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Introduction
Discover the incredible versatility of ground chicken recipes with this vibrant stir-fry! It is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines lean protein with an abundance of fresh vegetables, creating a healthy and satisfying meal. You’ll love its savory flavors and how easily it comes together, making it a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Stir-Fry
- Quick and Easy: Get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
- Healthy Protein: Ground chicken offers a lean source of protein, keeping you full and energized.
- Highly Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Prepare a larger batch to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
- Packed with Flavor: Savory soy sauce, aromatic ginger, and garlic create an irresistible taste.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards amazing ground chicken recipes. This stir-fry relies on fresh components for maximum flavor. You will need lean ground chicken, a touch of sesame oil, fresh garlic and ginger for aromatics, and a colorful mix of stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. A flavorful sauce comes together with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chicken broth, and a cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Don’t forget optional garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions for extra flair.
According to various health resources, lean ground chicken is a nutritious source of protein that is lower in fat and calories compared to other ground meats.
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Use lean ground chicken for a healthier option, or regular ground chicken for a richer flavor.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you prefer. Try carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy.
- Sauce: Adjust the sweetness with more or less honey, and the saltiness with extra soy sauce or a splash of water.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
- Spice: For a kick, add red chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce to the stir-fry.
Equipment
Making this ground chicken stir-fry is simple with basic kitchen tools. You will need a large skillet or wok to cook everything efficiently. A cutting board and a sharp knife are essential for preparing your vegetables and aromatics. Finally, gather a few small mixing bowls and a whisk for creating the perfect sauce.
Instructions
Following these easy steps ensures a perfect ground chicken stir-fry every time. This is one of those versatile ground chicken recipes that’s incredibly beginner-friendly.
- Prep Ingredients: Begin by preparing all your components. Neatly chop all your chosen vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Mince the fresh garlic and ginger finely. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chicken broth for the stir-fry sauce. Set everything aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Stir frequently until the chicken is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then remove the cooked chicken and set it aside in a bowl.
- Sauté Aromatics: If the pan looks dry, add another half tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Reduce the heat slightly to medium. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add the harder vegetables first, such as broccoli florets and sliced carrots, to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but are still crisp. Next, add softer vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant.
- Add Sauce: Give your whisked sauce mixture another quick stir, then pour it evenly into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. In a separate small bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine & Serve: Return the cooked ground chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together gently until the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the savory sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the stir-fry with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Prevent Soggy Stir-Fry: Overcrowding the pan lowers its temperature and steams vegetables instead of searing them. Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
- Perfect Chicken Texture: Ensure your pan is hot before adding the ground chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents it from steaming. Break it apart well for even browning.
- Flavor Boosts: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the ground chicken in a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Adjusting Sweetness/Salt: Always taste your sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry. Adjust with a pinch more honey for sweetness or a dash more soy sauce for saltiness as needed.
- Customizing Heat: If you enjoy spicy food, add chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile ground chicken stir-fry adapts wonderfully to your needs.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a classic meal.
- Enjoy it with stir-fried noodles or quinoa for a different texture.
- Scoop the stir-fry into crisp lettuce cups for a light, low-carb option.
- Storage:
- Allow the stir-fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate promptly, where it will keep well for 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
- Alternatively, microwave individual portions until thoroughly warmed through, stirring halfway.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Thai: Introduce red curry paste along with the aromatics and finish with fresh basil leaves.
- Sweet & Sour: Add canned pineapple chunks (drained) with the softer vegetables and a bit extra honey to the sauce.
- Peanut Sauce: Whisk 2-3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the sauce for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Broccoli & Mushroom: Focus your vegetables on generous amounts of fresh broccoli florets and sliced cremini mushrooms.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
This ground chicken stir-fry offers a balanced and nutritious meal. It is a great source of lean protein and essential vitamins from the vegetables. These estimates can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320-380 |
| Protein | 28-35g |
| Fat | 12-18g |
| Carbohydrates | 20-25g |
| Sodium | 600-800mg |
| Fiber | 4-6g |
Dietary Notes: This recipe is naturally low in saturated fat. To make it lower-carb, serve it with cauliflower rice or extra vegetables instead of traditional rice.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen ground chicken for this recipe?Yes, you certainly can. Just ensure the ground chicken is fully thawed in the refrigerator before you begin cooking it. This prevents uneven cooking and ensures food safety.
- What are the best vegetables to include in a ground chicken stir-fry?For vibrant color and texture, bell peppers, broccoli florets, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms are excellent choices. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences and what is in season.
- How can I make this ground chicken stir-fry spicier?To add more heat, incorporate a teaspoon of Sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can add these directly to the sauce or while sautéing the aromatics.
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?Absolutely! Whisk together all the sauce ingredients, except the cornstarch slurry, and store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Is this recipe naturally gluten-free?This recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative, and confirm your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
For safe consumption, the USDA recommends cooking all ground poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C).
Conclusion
This easy and delicious ground chicken stir-fry truly highlights why ground chicken recipes are so popular for busy home cooks. It is a fantastic option for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. With its customizable nature and simple steps, you can create a satisfying dinner that fits your family’s tastes and dietary needs. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy ground chicken!
Easy & Delicious Ground Chicken Stir-Fry
Equipment
- large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- whisk
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (plus more if needed)
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- chopped green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic and ginger. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chicken broth. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, break apart, and cook until browned. Drain fat, remove from skillet, and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add more sesame oil if needed. Reduce heat to medium. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add broccoli and carrots, stir-fry 3–4 minutes. Add bell pepper and snap peas, cook another 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add Sauce: Stir sauce again and pour into skillet. Simmer gently. Whisk cornstarch with cold water to make slurry. Add to pan and stir until sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine & Serve: Return chicken to skillet. Toss with sauce and veggies. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.
