Easy Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Recipes

Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry

If you’re searching for a meal that’s quick, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, this Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry ticks all the boxes. Combining lean ground chicken with crisp, vibrant broccoli in a simple yet savory sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that keeps things light without sacrificing taste. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe makes healthy eating approachable and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy Preparation: From start to finish in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, making every bite wholesome.
  • Versatility: Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or seasonings for endless variations.
  • Family-Friendly: Mild flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy eating again and again.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Made in one pan, so dinner and the after-dinner cleanup are both simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right balance of fresh, vibrant ingredients is key for this Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry. Each component provides a specific texture or flavor that makes this dish so satisfying.

  • Ground chicken: Lean and tender, it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Broccoli florets: Adds crunch and vibrant green color for both nutrition and appeal.
  • Soy sauce or tamari: Delivers that classic savory and umami taste essential in stir fry.
  • Fresh garlic and ginger: Aromatics that bring warmth and depth to the dish.
  • Sesame oil: Provides a subtle nutty fragrance that complements the stir fry perfectly.
  • Green onions: Add a fresh, mild oniony crunch at the end to brighten flavors.
  • Red chili flakes (optional): Introduce a touch of heat if you like a little kick.
  • Cornstarch or arrowroot: Helps thicken the sauce and coat ingredients nicely for a glossy finish.

Variations for Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to swap ingredients or add extras to suit what you have on hand or your personal dietary preferences. It’s all about making this dish your own without losing any of its health benefits.

  • Vegetable swaps: Try bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and sweetness.
  • Protein alternatives: Use ground turkey, tofu, or shrimp if you want a different protein source.
  • Spice it up: Add sriracha, fresh chilies, or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
  • Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free twist.
  • Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt for a heart-healthier option.
Easy Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Recipes

How to Make Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, finely mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smooth and speedy.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until lightly browned and no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Broccoli

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, add broccoli florets and toss together, letting the broccoli steam slightly while keeping its crispness, around 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, a splash of water, a pinch of cornstarch, and red chili flakes if using. Pour this mixture over the chicken and broccoli, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats every bite beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Green Onions

Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Give everything one last toss, and it’s ready to serve hot!

Pro Tips for Making Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and broccoli result in much brighter flavor than dried or frozen.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper browning and crisp texture.
  • Adjust sauce consistency: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid lumps and control thickness.
  • Keep broccoli crisp: Avoid overcooking to preserve nutrients and that satisfying crunch.
  • Toast sesame oil lightly: Heat the oil just until fragrant—overheating can make the flavor bitter.

How to Serve Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry

Garnishes

Freshly chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil can elevate the presentation and flavor, making your stir fry even more inviting and aromatic.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. You can also serve it alongside simple miso soup or a crisp cucumber salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stir fry wrapped in crisp lettuce cups or spoon it over warm whole wheat noodles. These options add texture and make mealtime feel special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It retains flavor and texture well, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners the next day.

Freezing

This stir fry freezes nicely. Portion into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it covered, but be sure to add a splash of water to keep the broccoli crisp.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this stir fry and provides a similar lean protein option with mild flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are naturally gluten-free alternatives.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red chili flakes, fresh chopped chilies, or a drizzle of hot chili garlic sauce to bring up the heat level.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms are all excellent additions that complement the chicken and broccoli really well.

What’s the best way to keep broccoli crisp when cooking?

Cook broccoli on high heat for a short time and avoid over-steaming—this preserves its bright color and crunchy texture.

Final Thoughts

Give this Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry a try next time you want a fast, nourishing dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s a fantastic way to fuel your body with wholesome ingredients, delight your taste buds, and keep mealtime stress-free. You’ll likely find it becoming a staple in your recipe rotation before long!

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Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry

A quick, nutritious, and flavorful Healthy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry featuring lean ground chicken and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and healthy eating without compromising taste.

  • Author: Judy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, finely mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smooth and speedy.
  2. Cook the Ground Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until lightly browned and no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Aromatics and Broccoli: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, add broccoli florets and toss together, letting the broccoli steam slightly while keeping its crispness, around 3-4 minutes.
  4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, a splash of water, a pinch of cornstarch, and red chili flakes if using. Pour this mixture over the chicken and broccoli, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats every bite beautifully.
  5. Finish with Green Onions: Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Give everything one last toss, and it’s ready to serve hot!

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and broccoli result in much brighter flavor than dried or frozen.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper browning and crisp texture.
  • Adjust sauce consistency: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid lumps and control thickness.
  • Keep broccoli crisp: Avoid overcooking to preserve nutrients and that satisfying crunch.
  • Toast sesame oil lightly: Heat the oil just until fragrant—overheating can make the flavor bitter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Healthy ground chicken stir fry, broccoli stir fry, quick dinner, lean protein recipe, gluten-free stir fry

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