Easy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry for Busy Nights

In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick and healthy meal options is essential, especially for those busy weeknights. For a tasty and healthy dinner, try this Healthy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe.

This dish is full of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. You can easily make it and change it to fit different diets. It works for gluten-free and low-carb diets too.

For a tasty meal after a long day or lunches for the week, this stir fry is perfect. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work as a base for many other variations. Let’s dive into how you can make this simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for meal prep and family dinners alike!

Ingredients for Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Protein Options

The base of this stir fry is ground chicken, a lean protein that cooks quickly and takes on the flavor of your stir fry sauce beautifully. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground chicken breast, which is low in fat but high in protein. If you’re in the mood for a bit of variety, try ground turkey or even chicken meatballs for a twist!

Fresh Vegetables

The star vegetable in this stir fry is, of course, broccoli. Not only is broccoli a rich source of fiber and vitamins, but it also pairs perfectly with the savory stir-fry sauce.

You can add other vegetables to your dish along with broccoli. Try green onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. They will enhance the flavor and add more nutrients.

Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients

The stir fry sauce is what brings the entire dish together. You’ll need:

• Soy sauce for the umami flavor
• Sesame oil for a rich, nutty taste
• Rice vinegar to balance the savory flavor with a touch of acidity
• Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or chili paste if you like it spicier
• Optional: Tamari (for a gluten-free version) or honey to add sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Cook the Ground Chicken

Start by heating a large pan or wok over medium high heat. Add a small amount of sesame oil and allow it to heat.

Then, add your ground chicken (or ground chicken breast) to the pan.

Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the amount of chicken you’re cooking.

To make this recipe more exciting, try using chicken meatballs instead of ground chicken. This will give you a different texture. Simply prepare the meatballs separately and cook them before adding to the stir fry. The crispy exterior of the meatballs will add a delightful contrast to the tender vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is cooking, chop the broccoli into florets. You can also chop up any other veggies you’d like to add, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas.

Once you brown the chicken, add your chopped vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, keeping the vegetables crisp-tender. Be sure not to overcook them — the broccoli should still have a little bite.

If you like extra flavor, toss in some green onions or sprinkle red pepper flakes for that added kick. The heat from the pepper flakes will bring a perfect contrast to the savory and slightly sweet stir fry sauce.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Add Sauce

Now it’s time to bring everything together. In a small bowl, mix your stir fry sauce. Use soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a bit of honey for sweetness as desired.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the pan. Mix everything and let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes. This will help the sauce coat the ingredients and blend well.

You can customize the sauce to your liking. Use more soy sauce for extra saltiness. Add more chili paste for a spicier flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Stir Fry

Quick and Easy

One of the best things about this ground chicken stir fry is how quick it is to prepare. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful and healthy meal on the table. Whether you are cooking for yourself after a long day or making a meal for your family, this dish is easy. It needs little prep and cooking time.

Healthy and Nutritious

Ground chicken is a great source of lean protein. Building muscle and keeping your energy up all day is important. When combined with broccoli — a vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants — this dish becomes a well-balanced meal. You can even make it gluten-free by swapping out regular soy sauce for tamari.

This stir fry gives important nutrients. It also helps with managing portion sizes. You can serve it with brown rice for an added fiber boost, or go low-carb by using cauliflower rice instead.

Meal Prep Friendly

This dish is ideal for meal prep. Make a large batch and portion it into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. The stir fry keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully. Pair it with brown rice or cauliflower rice, and you’ll have a complete, satisfying meal at your fingertips every day.

Serving Suggestions

This ground chicken stir fry goes well with brown rice. Brown rice is a healthier choice than white rice. It has more fiber, which is better for you.

If you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, try serving the stir fry over cauliflower rice instead. For a lighter option, serve it in chicken lettuce wraps. Just spoon the stir fry mixture into large lettuce leaves. This makes a fresh and crunchy wrap.

Another good choice is to add sesame seeds or extra green onions on top of the stir fry. This will give it more texture and flavor.

Variations of Ground Chicken Stir Fry

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your taste and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Add more veggies: Try adding carrots, zucchini, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
2. Switch up the protein: Use ground turkey for a slightly different flavor or make chicken meatballs for a fun twist.
3. Make it spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chili oil for a spicier version.
4. Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari for regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Healthy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a recipe you must try. Perfect for anyone who wants a quick, healthy, and tasty meal.

This dish uses simple ingredients and a customizable stir fry sauce. You can prepare it ahead of time. Perfect for busy families, meal prep fans, and anyone wanting to add healthy meals to their routine.

You can serve it over brown rice, cauliflower rice, or in chicken lettuce wraps. Surely, it will be a hit at dinner.

Give it a try tonight and enjoy a healthy, delicious meal that takes less than 30 minutes to make!