If you’re craving all the bold, savory flavors of an egg roll but want an easy, lighter option, this Chicken Egg Roll Bowls Recipe is going to be your new go-to comfort meal. Think juicy seasoned ground chicken mingling with crunchy coleslaw, fragrant ginger, and garlic, all tied together with a rich blend of soy and sesame oils. It’s like all your favorite egg roll fillings without the hassle of frying or wrapping, delivering a satisfying, colorful dish in under 30 minutes. Truly a weeknight hero you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you — each ingredient in this Chicken Egg Roll Bowls Recipe plays an essential role to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. From the tender ground chicken to the crisp coleslaw mix, these components bring freshness, depth, and that unmistakable Asian-inspired charm.
- Ground chicken (1 lb.): Provides a lean, tender protein base that absorbs all the savory seasonings beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the chicken for rich flavor and prevents sticking in the pan.
- Salt and ground pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the meat and vegetables.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds a salty umami depth without overpowering, balancing the dish perfectly.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses a nutty aroma and authentic Asian flair that’s absolutely essential.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Brings pungent warmth and complements the ginger’s zing.
- Fresh grated ginger (1 tablespoon): Offers a bright, slightly spicy note that elevates the entire dish.
- Roasted red chili paste (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that you can ramp up or down depending on your spice preference.
- Coleslaw mix (4 cups): Provides that delightful crunch and a fresh, slightly sweet contrast against the savory chicken.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Deliver bursts of sharp freshness and a subtle onion bite.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Sprinkle on top for a final touch of texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Chicken Egg Roll Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Brown Your Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. As it cooks, break the meat apart with a spatula so it browns evenly and gets that perfect crumbly texture that’s key to this recipe.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
When the chicken is almost cooked through and beautifully browned, toss in the minced garlic and fresh grated ginger. These two powerhouse ingredients release so much flavor when sautéed just a minute or two, and their fragrance will make your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat the meat in that wonderful sauce. Add the roasted red chili paste, starting with a teaspoon and adjusting if you want it spicier. Let this mixture simmer a few minutes to marry the flavors completely and thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Finally, stir in the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions. Toss everything well so the cabbage softens just enough while still keeping a little crunch. This step is essential because it adds so much texture and brightness, turning the bowl into a complete, balanced meal.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds liberally on top. These tiny gems add a subtle crunch and a nutty finish that’s just the perfect finale to this Chicken Egg Roll Bowls Recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Egg Roll Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes—they can turn a simple dish into something extraordinary. Fresh chopped cilantro or extra green onions add a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of sriracha or a small wedge of lime can add zesty brightness if you like a little extra kick.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a standalone meal, but if you want to round it out, serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or simple fried rice for an even heartier dinner. Light Asian cucumber salad or edamame also make excellent refreshing partners that keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Chicken Egg Roll Bowls Recipe inside butter lettuce cups for an interactive, hand-held option. You could also scoop it over crispy rice noodles or even spiralized zucchini noodles to switch up the texture and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Chicken Egg Roll Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making for awesome next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, cool the dish completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 1 month. Just keep in mind the coleslaw texture might soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Chicken Egg Roll Bowls gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce if it feels dry, then finish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds to revive the freshness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great swap and works just as well in this recipe, giving you a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the seasonings.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on how much roasted red chili paste you add. Starting with one teaspoon offers a gentle warmth, but feel free to add more if you love things spicy. You can also leave it out for a milder version.
What can I use if I don’t have coleslaw mix?
You can substitute shredded cabbage and carrots separately if you don’t have pre-mixed coleslaw. Napa cabbage also makes a tasty alternative and softens nicely in the skillet.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time as needed and enjoy the same fantastic flavors.
How long does it take to cook the Chicken Egg Roll Bowls Recipe?
From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something quick but packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Egg Roll Bowls Recipe is a beautiful balance of quick, nutritious, and utterly delicious that fits perfectly into any busy schedule. It captures all the satisfying flavors of traditional egg rolls without any fuss or extra oil, making it a fresh, lighter take that everyone will love. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a regular in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Chicken Egg Roll Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Chicken Egg Roll Bowls are a quick, flavorful stir-fry dish inspired by the classic egg roll flavors without the wrapper. Ground chicken is cooked with garlic, ginger, and a savory soy sauce blend, then tossed with crisp coleslaw mix and green onions for a light yet satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Sauce
- 1 lb. ground chicken (or ground turkey, beef, or pork)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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 browning the meat.
- Cook the ground chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook thoroughly until browned, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1-2 minutes more until fragrant, which enhances the depth of flavor.
- Incorporate sauces and spice: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and roasted red chili paste. Let this mixture simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions, stirring well so everything combines. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the coleslaw is just wilted and tender but still retains some crunch.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish for garnish and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or pork based on preference.
- Adjust the amount of roasted red chili paste to control the spiciness to your liking.
- Adding a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice can add a bright tangy note if desired.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt content, especially for those monitoring sodium intake.
