How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor - Recipe Diaries (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

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Grinding chicken in a food processor is a simple and affordable way to create your own ground chicken at home. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that the chicken is ground evenly and that the food processor doesn't get overloaded. With freshly ground chicken, you can create a variety of delicious recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor - Recipe Diaries (1)

If a recipe calls for ground chicken that is ground and you only have chicken breasts you're in luck. You can grind it in a food processor. Of course, you can always just buy the meat already ground up in the store but this is a quick hack or tip to do to save a quick trip to the store.

I admit, that I have a meat grinder attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer and I NEVER use it. Got it as a gift from someone years back. Using a food processor to grind meat is so much easier and MUCH easier to clean. Have you ever tried to clean one of those meat grinder attachments? It's not fun.

Grinding meat in a food processor is really easy. I have only ever done this with chicken breasts before but you can definitely use whatever type of meat you like.

If you like making your own recipes from scratch try Easy Homemade Refrigerator Pickles.

Jump to:
  • What types of meat to Grind
  • How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor
  • Storing Ground Chicken
  • Equipment Needed
  • Other Recipes To Try
  • How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor

What types of meat to Grind

Chicken, Turkey, Fish

Use a dark cut of meat or just a regular chicken breast. You can use ground chicken or turkey for tacos, salads, chili, burrito bowls, or make chicken burgers or patties. If salmon burgers are your thing you can grind that up in the Food Process as well.

Pork, Beef, and Lamb

When buying this type of meat, I always look for 80/20. They don’t contain as much fat parts to cut off.

How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor

Step 1: Choose the Right Cut of ChickenWhen it comes to grinding chicken, you want to use the right cut of meat. Chicken thighs are generally the best option, as they have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, which makes for a more flavorful and moist ground chicken. However, if you prefer leaner meat, you can use chicken breasts instead.

This is just some Perdue chicken I picked up at Aldi.

How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor - Recipe Diaries (2)

Step 2: Cut the Chicken into Small Pieces Before you start grinding the chicken, you need to cut it into small pieces.

How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor - Recipe Diaries (3)

This will make it easier for the food processor to grind the meat evenly. Cut the chicken into pieces that are about 1 inch in size. You can also remove any excess fat or gristle from the chicken at this point.

Step 3: Chill the Chicken: Chilling the chicken before grinding it can help to keep the meat from getting too warm and becoming mushy. Place the chicken in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before grinding it. (this is an optional step)

Step 4: Grind the Chicken in Batches. It's important to not overload the food processor when grinding the chicken. You should grind the chicken in batches, putting about ⅓ to ½ of the chicken in the food processor at a time. This will ensure that the chicken is ground evenly and that the food processor doesn't get clogged with too much meat.

How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor - Recipe Diaries (4)

Step 5: Pulse the Food Processor.

When grinding the chicken, you want to pulse the food processor instead of running it continuously. Pulse the food processor for about 10-15 seconds at a time, and then check the consistency of the ground chicken. You want the chicken to be evenly ground, but not too fine or mushy.

Storing Ground Chicken

Once you have ground all of the chicken, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer. If you're going to use the ground chicken within a day or two, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze the ground chicken, divide it into portions and place it in freezer bags. Be sure to label the bags with the date and amount of chicken.

Equipment Needed

Here are some tools that will help will help you with the recipes. All links will open in Amazon. Yes I do get a small earning if purchase from the link

Food Processor

Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Mincing, and Puree, 10 Cups - Spiralizing, Silver

Sharp Knife

Chef Knife, DDF iohEF 8 Inch Kitchen Knife In Stainless Steel, Professional Sharp Knife, Antiseptic Non-slip Ultra Cooking Knife with Ergonomic Handle Ideal for Kitchen / Restaurant

Other Recipes To Try

  • WW Meatballs (Low Point)
  • Weight Watchers Chicken Salad with Grapes
  • Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
  • Weight Watchers Meatloaf Muffins

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How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor - Recipe Diaries (9)

How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Jenna
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 10 min
  • Yield: 3 1x
  • Category: Easy
  • Method: Food Processor
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

If a recipe calls for ground chicken that is ground and you only have chicken breasts you're in luck. You can grind it in a food processor. Of course, you can always just buy the meat already ground up in the store but this is a quick hack or tip to do to save a quick trip to the store.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 to 3 medium sized chicken breasts, cut into to large chunks
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. When it comes to grinding chicken, you want to use the right cut of meat. Chicken thighs are generally the best option, as they have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, which makes for a more flavorful and moist ground chicken. However, if you prefer leaner meat, you can use chicken breasts instead.
  2. Before you start grinding the chicken, you need to cut it into small pieces. This will make it easier for the food processor to grind the meat evenly. Cut the chicken into pieces that are about 1 inch in size. You can also remove any excess fat or gristle from the chicken at this point.
  3. Chilling the chicken before grinding it can help to keep the meat from getting too warm and becoming mushy. Place the chicken in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before grinding it.
  4. It's important to not overload the food processor when grinding the chicken. You should grind the chicken in batches, putting about ⅓ to ½ of the chicken in the food processor at a time. This will ensure that the chicken is ground evenly and that the food processor doesn't get clogged with too much meat.
  5. When grinding the chicken, you want to pulse the food processor instead of running it continuously. Pulse the food processor for about 10-15 seconds at a time, and then check the consistency of the ground chicken. You want the chicken to be evenly ground, but not too fine or mushy.
How to Grind Chicken in a Food Processor - Recipe Diaries (2024)

FAQs

Can you blend chicken in a food processor? ›

Once your chicken has been cut into cubes, place them in the food processor work bowl. Select your pulse setting to mince your chicken (as opposed to high or low setting) and hold the button in short bursts until your chicken achieves a smooth consistency.

Can I use a food processor to grind meat? ›

Some food processors are even equipped with titanium coated blades which will help you grind meat with the texture that you want. Not all types of meat can be ground with a blender. Choose the meat with soft tissues, whether it's chicken, beef, or lamb. If your purchased meat is still on the bone, separate them first.

Can you grind chicken without a meat grinder? ›

You can purchase boneless, skinless chicken breasts and ask the butcher to grind them for you, or — for the most control over texture and consistency — grind the chicken yourself in a food processor.

Can a food processor grind raw chicken bones? ›

Place the cut raw chicken bones into the meat grinder or food processor. Turn on the grinder or food processor and begin the grinding process. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific equipment.

How do you shred chicken breast in a food processor? ›

Food Processor: Break up the cooked chicken breasts into chunks first, and work in multiple batches. Add chicken to food processor and use the plastic dough blade attachment to avoid your chicken turning to mush. Process for 30 seconds or until uniformly shredded. Repeat until all chicken is shredded.

How do you blend in a food processor? ›

Most food processors have a “pulse” button and a “run” button. These buttons can be used to chop, blend, or liquefy food. The “run” button blends things continuously. This button is usually used to create mayo, blend ingredients into a smooth soup, or create chunk-free sauces.

What part of chicken is best for ground chicken? ›

If you're looking for lean ground chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you're looking for a bit more flavour and richness, try adding some boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Because ground chicken is so lean, there are a few things to keep in mind before you begin cooking.

Can I use a food processor instead of a grinder? ›

The cut, fat content, and texture of store-ground meat can vary widely. But when you grind it yourself in a food processor, you control all the variables. That means you can achieve the perfect grind for beef, pork, poultry, and even fish and seafood.

Why add ice when grinding meat? ›

By adding flake ice instead of water, a much quicker and more efficient cooling effect is achieved. Chopping or emulsifying meat will affect its stability with different fat sources. If beef fat is the type of fat being used, final emulsion temperatures should be between 40F and 70F.

What is an S-blade in a food processor? ›

The S-Shaped Blade:The S-shaped blade, or Sabatier blade, is the standard attachment used in a food processor. It sits in the bottom of the bowl and is used for average mixing, choping, dicing, blending, and pureeing. This blade is the most versatile and can be used for almost any job.

Can I use a food processor to make ground chicken? ›

This will depend on the amount of chicken you use and the size of your food processor. If consistency is smoothly ground, you are done! If not, repeat the process until smoothly ground with no larger pieces. Once done, store in the fridge.

How do you grind chicken yourself? ›

To make ground chicken with a food processor, simply add the chicken (I still like to use a blend of breast and thighs) and pulse 4-6 times until you reach a desired texture. Just be sure to go slowly and avoid over processing.

Will a food processor grind cooked chicken? ›

Of course you can. Sometimes my wife takes pieces of chicken breast and uses the food processor to make chicken mince which can be used to make a variety of recipes. Small tip: use a little chicken fat when you do this. It produces a better mince.

Can you cube chicken in a food processor? ›

Step 3: Cutting the Chicken into Smaller Pieces

Next, cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces that can easily fit into the food processor. This will help ensure an even and consistent chop. Cutting the chicken into cubes or strips works well for this purpose.

How do you grind your own chicken breast? ›

How to make ground chicken in a blender:
  1. Remove excess fat and cartilage from the chicken breast, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Add the cubes to the blender.
  2. Pulse 4 to 5 times for 1 second each. Scrape down the sides of the blender after each pulse to make sure the chicken gets ground evenly.
Mar 1, 2022

Does food processor grind dry food? ›

Dry ingredients: Food processors can chop, slice or grate ingredients without adding any liquid. Bread crumbs: Dried or day-old bread can be ground coarsely or finely in seconds.

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