Craving something delicious and quick that won’t break the bank? This Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl is a fantastic healthy budget meal, offering all the savory flavors of an egg roll without the fuss. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it tastes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Chicken: You can easily swap this for ground turkey or even finely diced firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Coleslaw Mix: This pre-shredded cabbage and carrot blend is a time-saver. Feel free to shred your own cabbage and carrots.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative, or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
- Sesame Oil: Don’t skip this; it adds a crucial nutty flavor.
- Ginger: Freshly grated is best, but ground ginger works in a pinch.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor.
Ingredients
Main:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sriracha or red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies with ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or wok, spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your healthy budget meal.
3. Cook the Coleslaw Mix
Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften. You want it tender-crisp, not mushy.
4. Season and Finish
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. If using, add the chicken broth for extra moisture and flavor. Stir everything together well and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring all the ingredients are combined and heated through.
5. Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and stir in the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha if you like a little heat. Enjoy your delicious and easy healthy budget meal!
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
- Extra Veggies: Include sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or shredded carrots to the mix.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for added texture.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a satay-like flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until thoroughly heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! Substitute the ground chicken with firm or extra-firm tofu, crumbled and sautéed until golden, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free.
What can I serve this with?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice, brown rice, or even in lettuce cups.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can chop your ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the dish just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the vegetables.
How can I make this less salty?
Reduce the amount of soy sauce, or opt for a low-sodium soy sauce. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors without adding more salt.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s an excellent option for healthy budget meal prep! Cook a larger batch and divide it into individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
