Ground Chicken And Broccoli Bowl
Highlighted under: Weeknight Quick Meals Collection
When it comes to quick and nutritious meals, I love preparing this Ground Chicken And Broccoli Bowl. It's incredibly easy to whip up, packed with protein, and bursting with flavor. I enjoy the combination of tender ground chicken and crisp broccoli, which not only provides a satisfying texture but also offers a vibrant color to the dish. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a meal prep option, this bowl never disappoints, making it a staple in my kitchen.
I remember the first time I made this Ground Chicken And Broccoli Bowl; it turned out to be a delightful surprise! The marinated ground chicken and broccoli sautéed together created a wonderful aroma, filling my kitchen with warmth. I learned that using a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger elevates the flavors and enhances the freshness of the broccoli.
Every bite was a crunchy and juicy explosion of flavor; this dish has become a go-to for quick weeknight dinners. It’s also versatile, allowing me to add in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots when I want to mix it up. Give it a try for a healthy and delicious option!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Satisfying blend of flavors and textures in one bowl
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Loaded with protein and veggies for a balanced meal
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Selecting high-quality ground chicken is key to enhancing the flavors of this dish. Look for ground chicken with some fat content, as this will keep the meat juicy and tender during cooking. Additionally, using fresh broccoli florets will not only add a vibrant green color but also a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. If you can't find fresh broccoli, frozen can be a good substitute; just make sure to adjust the cooking time as frozen broccoli tends to soften more quickly.
The soy sauce and sesame oil play crucial roles in flavoring this bowl. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish, especially if you plan to serve it over rice or quinoa, which can absorb the flavors. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, tamari works perfectly as a soy sauce replacement, while still providing that deep umami flavor that's essential in this recipe.
Cooking Techniques for the Perfect Bowl
When sautéing the garlic and ginger in sesame oil, keep an eye on the heat; medium heat is ideal to infuse the oil without burning the aromatics. A common issue is overcooking garlic, leading to a bitter taste. Be sure to only sauté until it's fragrant, about 30 seconds. This quick step lays the foundation for a flavorful base and helps the chicken absorb its essence as it cooks.
As you add the broccoli to the skillet, consider using a lid to steam it slightly while allowing it to remain crunchy. Covering the skillet for a minute can accelerate tenderness without losing that vibrant color. If you notice that the broccoli is not bright green or still too stiff after five minutes, simply add a splash of water to the skillet and cover again for an additional minute.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
Make sure to have these ready before you start cooking:
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Ground Chicken And Broccoli Bowl:
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil and minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Add Broccoli
Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well and continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crunchy.
Season and Serve
Pour in the soy sauce, seasoning it to your taste with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Serve immediately over cooked rice or quinoa.
Enjoy your nutritious and delicious meal!
Pro Tips
- Slice the broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables to suit your taste.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This Ground Chicken and Broccoli Bowl is an excellent candidate for meal prep. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through. This dish maintains its flavor well and is perfect for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
If you plan to make this in advance for freezing, I suggest keeping the rice or quinoa separate until you're ready to eat. This prevents it from becoming mushy. When you're ready to enjoy, you can reheat the chicken and broccoli mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave, combining it with freshly cooked rice or quinoa for the best texture.
Flavor Variations and Additions
Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots can be excellent additions, giving the dish even more nutrition and color. If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes or sriracha can elevate the flavors further. Just be sure to adjust the amount of soy sauce accordingly if you’re adding extra ingredients to maintain the right seasoning balance.
For a different protein option, you can easily swap ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based proteins like crumbled tempeh or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Each protein brings its unique flavor and texture, allowing you to modify this bowl to match your dietary preferences while still keeping it delicious and satisfying.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works great as a substitute and will add a similar flavor.
→ Can I make this bowl gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
You can add bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or any other veggies you enjoy!
Ground Chicken And Broccoli Bowl
When it comes to quick and nutritious meals, I love preparing this Ground Chicken And Broccoli Bowl. It's incredibly easy to whip up, packed with protein, and bursting with flavor. I enjoy the combination of tender ground chicken and crisp broccoli, which not only provides a satisfying texture but also offers a vibrant color to the dish. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a meal prep option, this bowl never disappoints, making it a staple in my kitchen.
Created by: Matilda Rowe
Recipe Type: Weeknight Quick Meals Collection
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
How-To Steps
In a large skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil and minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well and continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crunchy.
Pour in the soy sauce, seasoning it to your taste with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Serve immediately over cooked rice or quinoa.
Extra Tips
- Slice the broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables to suit your taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 35g