If you’re craving a quick, nutritious, and downright delicious dinner, this Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry is about to become your new go-to. Ready in minutes and packed with vibrant, crisp broccoli and flavorful ground chicken, it makes a perfect weeknight meal that balances health and taste without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this stir fry brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s satisfying, wholesome, and easy to customize.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy preparation: You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthy and balanced: Lean ground chicken paired with fresh broccoli offers a protein-packed and nutrient-rich meal.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday staples that are easy to find and budget-friendly.
- Versatile and adaptable: Easily tweak flavors or ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet or wok.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward but essential ingredients, each chosen to deliver flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the tender ground chicken to the crunchy broccoli, every element plays a role in creating a perfectly balanced dish.
- Ground chicken: The lean protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and bright green color, packed with vitamins.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that bring depth and warmth to the stir fry.
- Soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness, tying all the flavors together.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma to finish the dish with richness.
- Green onions: Offers a mild onion flavor and a burst of green color.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Give a subtle kick of heat to brighten the flavor.
- Vegetable or olive oil: For cooking and sautéing the ingredients perfectly.
Variations for Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry
This Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to mix things up depending on your pantry, dietary preferences, or mood—each variation brings a new twist to the classic stir fry.
- Spicy twist: Add chopped fresh chili or sriracha for a fiery version.
- Low sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and increase garlic and ginger to boost flavor.
- Extra veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and crunch.
- Gluten-free: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Herb garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or basil for a fragrant finish.
How to Make Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare your ingredients
Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions. Having everything ready before cooking makes the process fast and seamless.
Step 2: Cook the ground chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add aromatics and broccoli
Push the chicken to the side of the pan and add garlic, ginger, and broccoli. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to brighten in color but still maintain a bit of crunch.
Step 4: Add the sauce
Pour in the soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
Step 5: Finish with garnishes
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and crisp broccoli.
- Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger make a real difference in flavor intensity.
- High heat is key: Stir frying over high heat keeps the broccoli bright and the chicken juicy.
- Adjust sauce quantities: Taste and tweak soy sauce based on your salt preference and dietary needs.
- Let broccoli steam a bit: Cover the pan briefly after adding broccoli for faster tender-crisp results.
How to Serve Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness and texture contrasts that elevate your dish.
Side Dishes
This stir fry goes wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even cooked quinoa to add extra protein and fiber.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your ground chicken & broccoli stir fry in a lettuce cup for a fun handheld meal, or pile it over a bed of noodles tossed in sesame oil for a comforting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate; it will keep well for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly—store in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or even tofu work wonderfully as substitutes without changing the overall cooking method.
How do I keep the broccoli crisp and not soggy?
Cook broccoli on high heat for a short time and avoid overcooking; steaming briefly with a lid also helps retain crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores and reheats well, making it perfect for packing lunches or planning dinners ahead during the week.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
What can I add to make this stir fry spicier?
Add freshly chopped chili peppers, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to boost the heat according to your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry is a shining example of how simple ingredients can combine to create a satisfying, nourishing meal on even the busiest nights. Its speed, flexibility, and fresh flavors make it an easy favorite to keep in your recipe arsenal. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!
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Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick, nutritious, and flavorful Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan meal combines lean ground chicken with crisp broccoli and a savory sauce to deliver a healthy, balanced dinner that’s easy to customize and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions. Having everything ready before cooking makes the process fast and seamless.
- Cook the ground chicken: Heat 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 no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add aromatics and broccoli: Push the chicken to the side of the pan and add the garlic, ginger, and broccoli. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to brighten in color but still maintain a bit of crunch.
- Add the sauce: Pour in the soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Finish with garnishes: Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and maintain crisp broccoli.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for more intense flavor.
- Use high heat while stir frying to keep the broccoli bright and chicken juicy.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity based on salt preference and dietary needs.
- Cover the pan briefly after adding broccoli to steam it for tender-crisp results.
- Add toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lime juice as an optional garnish.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
