How To Make A Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal in 20 Minutes

Looking for a delicious, protein-packed dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes? When busy weeknights have you scrambling for meal ideas, this Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of lean ground chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli creates a balanced dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This recipe offers a convenient alternative to the traditional Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry that uses chicken breast, making it even faster to prepare while maintaining that savory Asian-inspired flavor profile that families love.

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools for Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal

For the Stir Fry:
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

For the Sauce:
– 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– ¼ cup water

Kitchen Tools:
– Large wok or skillet
– Wooden spoon
– Small mixing bowl
– Measuring spoons
– Sharp knife
– Cutting board

Prep & Cooking Time for a Perfect Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal Dish

– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Cooking time: 15 minutes
– Total time: 25 minutes
– Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal Easily

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.

2. Cook the protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate.

3. Stir-fry the aromatics and vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add onions and cook for 1 minute until slightly softened. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli and bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.

4. Combine and finish: Return the ground chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir continuously as it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Your Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal is almost complete, looking just as delicious as a traditional Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry but taking less time to prepare.

5. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Nutritional Benefits of This Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal Recipe

This nutrient-dense meal offers a perfect balance of macronutrients. Ground chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair. Broccoli delivers a powerful dose of vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune function and digestive health. The combination of vegetables adds various micronutrients while keeping the calorie count reasonable. One serving contains approximately:

– Calories: 320
– Protein: 28g
– Carbohydrates: 16g
– Fiber: 4g
– Fat: 16g (mostly healthy fats)

Variations, Substitutions & Cooking Tips for Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal Lovers

– Protein alternatives: Ground turkey or crumbled tofu work excellently as substitutes.
– Vegetable variations: Add snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for different textures and flavors.
– Spice it up: Include 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat.
– Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
– Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal

1. Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning rather than steaming.
2. Overcooking broccoli: It should remain bright green and slightly crisp for optimal texture and nutrition.
3. Skipping sauce preparation first: Having the sauce ready ensures smooth cooking when things move quickly.
4. Using cold ingredients: Room temperature ingredients cook more evenly and prevent oil splattering.

Storage & Reheating Tips to Keep Your Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal Fresh

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, microwave with a damp paper towel over the container to prevent drying out, or quickly reheat in a skillet with a splash of water. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Making Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal at Home

Mastering this Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal adds a versatile, nutritious recipe to your weeknight dinner rotation. The beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability—customize it to suit your family’s preferences while maintaining its core health benefits. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or health-conscious family members, this flavorful alternative to the classic Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry delivers satisfaction without hours spent in the kitchen.

FAQs About Cooking Quick Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Meal

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
Yes! Chop all vegetables and mix the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add thinly sliced fresh chilis or red pepper flakes during cooking, or serve with chili oil or sriracha on the side.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats beautifully and can be portioned into meal prep containers alongside rice or noodles for quick lunches all week.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, though the texture may be slightly softer. Thaw and drain thoroughly before adding to avoid excess moisture in your stir fry.

What’s the best type of ground chicken to use?
Ground chicken thigh provides more moisture and flavor, but breast meat works well too if you prefer a leaner option.