat may be blended in.
Checking the ingredient list can clue you into any extras beyond pure turkey meat.
Grinding Your Own Allows Control
To take full control over the cut, fat content, and quality, many home cooks prefer to grind their own turkey meat.
Using a meat grinder or food processor, you can select precisely which turkey parts to include and the ratios. Thighs and drumsticks are common choices, but you can also grind turkey breast, wings, or a combo.
Grinding your own also skips any preservatives or additives, resulting in 100% pure turkey.
Comparing Ground Turkey to Ground Chicken
Ground chicken has a similar nutrition profile and versatility as ground turkey. However, ground turkey tends to be leaner with fewer calories, less sodium, more protein, and more iron.
Either one can be seamlessly substituted in recipes calling for ground meat. The flavor and texture are quite comparable.
An Endlessly Versatile Ingredient
Thanks to its mild flavor and texture, ground turkey can transform into burgers, meatballs, casseroles, chili, pasta sauce, tacos, and so much more.
It fits effortlessly into a wide range of global cuisines. Experiment with spices and ethnic flavor profiles to keep ground turkey exciting.
Health Benefits of Ground Turkey
With less saturated fat than ground beef, ground turkey offers a healthier fat profile. The dark meat provides more beneficial unsaturated fats like oleic acid.
Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
So while the contents may seem mysterious at first glance, ground turkey packs nutrients, flavor, and versatility into each bite. Understanding precisely what’s inside allows you to utilize this tasty protein to its full potential.
4 Ground Turkey and Ground Chicken Recipes to Try
Crispy, juicy little morsels with a cheesy interior—do we have your attention? These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are like the classic Italian chicken parmesan, in bite-sized form.
Ground chicken is the perfect protein to make these juicy little meatballs, adding familiar flavor and a fun texture. These meatballs are rolled in a breadcrumb coating that crisps up in a skillet of hot oil.
These meatballs are delicious served with your favorite pasta (we’re partial to spaghetti and marinara sauce here), or with a fresh salad. They also make a great snack to heat up whenever hunger strikes.
What Is Ground Turkey?
Commonly found in the meat department of your grocery store, ground turkey is made by combining a mixture of dark and light meat turkey with remaining skin and fat. You can also get ground turkey through ButcherBox. The result is a ground meat mixture that’s lean, high in protein, and easily used in many delicious applications, like chili, burgers, meatballs, and rice bowls.
Most ground turkey is made from extra turkey thighs and drumsticks, rather than more expensive turkey breast meat. For that reason, it’s usually a pretty affordable cut of ground meat. It contains a fat percentage under 15%, though you can often find it even leaner. It’s a popular substitute for ground beef, which has a higher fat and calorie content.
FYI: Many mainstream ground turkey brands will take turkey meat, skin, and fat off the bone and process it with additives to achieve an appealing color and non-crumbly texture.
You can also grind your own turkey at home using a meat grinder or food processor.
USDA Ground Turkey From Bone In Drums
FAQ
What is turkey ground made of?
Ground turkey, or minced turkey, is a mixture of dark and light turkey meat with remaining skin and visible fat processed together until a “ground” form emerges. The turkey meat, skin, and fat is taken off the bone and processed with additives.
Is ground turkey actually healthy?
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High in protein:Like most poultry, turkey is a great source of lean protein.
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Lower in saturated fat:Compared to ground beef, ground turkey typically has less saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
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Choose lean options:Opt for ground turkey labeled as “93% lean” or higher to minimize fat intake.
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Watch added ingredients:Be aware of added ingredients like bread crumbs or sauces that can increase calories and sodium when cooking ground turkey.
What animal does ground turkey come from?
- Ground turkey is a popular, affordable, and lean substitute for ground beef.
- It’s made from a combination of light and dark turkey meat, including thighs and drumsticks.
- Ground turkey is often processed with additives to achieve a non-crumbly texture and an appealing color.
- It’s high in protein and can be used in many dishes, such as burgers, meatballs, chili, and rice bowls.
- Ground turkey can be purchased at grocery stores or from ButcherBox.
- You can also grind your own turkey at home using a meat grinder or food processor.
What’s healthier, ground chicken or turkey?
- Calories: Ground turkey has fewer calories than ground chicken.
- Fat: Ground turkey has less fat than ground chicken.
- Protein: Ground turkey has slightly more protein than ground chicken.
- Sodium: Ground turkey has less sodium than ground chicken.
- Vitamins and minerals: Both ground chicken and ground turkey are rich in B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus.
What is a good use for ground turkey?
One of our favorite uses for ground turkey has to be meatballs —especially these ones. They’ve got a light, tender texture and are packed with flavorful herbs. The meat mixture is softer than you might expect, thanks to the addition of ricotta, but sacrificing a perfectly round shape is worth it. These meatballs truly live up to their name!
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey is a highly nutritious food. It is loaded with protein, vitamins B3, B6, B12, selenium, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc. Here are some of its health benefits: Spaghetti Squash is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and fiber. It is also rich in antioxidants. Here are some of its health benefits for us:
Can you use ground turkey in recipes?
These flavorful and easy recipes using ground turkey are protein-packed and guaranteed to be staples in your house. Ground turkey is one of my go-to meats to cook with, especially for lightened up comfort foods. You’ll love using it in recipes because it’s: