Ground Chicken Stir Fry Bowl
Highlighted under: Rushed & Ready
I love making this Ground Chicken Stir Fry Bowl when I'm after something quick and vibrant. Packed with colorful vegetables and savory chicken, this dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The use of fresh ginger and garlic really elevates the taste, and the zingy sauce ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when we still want a nutritious meal.
One evening, I found myself with a package of ground chicken and a fridge full of fresh veggies. I decided to whip up a stir fry, which is always a hit in our house. The secret lies in using a high heat to quickly cook the chicken and maintain the vegetables' crunch. It creates a delightful contrast that I absolutely adore.
As I tossed in fresh snow peas, bell peppers, and a touch of sesame oil, the kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas. What I love most is that I can easily customize the ingredients based on what I have on hand, making this bowl a versatile go-to recipe for any night.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and healthy meal ready in under 30 minutes
- Colorful vegetables add both nutrition and appeal
- Customizable according to your favorite flavors
Ingredient Insights
Using ground chicken is not only a healthier alternative to red meat, but it also absorbs flavors beautifully, helping to create a dish that’s rich in umami. Look for ground chicken that is a mix of both dark and white meat for added moisture and flavor. If you find that there's too much fat during cooking, you can easily drain a little off once the chicken is browned, which helps to keep the dish lighter.
The vegetables in this stir fry, like bell peppers and snow peas, provide both texture and vibrant colors. When selecting bell peppers, aim for a mix of red, yellow, and green for a visually appealing dish. Snow peas should be crisp and bright green; make sure to avoid those that are limp or have started turning yellow. They add a gentle sweetness that counters the savory flavors from the sauce.
Cooking Techniques
To get the best flavor from your garlic and ginger, it’s essential to sauté them in hot oil for just a minute before adding the other ingredients. This helps to release their essential oils, contributing to the overall aroma and depth of flavor in your stir fry. Keep the heat at medium-high; if it’s too low, these aromatics may lose their potency and become bitter.
For an easy way to tell if your chicken is fully cooked, break it apart in the skillet. You should see no pink and it should be opaque in color. Perfectly cooked ground chicken is tender but not mushy, so avoid overcrowding in the skillet, as this can lead to steaming rather than browning—a key for that flavorful crust.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
Start by slicing your bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic and ginger. Preparing everything ahead of time makes the cooking process quick and efficient.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add sliced onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then introduce the bell peppers and snow peas, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to combine. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld before removing from heat.
Serve
Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles, garnishing with extra sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on the season or what you have at home. Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas all work wonderfully in this recipe.
Storing and Reheating
This Ground Chicken Stir Fry Bowl makes for great leftovers! Store any uneaten portion in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, try using a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave. This method helps retain the texture of the chicken and vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld back together without becoming soggy.
If you’d like to make the stir fry ahead of time, you can prep the vegetables and store them separately in the fridge. Hold off on cooking the chicken until you’re ready to serve to keep the meal fresh. You can also freeze the cooked stir fry; just ensure it’s completely cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months.
Flavor Variations
If you're looking to add some kick, consider mixing in a dash of chili paste or red pepper flakes when you add the soy sauce. This will elevate the flavor profile and bring some heat to the dish. Alternatively, if you prefer a sweeter sauce, a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup can balance the savory notes beautifully.
For a more diverse blend of flavors, feel free to swap out the snow peas for broccoli or snap peas. Both options cook similarly and will bring a different texture to the dish. You could also incorporate proteins like cubed tofu or shrimp for a delightful variation. Just remember to adjust the cooking times according to your choice of protein.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes, just dice the chicken breast into small pieces and adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure it's fully cooked.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
You can add any veggies you like! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even broccoli florets are great alternatives.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
While this stir fry is best fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and cook right before serving.
Ground Chicken Stir Fry Bowl
I love making this Ground Chicken Stir Fry Bowl when I'm after something quick and vibrant. Packed with colorful vegetables and savory chicken, this dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The use of fresh ginger and garlic really elevates the taste, and the zingy sauce ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when we still want a nutritious meal.
What You'll Need
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How-To Steps
Start by slicing your bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic and ginger. Preparing everything ahead of time makes the cooking process quick and efficient.
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add sliced onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then introduce the bell peppers and snow peas, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to combine. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld before removing from heat.
Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles, garnishing with extra sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on the season or what you have at home. Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas all work wonderfully in this recipe.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 32g