If you’re craving the crunchy, savory delight of an egg roll but want to skip the frying and carbs, then you’re going to love this recipe. Chicken Egg Roll Bowls: A Healthy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe brings all the bold flavors and satisfying textures of your favorite takeout dish in a vibrant, bowl-friendly form. It’s quick, nutritious, and bursting with that perfect marriage of tender ground chicken and crisp, fresh veggies. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a comforting yet light dinner, this dish hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one playing a unique role in building flavor, texture, or color. From the fragrant garlic and ginger to the crunchy coleslaw mix, every component is essential for creating a balanced and lively bowl.
- Ground chicken (1 lb): A lean protein base that’s juicy and perfect for soaking up all the seasoning.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the meat evenly while adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides the umami depth without overwhelming saltiness.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Brings a toasted nutty aroma that instantly elevates the dish.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Adds bright pungency and warmth.
- Fresh grated ginger (1 tablespoon): Imparts a zesty bite with a touch of sweetness.
- Roasted red chili paste (1 teaspoon): Gives just the right kick of heat—you can adjust for your spice preference.
- Coleslaw mix (4 cups): A colorful combination of shredded cabbage and carrots for crunch and freshness.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Offers a mild onion flavor and a pop of vibrant green.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal on top.
How to Make Chicken Egg Roll Bowls: A Healthy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Brown the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper as it cooks. Break the meat apart with your spatula for even browning. This step is where the juicy, flavorful base of your bowl forms, so take your time to get a nice, golden crust on the chicken.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Once the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This combo is the soul of the dish, releasing enticing aromas that invite you to the table.
Step 3: Add Sauces and Simmer
Pour in the soy sauce, drizzle the sesame oil, and spoon in the roasted red chili paste. Stir everything together, then let the mixture simmer on a gentle bubble for a few minutes. This allows the intense flavors to mingle and penetrate every morsel of chicken, adding that signature savory, spicy punch.
Step 4: Incorporate the Coleslaw Mix and Green Onions
Next, add the crisp coleslaw mix and the fresh green onions straight into the skillet. Toss everything well to combine. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies soften slightly but still retain their bright crunch. This contrast in textures will make each bite exciting and fresh.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. These little seeds add a subtle nutty crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp veggies, finalizing this delightful bowl of goodness.
How to Serve Chicken Egg Roll Bowls: A Healthy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish takes your bowl from delicious to dazzling. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note. Thinly sliced red chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha can bring a welcomed heat boost if you like your bowls spicy.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice can turn it into a more substantial meal. Alternatively, simple steamed edamame or a crisp Asian cucumber salad complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, serve your Chicken Egg Roll Bowls in colorful bowls or bento boxes. You can also line your bowl with large butter lettuce leaves and let guests scoop their servings, adding a refreshing crunch. A sprinkle of crunchy fried shallots or peanuts on top also adds a professionally finished flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Egg Roll Bowls keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for delicious next-day lunches. Store the garnish separately to keep the crunch intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the texture of the coleslaw veggies may soften slightly after freezing, but it will still taste fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If it seems dry, splash a little water or soy sauce while warming to restore moisture. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to maintain brightness and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully and offers a slightly leaner alternative. You can also use ground beef or pork if you prefer.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level comes from the roasted red chili paste, which can be adjusted or omitted according to your spice preference.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
Yes, pre-shredded cabbage with a few shredded carrots works just as well and keeps the ease factor high.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free alternative. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan twist, try substituting ground chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use a plant-based soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a vibrant, healthy, and utterly flavorful meal that celebrates all the best parts of your favorite Chinese takeout without any guilt, then these Chicken Egg Roll Bowls: A Healthy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe are for you. They’re quick to whip up, endlessly satisfying, and easily adaptable to your tastes. Give it a try and I promise it will become one of your go-to weeknight dinners!
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Chicken Egg Roll Bowls: A Healthy and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Chicken Egg Roll Bowls offer a healthy and flavorful twist on the traditional egg roll by combining seasoned ground chicken with a fresh coleslaw mix, all cooked quickly in a skillet for a delicious, low-carb meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Oils
- 1 lb. ground chicken (or ground turkey, beef, or pork)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings and Sauces
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon roasted red chili paste (or more if you like spice)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 4 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the ground chicken.
- Cook the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add Aromatics: Once the chicken is browned, add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to release the flavors.
- Mix in Sauces and Paste: Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and roasted red chili paste. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Add Vegetables: Add the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions to the skillet. Toss everything to combine well and cook until the coleslaw is just wilted and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with sesame seeds before serving for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ground turkey, beef, or pork can be substituted for ground chicken depending on preference.
- Adjust the amount of roasted red chili paste to control the spice level.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to make the dish healthier and reduce sodium intake.
- For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Serve the bowls with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
