Healthy Homemade Chicken Chorizo Recipe

Chicken chorizo is a flavorful, protein-rich twist on the traditional sausage, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you love the bold, smoky conventional chorizo flavor but want something a little lighter, this chicken chorizo recipe is just what you need. 

It’s made with ground chicken and a bold blend of spices, delivering all the smoky, savory goodness you expect, without the heaviness of pork. Whether you’re mixing it into scrambled eggs, tucking it into tacos, or using it for meal prep, homemade chicken chorizo brings incredible flavor to every bite. It’s healthier, cleaner, and once you try it, you may never go back to the store-bought kind!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chorizo

             Protein-rich, Perfect for breakfast or meal prep

            All-natural ingredients, no preservatives or fillers 

   
            Customizable heat, adjust the spice to your taste

Meal prep-friendly, make-ahead, and freeze

            Bold, smoky flavor, Thanks to toasted spices and roasted garlic

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Chorizo

For the Chile Sauce:

• 6 dried guajillo peppers (for mild, smoky sweetness)
  
• 2 dried chile de árbol (for a spicy kick)

• 6 garlic cloves (roasted)

• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  
• 1 cup soaking liquid from chiles
  
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  
• 1 tbsp ground onion
  
• 2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  

Toasted Whole Spices:

• 4 whole cloves
  
• 1/2 tsp whole cumin seeds
  
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  

Dry Herbs & Seasoning:

• 2 tsp Mexican oregano
  
• 1 tsp dried thyme
  
• 1 tsp marjoram
  
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (or Mexican canela)
  

 For the Chorizo:

• 2 lbs ground chicken (with a bit of fat preferred)
  

 Homemade Chicken Chorizo Seasoning

Roasting garlic and toasting whole spices adds complexity and depth to this chorizo. You don’t want to skip this step, it’s the secret to that restaurant-quality flavor!

Pro Tip: Always toast your chiles on medium-low heat. Burnt chiles turn bitter and ruin the entire batch.

How to Make Easy Chicken Chorizo

These simple pantry steps come together to create bold and authentic flavor in every bite.

A custom spice blend is the secret to rich, smoky chorizo flavor without any additives.

Roast Garlic

• Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  
• Add 6 garlic cloves (in their skins) and toast until golden brown on all sides.
  
• Remove and peel once cool.
  

Prepare the Chiles

• Remove stems and seeds from 6 guajillo and 2 chile de árbol.
  
• Toast them in the skillet in small batches until fragrant (don’t let them burn).
  
• Submerge in hot water for 5–10 minutes to rehydrate.
  

Toast the Spices

• In the same skillet, toast cloves, cumin seeds, and peppercorns until fragrant (20–30 seconds).
  
• Add oregano, thyme, marjoram, and cinnamon. Toast for 10 more seconds and remove from the heat.
  

Blend the Sauce

• Add soaked chiles, 1 cup of soaking liquid, apple cider vinegar, roasted garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and all toasted spices to a blender.
  
• Blend until smooth. Let cool completely.
  

Mix with Ground Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs of ground chicken with the cooled chile paste.
  
• Mix thoroughly until fully coated.

Marinate & Store

• Transfer the mixture to a colander set over a bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours (overnight is best).
  
• Excess moisture will drain, and the flavors will deepen beautifully.
  

To Store:

• Scoop into plastic wrap “sausages” or store in airtight containers or freezer bags.
  
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  

 Cooking the Delicious Chicken Chorizo

• Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat.
  
• Add chorizo and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up with a spoon.
  
• Add scrambled eggs for the classic chorizo con huevos breakfast or serve in tacos.
  

Flavor Tip: The smoky aroma from the peppers and spices fills the kitchen, better than any store-bought mix!

Serving Suggestions

This chicken chorizo is incredibly versatile:

• In breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs and cheese
  
• Over refried beans with queso fresco or sour cream
  
• As a protein boost in salads
  
• In breakfast burritos or wraps
  
• Even as a spicy meat base for pasta or rice bowls
  

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Extra tips and substitutions to help you personalize the recipe to your taste.

Can You Make Chicken Chorizo Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Marinate overnight for best flavor, and freeze any extra for up to 3 months.

Is Chicken Chorizo Good for Leftovers?

Yes! It reheats beautifully. Great for meal prep bowls or a quick breakfast.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx.)

Based on 6 servings from 2 lbs of chicken

• Calories: ~220
  
• Protein: 25g
  
• Fat: 12g
  
• Carbs: 3g
  
• Fiber: 1g
  
• Sugar: 1g
  

Note: Nutrition may vary based on chicken used and added oils.

Final Opinion

This healthy homemade chicken chorizo is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast solution — clean, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With no artificial ingredients and all the bold, smoky flavor of traditional chorizo, you’ll want to keep a stash in your fridge or freezer at all times.

Until next time, happy cooking!

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