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Ground Chicken Sweetbreads
Meats
Nutri-ScoreA

Ground Chicken Sweetbreads

Gallus gallus domesticus

Clinical Encyclopedia

Ground chicken sweetbreads are the thymus glands of young chickens, known for their delicate texture and rich flavor. They are a source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients.

Also known as:
Thymus (USA)Sweetbreads (USA)
Scientific NameGallus gallus domesticus
Region of OriginUnited States

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories143 kcal
Water
75%
Fiber0g
Total26.7g
Protein
20.5g(77%)
Fats
6.2g(23%)
Carbohydrates
0g(0%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin A50 µg (6%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.07 mg (6%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.2 mg (15%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)5.5 mg (35%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.7 mg (14%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin B120.3 µg (12%)
Choline60 mg (11%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin C: 0 mgVitamin D: 0 µgVitamin E: 0.2 mgVitamin K: 0 µgFolate: 4 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Iron0.9 mg (5%)
Magnesium20 mg (5%)
Phosphorus200 mg (29%)
Potassium250 mg (7%)
Zinc1 mg (9%)
Copper0.1 mg (11%)
Selenium20 µg (36%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Calcium: 11 mgManganese: 0.02 mg

Health Benefits

Rich in protein, ground chicken sweetbreads provide essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.
They contain important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and selenium, which support metabolic functions and immune health.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Ground chicken sweetbreads should be cleaned thoroughly and can be sautéed, grilled, or incorporated into sauces for enhanced flavor.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose sweetbreads that are pale in color and firm to the touch, avoiding any that appear discolored or have an off smell.

How to Store

Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container and use within a few days for optimal freshness.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
Rich in protein, Nutrient-dense, Supports muscle health
Main Applications
Culinary use in gourmet dishes
Source of high-quality protein
Bioactive Compounds
Selenium

Antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage.

How to Consume
Cooked, Sautéed, Grilled
Did you know?

"Sweetbreads are considered a delicacy in many cuisines around the world, often served in fine dining restaurants."

Myths vs Realities

MythSweetbreads are unhealthy.
RealityWhile they are rich in fat, they also provide essential nutrients and can be part of a balanced diet.
MythSweetbreads are made from the stomach.
RealitySweetbreads are actually the thymus or pancreas, not the stomach.
MythSweetbreads are only for gourmet cooking.
RealityThey can be prepared simply and enjoyed in everyday meals.

Healthy Recipes

Spicy Ground Chicken Sweetbread Tacos

These zesty tacos are filled with ground chicken sweetbreads, seasoned with chili and lime, and topped with fresh avocado and cilantro for a nutritious twist.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground chicken sweetbreads
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, cook the ground chicken sweetbreads over medium heat until browned.
  2. 2. Add chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and salt; stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. 3. Serve the mixture in corn tortillas and top with diced avocado and cilantro.

Ground Chicken Sweetbread Quinoa Bowl

A wholesome quinoa bowl featuring ground chicken sweetbreads, roasted vegetables, and a tangy lemon dressing for a balanced meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground chicken sweetbreads
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. 2. In a skillet, sauté ground chicken sweetbreads until fully cooked, then add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
  3. 3. Combine quinoa, chicken mixture, and drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil; season with salt and pepper.

Ground Chicken Sweetbread Lettuce Wraps

These fresh and crunchy lettuce wraps are filled with seasoned ground chicken sweetbreads and topped with a spicy peanut sauce for a delightful bite.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground chicken sweetbreads
  • 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook ground chicken sweetbreads in a skillet with soy sauce until browned.
  2. 2. Mix in green onions and shredded carrots, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  3. 3. Serve in lettuce leaves and drizzle with a mixture of peanut butter and sriracha.

Ground Chicken Sweetbread Stir-Fry

A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring ground chicken sweetbreads, colorful vegetables, and a savory ginger sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground chicken sweetbreads
  • 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
  • 2 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Cooked brown rice for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil and sauté ginger until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add ground chicken sweetbreads and cook until browned, then add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  3. 3. Stir in soy sauce and serve over cooked brown rice.

Ground Chicken Sweetbread Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground chicken sweetbreads, brown rice, and spices, baked to perfection for a hearty meal.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 lb ground chicken sweetbreads
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken sweetbreads, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, and half of the marinara sauce.
  3. 3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the mixture, top with remaining marinara and cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Ground Chicken Sweetbread Zucchini Noodles

A low-carb dish featuring spiralized zucchini noodles topped with a flavorful ground chicken sweetbread marinara sauce.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground chicken sweetbreads
  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground chicken sweetbreads until browned.
  2. 2. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. 3. Serve over spiralized zucchini noodles.

Ground Chicken Sweetbread Meatballs

These healthy meatballs made from ground chicken sweetbreads are baked and served with a homemade tomato sauce for a nutritious twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground chicken sweetbreads
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken sweetbreads, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning.
  3. 3. Form into meatballs and bake for 20 minutes; serve with marinara sauce.

Ground Chicken Sweetbread Curry

A fragrant and spicy curry made with ground chicken sweetbreads, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, served over fluffy jasmine rice.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground chicken sweetbreads
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups spinach
  • Cooked jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté onion until translucent, then add ground chicken sweetbreads and cook until browned.
  2. 2. Stir in curry powder and coconut milk; simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. 3. Add spinach and cook until wilted; serve over jasmine rice.

Ground Chicken Sweetbread and Spinach Frittata

This protein-packed frittata combines ground chicken sweetbreads and fresh spinach, baked until fluffy and golden for a healthy breakfast option.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground chicken sweetbreads
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a skillet, cook ground chicken sweetbreads until browned, then add spinach until wilted.
  3. 3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, season with salt and pepper, and pour over the chicken mixture; sprinkle with feta and bake for 25 minutes.

Ground Chicken Sweetbread Buddha Bowl

A nourishing Buddha bowl featuring ground chicken sweetbreads, roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and a tahini dressing for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground chicken sweetbreads
  • 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast sweet potatoes for 25 minutes.
  2. 2. In a skillet, cook ground chicken sweetbreads until browned; season with salt and pepper.
  3. 3. Assemble the bowl with sweet potatoes, kale, and drizzle with tahini.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are sweetbreads?

Sweetbreads are the thymus glands or pancreas of young animals, particularly chickens, and are prized for their delicate flavor.

How should I prepare ground chicken sweetbreads?

They should be cleaned, blanched, and can be sautéed or grilled for best results.

Are sweetbreads healthy?

Yes, they are rich in protein and essential nutrients, but should be consumed in moderation due to their fat content.

Can I freeze ground chicken sweetbreads?

Yes, they can be frozen, but should be used within 3 months for best quality.

What dishes can I make with sweetbreads?

They can be used in various dishes such as pâtés, terrines, or simply sautéed with herbs.

Are there any allergens associated with sweetbreads?

Sweetbreads are generally safe but may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to poultry.

How do I know if sweetbreads are fresh?

Fresh sweetbreads should be pale in color and have a mild smell; avoid any that are discolored or have a strong odor.

What is the best way to store sweetbreads?

Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container and consume within a few days.