Flavorful Ground Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and comes together in minutes, this Ground Chicken Stir-Fry is a must-try. With tender ground chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something healthy, delicious, and easy to make.

This stir-fry is versatile—you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite veggies and spice level to suit your taste!

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, avocado, or sesame oil)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons water

Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions:

• Swap ground chicken for ground turkey, beef, or tofu.
• Use any veggies you have on hand, such as carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
• Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha or red pepper flakes.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup or omit for a sugar-free version.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the stir-fry.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Toss in the bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli, stirring frequently. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help them soften.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked ground chicken to the pan. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Tips for the Best Stir-Fry

1. Use High Heat

Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the ingredients to get the best texture and flavor.

2. Prep Everything Before Cooking

Since stir-frying happens fast, it’s best to have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

If your pan is too full, the ingredients will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.

4. Adjust to Your Taste

Taste the sauce before adding it to the stir-fry and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, more sriracha for heat, or more honey for sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This ground chicken stir-fry pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Steamed white or brown rice for a classic meal.
• Quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Rice noodles or lo mein for a heartier dish.
• Lettuce wraps for a fresh and crunchy bite.

Meal Prep & Storage

Make Ahead

• Chop all your vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Mix the sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Freezing

• This stir-fry can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Thai-Inspired Stir-Fry

• Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy texture.
• Toss in Thai basil for an herby kick.
• Serve with jasmine rice and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

2. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

• Replace hoisin sauce with teriyaki sauce.
• Add pineapple chunks for a touch of sweetness.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

3. Low-Carb Keto Stir-Fry

• Skip the cornstarch and sweeteners in the sauce.
• Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
• Add extra healthy fats with avocado oil or chopped nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! Frozen vegetables work well in stir-fries. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding them to the pan.

2. What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a little honey for a similar depth of flavor.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat.

Conclusion

This Ground Chicken Stir-Fry is an easy, customizable, and delicious meal that fits any lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a healthy dish packed with protein and veggies, this recipe has you covered. Try it out and make it your own!

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and family, and let us know your favorite variations in the comments!