Coming home after a long day and craving something both nourishing and utterly satisfying? This Healthy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is hands-down one of the fastest, tastiest dishes you’ll ever whip up. Imagine tender, juicy morsels of ground chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and savory mushrooms—all perfectly coated in a punchy, ginger-garlic sauce that’s got just the right balance of umami and subtle heat. Most nights, it’s ready and on your table in under 30 minutes, making it your new weeknight warrior! Cooking doesn’t get much simpler, but the flavor payoff is enormous.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Simple: This stir fry is a one-pan wonder, requiring almost no effort and minimal cleanup—hello, easy weeknight win!
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with lean protein from ground chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and hearty mushrooms, this is a meal you’ll actually feel good about eating.
- Customizable Sauce: The soy-ginger-garlic sauce packs huge flavor but is made with everyday pantry staples. Adjust the heat, sweetness, or saltiness exactly how you like it.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a double batch and enjoy delicious leftovers—this stir fry reheats beautifully!
- Perfect Texture Combo: Each bite is the ideal mix of tender meat, juicy mushrooms, and that fresh crunch from barely-steamed broccoli.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A handful of real, wholesome ingredients is all it takes! Here are the essentials and why they’re essential:
- Ground Chicken: The hero of the dish, providing lean, juicy protein that cooks up lightning-fast. Pro-tip: ground chicken breast for even lighter fare, or try ground turkey!
- Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings so the chicken and veggies can shine.
- Broccoli Florets: Adds that classic stir fry crunch and soaks up the sauce beautifully. Fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch—just don’t overcook!
- Mushrooms (such as baby portabello): Bring meatiness and depth; they sauté quickly and become deliciously savory.
- Olive or Avocado Oil: For sautéing and a little flavour—it keeps things light and heart-healthy.
- Water: Just a splash helps steam the broccoli to tender-crisp, instead of pan-frying it to mush.
- Coconut Aminos or Low Sodium Soy Sauce: The backbone of stir fry flavor. Coconut aminos offer a slightly sweet twist and lower sodium, while soy sauce brings bold saltiness.
- Rice Vinegar: Brightens up the sauce—use regular or unseasoned for pure tang.
- Sesame Oil: Just a dash transforms the whole flavor profile; it’s non-negotiable for that classic stir fry aroma.
- Minced Garlic: The heart of any stir fry—garlic bonds everything together.
- Chili Powder: Brings a gentle warmth without overpowering.
- Ground Ginger: Adds essential zing and complexity.
- Arrowroot Flour (or Cornstarch): Thickens the sauce, making it glossy and clingy—so every bite gets the perfect amount of flavorful coating.
Tip: Always prep your sauce ingredients in advance—you don’t want to scramble once the pan is hot!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
There’s plenty of room to play and switch things up to match your cravings or what’s in the fridge:
- Swap Proteins: Try ground turkey, ground pork, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian spin.
- Amp Up the Veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots are great additions and add both color and crunch.
- Make it Spicy: Toss in a little sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat-seekers.
- Grain-Free: Serve over cauliflower rice or even roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, gluten-free option.
- Nutty Finish: Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted cashews for texture.
How to Make Healthy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground chicken and break it up with a spatula. If it starts sticking, add a bit of oil. Let it cook until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then scoop the chicken out and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
Return the empty skillet to the heat and lower to medium. Add your choice of oil (olive or avocado), then tumble in the sliced mushrooms. Let them cook, stirring here and there, until they’re tender and golden—about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Mushrooms, and Broccoli
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets and pour in a splash of water. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper (or hold the salt if you’re using soy sauce later). Stir everything together, then cover. Steam the broccoli until it’s bright green and just tender—about 3 minutes—keeping that coveted crunch.
Step 4: Mix Up the Sauce
While the broccoli steams, add coconut aminos or soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, chili powder, ground ginger, and arrowroot (or cornstarch) to a jar or small bowl. Shake or whisk until completely smooth.
Step 5: Saucy Finish
Once the broccoli is done to your liking and any extra water is evaporated, reduce the heat to low. Pour the sauce evenly over the stir fry and stir well. The sauce should thicken up almost instantly, turning everything glossy and aromatic.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Spoon the saucy chicken and broccoli mixture into bowls over steamed rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or roasted potatoes. Top with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Aim for broccoli that’s tender but still has a bite. Limp broccoli is a tragedy!
- Get All Saucy Ingredients Ready First: Stir fries move FAST—having everything prepped prevents panic.
- Brown the Mushrooms Well: Let them sit undisturbed in the pan for a minute or two between stirs to really develop their savory edge.
- Taste as You Go: Especially with the sauce—adjust salt, chili, or vinegar levels to your preference.
- Spice Swap: If you love ginger, grate some fresh instead of ground for even more zing.
How to Serve
This stir fry feels complete all on its own, but you can take it in a dozen directions:
- Classic Pairing: Pile it high over fluffy white or nutty brown rice.
- Low Carb Swap: Serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Potato Lovers: Believe it or not, this is fantastic spooned over roasted or mashed potatoes for a filling, savory dinner.
- Fresh Garnishes: Scattered fresh parsley or sliced green onions over the top make it pop.
- Lunch Bowl Prep: Make extra and portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, so leftovers are a treat.
Freezing
Yes, this stir fry freezes well! Cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Broccoli will soften a bit when reheated, but the flavor stays spot on.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey offers a similar lean profile, while beef lends a heartier flavor. Cook the same way—just drain excess fat if using beef.
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Will frozen broccoli work?
Yes, you can sub in frozen broccoli if that’s what’s on hand. Add it straight from the freezer and watch closely—cook it just until it turns bright green and is heated through.
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What’s the difference between coconut aminos and soy sauce?
Coconut aminos are a gluten-free, lower-sodium alternative to soy sauce with a mild sweetness. If using soy sauce, go for the low-sodium variety to avoid over-salting, and adjust the additional salt accordingly.
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How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Easy—just swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground “meat.” Use the same cooking steps, and the dish becomes a hearty, entirely plant-powered stir fry.
Final Thoughts
Healthy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is what quick, wholesome dinners were made for—delightfully simple, endlessly adaptable, and entirely crave-worthy. When healthy meets “tastes like takeout” this easily, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Why not grab those ingredients and give it a try tonight? You might just discover your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Healthy Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This healthy ground chicken and broccoli stir fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious main-course dish featuring lean ground chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and savory mushrooms in a delicious garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be served over rice, cauliflower rice, or roasted potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Broccoli & Mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (preferably baby portabello)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot flour (or substitute cornstarch)
To Serve (Optional)
- White rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or roasted potatoes
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to a large skillet over medium or medium-high heat. Use a spatula to crumble the meat as it cooks. If the chicken starts sticking, add a little oil. Stir occasionally for several minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil to the same skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until the mushrooms become tender.
- Combine Chicken and Mushrooms: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the mushrooms and stir well to combine.
- Steam the Broccoli: Add 1/4 cup water and the broccoli florets to the pan. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. If using soy sauce instead of coconut aminos, consider skipping the extra salt as soy sauce is saltier. Mix everything together. Cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for about 3 minutes, until it is softened but still crisp-tender. Let any remaining water evaporate by cooking uncovered for a minute if needed.
- Mix the Sauce: While the broccoli steams, combine the coconut aminos or soy sauce, 1/3 cup water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, chili powder, ground ginger, and arrowroot flour in a jar. Close the lid and shake well until the sauce is thoroughly blended.
- Add Sauce & Finish: Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir everything together for about 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables.
- Serve: Spoon the stir fry into bowls. Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or roasted potatoes as desired, and top with chopped parsley or green onions if preferred. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Nutrition info is based on ground chicken; using chicken breast will reduce calories further.
- Adjust salt based on your choice of coconut aminos or soy sauce.
- This stir fry is versatile and can be served with any grain or low-carb base.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
