This Ground Chicken Rice Bowl is a tasty and filling meal! With juicy ground chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies, it’s a healthy choice that’s easy to whip up any night of the week.
I love how you can throw in whatever veggies you have in the fridge. Plus, it’s a great dish for meal prep—just make a big batch and enjoy it all week long. Yum! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of our dish! Ground chicken is lean and absorbs flavors well. If you want a richer taste, ground turkey or pork can be a great substitute.
Vegetable Oil: I prefer using vegetable oil for its high smoke point. However, you can try olive oil or peanut oil if you want a bit of extra flavor. Just be mindful of their different smoke points when cooking.
Onion: Fresh onion adds depth to the dish. You can swap in shallots or even green onions if you’re looking for a different taste, though adjust the quantity as green onions are milder.
Carrots: I love using fresh shredded carrots for crunch and color. If you’re short on time, pre-packaged shredded carrots save a bit of effort. Zucchini can work if you’re looking for a different veggie.
Ginger and Garlic: These two are essential for flavor! If fresh isn’t available, you can use powdered ginger and garlic, but start with half the amount as they’re more concentrated.
How Can I Ensure My Ground Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground chicken can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll get it just right! Start by breaking it up while it cooks. This helps it brown evenly.
- Keep the heat at medium-high, then add the ground chicken to the skillet after your onions and aromatics are softened.
- Use a spatula to break apart any clumps so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the meat is fully white—no pink should remain.
Don’t rush this step, as proper cooking ensures you get a tasty and safe meal!
How to Make Ground Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or julienned
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- Cooked white or jasmine rice, for serving
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes from start to finish for a hearty dinner. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, you’re ready to add your veggies!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until everything smells wonderful!
3. Cook the Ground Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the ground chicken. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want it fully cooked and crumbly!
4. Add the Veggies:
Next, mix in the shredded carrots and peas. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are nice and tender. This adds color and crunch to your dish!
5. Flavor It Up:
Pour in the soy sauce and, if you’re using it, the oyster sauce. Stir everything together to combine well. Let it cook for an additional minute to heat through and meld those delicious flavors.
6. Final Touches:
Drizzle the sesame oil over your chicken and veggie mixture, stirring to incorporate it fully. This adds a lovely nutty flavor!
7. Serve and Garnish:
To serve, spoon your ground chicken mixture over bowls of fluffy cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra touch. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Chicken with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or ground beef as a substitute for ground chicken. If you go for ground turkey, opt for a mix of dark and light meat for more flavor. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the meat you choose, so always make sure it’s thoroughly cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can easily omit the oyster sauce, or you can substitute it with an equal amount of hoisin sauce or a splash of soy sauce along with a bit of sugar for sweetness. This will keep the dish flavorful without missing the oyster sauce.
Can I Make This Bowl Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the ground chicken mixture ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to serve, and prepare fresh rice to pair with it for the best texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the ground chicken mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and when you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
