My Go-To Easy Ground Chicken Stir-Fry
Let me share with you my absolute favorite weeknight dinner savior – my easy ground chicken stir-fry! This dish has been a lifesaver on countless busy evenings when I need to get a nutritious meal on the table fast. With just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes, I can whip up a delicious dinner that my whole family loves. Here’s how I make this simple yet satisfying meal.
My Simple Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken (I prefer lean, but any type works)
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (my go-to mix includes peas, carrots, and corn)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake)
- 1 tablespoon honey (sometimes I use brown sugar instead)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame oil for extra flavor
My Quick and Easy Cooking Process
- First, I heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. A hot pan is key for a good stir-fry!
- Once the oil is hot, I add the ground chicken. I use my spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Next, I toss in the minced garlic (if using fresh) and stir it around for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. The aroma at this point is absolutely mouthwatering!
- Then, I add the frozen vegetables right into the pan with the chicken. No need to thaw them first – they’ll cook quickly from frozen and retain more nutrients this way.
- While the vegetables are heating up, I quickly mix the soy sauce and honey in a small bowl. If I’m using garlic powder instead of fresh, I add it to this mixture.
- I pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, giving everything a good stir to coat it evenly.
- I let this all cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Finally, I taste and add salt and pepper if needed. If I’m using it, I drizzle the sesame oil over the top and give it one last stir.
How I Serve My Ground Chicken Stir-Fry
This stir-fry is super versatile. Here are my favorite ways to serve it:
- Over a bed of steamed rice (brown or white, depending on what I have on hand)
- With cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld meal
- Stuffed into whole wheat pitas for a fusion-style sandwich
Why I Love This Recipe
What I adore most about this ground chicken stir-fry is its simplicity and flexibility. It’s my perfect ‘clean out the fridge’ meal – I can easily swap in different vegetables depending on what I have available. Sometimes I’ll throw in some diced bell peppers or a handful of snap peas if I have them.
The short ingredient list is another big plus. I always have these items in my pantry and freezer, so I can make this dish anytime without a special trip to the grocery store.
I also love how this recipe makes ground chicken exciting. It’s such an economical protein, but it can be a bit bland on its own. This stir-fry transforms it into a flavorful, satisfying meal that even my picky eaters enjoy.
My Pro Tips
- If I have a few extra minutes, I like to brown the ground chicken really well before adding the other ingredients. Those crispy bits add great texture and flavor.
- For a spicy kick, I sometimes add a squirt of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftover stir-fry keeps well in the fridge and makes for a great lunch the next day. I often make a double batch for this reason!
- If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll sprinkle some chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this easy ground chicken stir-fry as much as my family and I do. It’s proof that a delicious, healthy meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Happy cooking!