The Versatile Protein Everyone’s Talking About
Move over ground turkey—chicken crumbles are having a serious moment. Whether you’re looking to eat cleaner, save time, or just try something new, this protein-packed, flavor-absorbing alternative is quickly becoming a staple in U.S. kitchens. From Costco chicken crumbles to homemade sesame ginger versions perfect for lettuce wraps, there’s a version for every craving.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into what makes chicken crumbles so special, how to use them in everyday meals, and how to make your own at home. You’ll also discover how these compare to poultry crumble feed (hint: not the same thing!) and get a drool-worthy Sesame Ginger Chicken Crumbles recipe that fits every season.
Table of Contents
🍗 What Are Chicken Crumbles?
Chicken crumbles are simply ground or finely chopped chicken that’s seasoned, pre-cooked, or sometimes frozen in small, easy-to-use pieces. They’re often found in the frozen or refrigerated section of grocery stores and are beloved for their versatility, especially in bowls, tacos, salads, wraps, and stir-fries.
Unlike traditional ground chicken, crumbles are typically cooked and chopped into small chunks, making them fast to heat, easy to mix into meals, and ideal for portion control.
🛒 Chicken Crumbles at Costco
If you’ve walked through Costco lately, you’ve likely seen bags of chicken crumbles in the refrigerated or freezer aisle. Brands like Just Bare, Kevin’s, or Realgood Foods have popularized ready-to-eat versions, especially:
🌟 Sesame Ginger Chicken Crumbles – Costco Favorite
These are fully cooked and seasoned with sweet-savory sesame and ginger. They’re perfect for:
- Lettuce wraps (à la PF Chang’s style)
- Stir-fries
- Asian-inspired bowls
- Rice or noodle meal preps
✅ Why Shoppers Love Costco :
- Convenient (just heat and eat!)
- High protein
- Low sugar
- Gluten-free options available
- Serve hot or cold
🔗 Related Recipe: Best Meal Prep Bowls with Chicken
🥬 Chicken Lettuce Wraps Costco-Style
all this recipes are a popular hack for recreating restaurant-style lettuce wraps at home. Just add:
- Butter or romaine lettuce
- Shredded carrots
- Green onions
- A drizzle of soy or peanut sauce
- Crushed peanuts or crispy noodles
You’ll have a low-carb, high-flavor lunch or dinner in minutes.
Looking for something more homemade? Keep reading—we’ve got you covered.
🍜 Sesame Ginger (Homemade)
If you can’t find the Costco version or simply prefer a homemade option with full ingredient control, this Sesame Ginger Chicken Crumbles recipe is easy, fast, and packed with umami.
👨🍳 Recipe Overview
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American-Asian fusion
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (optional)
🥣 Instructions
1. Sauté aromatics:
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Brown the chicken:
Add ground chicken. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until golden and fully cooked.
3. Add the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, and honey. Pour into skillet. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Toss in green onions:
Turn off the heat. Add green onions and sesame seeds. Stir to combine.
5. Serve it up:
Spoon into lettuce cups, over jasmine rice, or in grain bowls. Garnish with cilantro, extra sesame seeds, or a lime squeeze.
🔄 Variations & Tips
- Make it spicy: Add gochujang or Sriracha for a kick.
- Low-carb: Skip honey and use monk fruit or keto sweetener.
- Vegan twist: Try crumbled tofu or tempeh with the same sauce.
- Add crunch: Top with crushed cashews or wonton strips.
🥗 Other Ways to Use this recipes
Chicken crumbles aren’t just for lettuce wraps. Here are more ideas:
- Buddha bowls: Mix with roasted veggies and grains
- Stuffed bell peppers
- Tacos with avocado and lime crema
- Stir-fries with broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas
- Crispy flatbread pizzas with chicken, cheese, and scallions
🔗 Check out more creative dinner ideas on Top Recipes To Do.
🐥 Don’t Confuse It with Poultry Crumble Feed
If you’ve seen the term “poultry crumble feed,” you might think it’s related—but it’s animal feed, not human food.
Key Differences:
- Chicken crumbles (food): Pre-cooked, seasoned chicken for humans.
- Poultry crumble feed: A blend of grains and nutrients for chickens to eat.
If you’re raising backyard chickens, poultry crumble feed is a nutritious stage in a chick’s diet before pellets. But it’s not what you put in your lettuce wraps. 😉
🧊 Storage Tips
Meal Prep Friendly!
- Fridge: Store cooked crumbles for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned bags for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw first.
Pro Tip: Always cool fully before sealing and freezing to prevent moisture build-up.
🍽️ Serving Sizes and Nutrition
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~210
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 6g
Low-calorie, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free. It’s ideal for weight watchers, fitness meals, or family dinners.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are chicken crumbles made of?
Chicken crumbles are typically made from ground or finely chopped chicken that’s cooked and seasoned, then broken into small, crumble-like pieces. Some are frozen or refrigerated and ready to reheat.
2. Are Costco chicken crumbles healthy?
Yes! Most versions are high in protein, low in sugar, and gluten-free. Always check the label, but options like sesame ginger chicken crumbles from Costco are popular with health-conscious shoppers.
3. Can I freeze chicken crumbles?
Absolutely. You can freeze homemade or store-bought chicken crumbles in airtight containers for up to 2 months. They’re great for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
4. What’s the difference between chicken crumbles and ground chicken?
Ground chicken is raw and fine in texture, whereas chicken crumbles are often pre-cooked and chunkier. Crumbles have more bite and are easier to add directly to dishes without cooking first.
5. What is poultry crumble feed?
It’s not food for humans—it’s a type of feed for chickens. It looks like coarse cornmeal and is used to nourish growing poultry.
6. How do I serve chicken crumbles?
They’re super versatile! Try them in:
- Lettuce wraps
- Stir-fries
- Bowls with rice or grains
- Flatbreads and tacos
- Stuffed veggies
🏁 Conclusion: Crumble Into Something Delicious
Whether you’re on the hunt for Costco’s sesame ginger chicken crumbles or you’re excited to make your own version at home, one thing’s clear: chicken crumbles are here to stay. They’re quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—perfect for the busy cook who doesn’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience.
From healthy lettuce wraps to meal prep bowls, you can do so much with this protein-packed hero. Try the homemade sesame ginger variation, or let it inspire your own spin—BBQ, buffalo, garlic parmesan? The possibilities are endless.
Craving more recipes like this? Explore more easy dinner ideas at Top Recipes To Do, and let your creativity crumble into something amazing.
