Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick to make, healthy, and packed with flavor? Ground Chicken Stir Fry is the answer! This versatile dish combines tender ground chicken with fresh, colorful vegetables in a savory sauce, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also customizable, making it a favorite for families, meal preppers, and anyone who loves a balanced dish.
In this post, we’ll walk you through why you’ll love this recipe, provide nutritional information, and give you tips on how to make the best ground chicken stir fry. Plus, we’ll share some ideas for how to enjoy it in creative ways.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this ground chicken stir fry recipe:
Quick and Convenient: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights.
Healthy and Nutritious: Using lean ground chicken makes this dish lower in fat, and adding a variety of vegetables boosts its fiber and vitamin content. Plus, you control the sodium and sugar in the sauce by making it yourself.
Customizable Ingredients: Not a fan of one of the vegetables listed? Swap it out! This recipe allows you to use whatever veggies you have on hand.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Ground chicken stir fry holds up well in the fridge, so it’s ideal for meal prepping. Simply make a big batch, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week.
Delicious Flavor: The sauce is a beautiful balance of savory and slightly sweet, thanks to soy sauce, a touch of honey, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Together, they create a restaurant-quality stir fry at home.
Nutritional Information
For a serving of ground chicken stir fry (1 cup):
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
These values may vary slightly based on the ingredients you use, but the recipe remains a balanced choice packed with protein and nutrients.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this ground chicken stir fry:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil for high heat)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snap peas or green beans
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serving Size
This recipe makes 4 servings, with each serving being roughly 1 cup.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Make Ground Chicken Stir Fry
Making this dish is simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious stir fry in no time!
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, prep all your ingredients. Dice the onion, slice the zucchini, chop the broccoli, and mince the garlic and ginger. This will make the cooking process smoother, as everything will be ready to add at the right time.
2. Cook the Ground Chicken
- Warm the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Chicken: Place the ground chicken in the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Stir Fry the Vegetables
- Add More Oil (if needed): If the skillet looks dry, add a bit more oil.
- Cook the Onion and Bell Pepper: Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add Remaining Veggies: Add the zucchini, broccoli, and snap peas (or green beans) to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. Combine Chicken and Flavorings
- Return Chicken to the Skillet: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix in the Sauces: Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Stir everything together, coating the chicken and vegetables evenly in the sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Add Seasoning and Garnish: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for extra flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your stir fry immediately with rice, quinoa, or even noodles.
Tips for Making the Best Ground Chicken Stir Fry
Here are a few tips to help you create the tastiest stir fry possible:
Use High Heat: Stir-frying is best done over high heat, as it sears the ingredients and brings out their natural flavors. Just be sure to keep stirring to prevent burning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures that each ingredient gets proper heat. If the pan is too crowded, the vegetables will steam instead of stir-fry.
Customize Your Sauce: Adjust the soy sauce, honey, and hoisin to suit your taste. For extra heat, consider adding a touch of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
How to Enjoy Ground Chicken Stir Fry
One of the greatest aspects of this recipe is how adaptable it can be!Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your ground chicken stir fry:
Over Steamed Rice: Classic and simple, serving this stir fry over rice (white, brown, or jasmine) allows the sauce to soak in, creating a perfect balance with each bite.
With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, swap out the regular rice for cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal while keeping it light.
With Noodles: Stir-fried noodles make a great pairing with ground chicken stir fry. You can use rice noodles, lo mein, or even zucchini noodles for a veggie twist.
In Lettuce Wraps: Serve the stir fry in crisp lettuce cups for a fresh, healthy take on dinner. These make fun appetizers or a low-carb meal option.
On a Salad: Try topping a mixed greens salad with this stir fry for a protein-packed lunch. Add an extra splash of sesame oil as a dressing for an Asian-inspired twist.
Storage and Reheating
This ground chicken stir fry keeps well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooked stir fry in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Additional Ways to Customize This Recipe
Ground chicken stir fry is delicious as it is, but there are plenty of ways to make it your own:
Try Different Proteins: Ground turkey, pork, or even beef can be used in place of chicken, each bringing its unique flavor to the dish.
Add a Crunch: For an extra crunch, top with chopped nuts, like cashews or peanuts, or sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles on top.
Spice It Up: Love a little heat? Stir in some chili paste or add thinly sliced jalapeños to the stir fry.
Conclusion
This Ground Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect answer to a busy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor, health, or convenience. With easy-to-find ingredients, a simple cooking process, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s delicious enough to serve to family and friends, even those who swear by takeout!
So, gather your ingredients, get that skillet sizzling, and treat yourself to a nutritious and flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy this tasty stir fry with your favorite sides, and get ready to fall in love with a new favorite homemade dish!
