The ground chicken stir fry is a delightful fusion of hearty ground chicken and vibrant vegetables, all brought together with a flavorful Hunan sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is sure to impress your family with its rich, savory flavors.
This recipe calls for some ingredients that may not be readily available in your pantry, such as Sambal Oelek chili paste and water chestnuts. Sambal Oelek chili paste is an Indonesian condiment made from chillies, vinegar, and salt. It adds a spicy kick to the dish. Water chestnuts are a type of aquatic vegetable known for their crisp texture and sweet, nutty flavor. They are often used in Asian cuisine and can be found in the canned goods aisle of your local supermarket. Be sure to have these on hand before you start cooking.
Ingredients for Ground Chicken Stir Fry
ground chicken: This is the star of the dish. Make sure to choose lean ground chicken for a healthier option.
vegetable oil: Used for frying. Any neutral-tasting oil such as canola or sunflower oil would work.
garlic: Adds a punch of flavor to the stir fry.
ginger: Pairing with garlic, it imparts warmth and depth of flavor.
bell peppers: They add a pop of color and a crunch to the dish.
onion: For a bit of sweetness and layers of flavor.
water chestnuts: They add a unique, crunchy texture.
chicken broth: Enhances the flavor of the stir fry and forms the base for the sauce.
cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
soy sauce: Imparts umami and saltiness to the sauce.
oyster sauce: Adds a savory, slightly sweet, and deep flavor to the sauce.
rice wine vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance out the flavors.
sugar: Just enough to complement the salty and savory elements.
sambal oelek chili paste: Brings heat and complexity to the dish.
One reader, Anneliese Beckham says:
This ground chicken stir fry recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of the tender chicken and crunchy vegetables is simply delightful. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a quick and delicious meal!
Techniques Required for Making Ground Chicken Stir Fry
How to prepare the Hunan sauce: Mix the chicken broth, cornstarch, low sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, and sambal oelek chili paste in a small bowl until well combined.
How to cook ground chicken and water chestnuts: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan, add the ground chicken and diced water chestnuts, and cook until a good crust forms before breaking it apart. Finish cooking by breaking it apart with a spatula and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
How to stir-fry the vegetables: After removing the cooked chicken from the pan, add the garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and onion. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
How to thicken the sauce: Add the prepared Hunan sauce to the pan with the cooked chicken and vegetables. Toss to coat and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce has thickened.
How To Make Ground Chicken Stir Fry
The use of ground meat lightens up this chicken stir-fry considerably. It’s packed with flavor from the bell peppers and the savory soy-based sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground chicken
- 1tbspvegetable oil
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tbspginger,minced
- 1green bell pepper,chopped
- 1yellow bell pepper,chopped
- 1onion,chopped
- 8ozwater chestnuts,drained and diced
For Hunan Sauce:
- ½cupchicken broth
- 1tspcornstarch
- 2tbsplow sodium soy sauce
- 2tbspoyster sauce
- 1tbsprice wine vinegar
- 1tspsugar
- 1tbspsambal oelek chili paste
Instructions
-
In a small bowl mix the sauce ingredients together.
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To a large pan, add 1 tablespoon oil, ground chicken and diced water chestnuts.
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Cook until a good crust forms before breaking apart, then finish cooking by breaking it apart with a spatula and cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
-
Remove the chicken from the pan and add in the garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and onion.
-
Stir, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Add in the sauce and chicken and toss to coat, cooking 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Nutrition
- Calories: 311.02kcal
- Fat: 13.37g
- Saturated Fat: 3.01g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.82g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.45g
- Carbohydrates: 26.08g
- Fiber: 3.33g
- Sugar: 6.45g
- Protein: 23.36g
- Cholesterol: 98.42mg
- Sodium: 625.02mg
- Calcium: 39.06mg
- Potassium: 1216.01mg
- Iron: 1.59mg
- Vitamin A: 11.05µg
- Vitamin C: 115.25mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Ground Chicken Stir Fry
When cooking the ground chicken, it's important to let it form a good crust before breaking it apart. This will give the chicken a nice, flavorful sear and enhance the overall taste of the stir fry. Also, when adding the sauce, ensure to toss it well with the chicken and vegetables so that every piece is well coated and absorbs the flavors. Remember, the key to a good stir fry is high heat and quick cooking, so keep your ingredients moving in the pan to prevent them from burning.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Stir Fry Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking to save time and make the process smoother.
One-pan wonder: Opt for a single pan recipe to minimize clean-up and streamline the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion and store the extra in the freezer for a quick and convenient meal in the future.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like a food processor or mandoline to speed up the prep work.
Pre-made sauce: Use store-bought sauces or pre-mix your sauce ingredients in advance for a quicker cooking process.
Efficient multitasking: While one component is cooking, use that time to prep the next ingredient to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
ground chicken - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean and flavorful alternative to ground chicken, and it can be used interchangeably in most recipes. It has a similar texture and mild taste, making it a suitable substitute for ground chicken in a stir-fry recipe.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a hint of sweetness and a subtle coconut flavor to the stir-fry, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It also has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor that is reminiscent of garlic, making them a suitable substitute in this stir-fry recipe. They add a depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
ginger - Substitute with lemongrass: Lemongrass has a citrusy, herbal flavor that can replace the zing of ginger in the stir-fry. It adds a unique and refreshing taste to the dish.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the stir-fry.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers can replace yellow bell peppers, offering a similar sweet and crisp texture while adding a pop of color to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions in this recipe, providing a milder and slightly sweeter flavor that complements the other ingredients in the stir-fry.
water chestnuts - Substitute with bamboo shoots: Bamboo shoots have a similar crunchy texture to water chestnuts and can be used as a substitute in the stir-fry. They add a subtle earthy flavor and pair well with the other ingredients.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth in this recipe, providing a savory base for the sauce while accommodating vegetarian or vegan dietary preferences.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce in the stir-fry. It has similar thickening properties and creates a glossy finish.
low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a rich, savory flavor that can replace low-sodium soy sauce in the recipe.
oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor compared to oyster sauce, making it a suitable substitute in the stir-fry sauce.
rice wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can replace rice wine vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and tangy flavor to the sauce while maintaining the acidity needed for balance.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to the stir-fry sauce and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
sambal oelek chili paste - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can replace sambal oelek chili paste, offering a similar level of heat and a hint of garlic flavor to the stir-fry sauce.
Best Way to Present Ground Chicken Stir Fry
Elevate the plating: When presenting the ground chicken stir fry, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use vibrant and colorful ingredients to add visual interest and appeal. Consider the contrast of the green and yellow bell peppers against the white chicken, and the crunch of the water chestnuts to add texture.
Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch of elegance by garnishing the stir fry with thinly sliced green onions or cilantro. These delicate greens will not only add a pop of color but also a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.
Incorporate symmetry and balance: Arrange the stir fry in a way that showcases symmetry and balance on the plate. This attention to detail will demonstrate precision and thoughtfulness in the presentation.
Use high-quality serving ware: Opt for elegant and refined serving dishes that complement the dish without overpowering it. Consider using porcelain or earthenware to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and let the stir fry take center stage, creating a visually striking presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Stir Fry
- Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with precision.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying the ground chicken and vegetables.
- Spatula: Used for stirring, flipping, and tossing ingredients in the skillet.
- Small bowl: Used for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
- Whisk: Essential for blending the sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure the quantities of various sauces and spices.
- Tongs: Helpful for tossing and coating the chicken and vegetables with the sauce.
- Garlic press: Optional for mincing the garlic with ease.
- Grater: If using fresh ginger, a grater can be used to finely grate the ginger.
- Cooking spoon: Used for stirring and combining ingredients while cooking.
How To Store and Freeze Ground Chicken Stir Fry
- Let the ground chicken stir fry cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the stir fry, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
- The frozen stir fry will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- To reheat, place the thawed stir fry in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it's heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to help loosen the sauce.
- You can also reheat the stir fry in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
- If you have leftover rice or noodles, store them separately from the stir fry. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving with the reheated stir fry.
How To Reheat Stir Fry Leftovers
Reheat the ground chicken stir fry in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen up the sauce and prevent the dish from drying out. Stir frequently until the stir fry is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
For a quick and easy reheating method, transfer the leftover stir fry to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the stir fry is heated through.
If you have a bit more time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover ground chicken stir fry to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the stir fry is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate.
For a crispy twist, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the leftover stir fry and spread it out in an even layer. Allow the stir fry to crisp up on the bottom for 2-3 minutes before stirring. Continue cooking and stirring until the stir fry is heated through and has reached your desired level of crispiness.
If you find that the leftover ground chicken stir fry has dried out a bit, try adding a splash of chicken broth, soy sauce, or oyster sauce to help revive the flavors and add moisture. You can also add a touch of sambal oelek chili paste for an extra kick of heat.
Random Fact About Ground Chicken Stir Fry
Ground chicken stir fry is a versatile dish that can be easily customized with different vegetables and sauces to suit your taste preferences.
Is Making Ground Chicken Stir Fry at Home Economical?
This ground chicken stir fry recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Ground chicken is an affordable protein option, and the addition of bell peppers, onion, and water chestnuts provides a balance of nutrition and cost efficiency. The use of simple, readily available ingredients keeps the overall cost low, making it a budget-friendly option for families. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an excellent choice for those looking to prepare a delicious and economical meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Stir Fry Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This ground chicken stir fry recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:
- Lean protein from the ground chicken
- Nutrient-rich vegetables like bell peppers and onions
- Ginger and garlic, which offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
However, there are some areas of concern:
- The use of oyster sauce and soy sauce adds sodium to the dish
- The chili paste and sugar contribute to added sugars and spiciness, which may not be suitable for all diets
- The recipe lacks complex carbohydrates and fiber-rich ingredients
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce to reduce the overall sodium content
- Increase the variety and amount of vegetables in the stir fry, such as adding carrots, broccoli, or snap peas for added fiber and nutrients
- Serve the stir fry over a bed of brown rice or quinoa to incorporate complex carbohydrates and additional fiber
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your spice preference or omit it altogether for a milder dish
- Consider using a healthier cooking oil, such as avocado or coconut oil, which are rich in beneficial fats
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of this ground chicken stir fry while still enjoying its delicious flavors.
Editor's Thoughts on This Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
The ground chicken stir fry recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of ground chicken and water chestnuts adds a satisfying crunch, while the bell peppers and onions provide a colorful and vibrant touch. The Hunan sauce brings a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements, elevating the dish to a new level. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and well-rounded stir fry that is sure to impress with its depth of flavors and simplicity of preparation.
Enhance Your Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal. The ground chicken is a lean and versatile protein, while the combination of garlic and ginger adds depth of flavor. The colorful mix of green bell pepper and yellow bell pepper provides a vibrant and nutritious addition. The inclusion of water chestnuts adds a delightful crunch. The Hunan sauce brings a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Trust in the quality and freshness of the ingredients, and you'll create a delightful stir fry that will surely impress your taste buds.
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