Easy Asian Dishes With Ground Chicken Perfect For Meal Prep
If you’re looking for quick, delicious, and nutritious meals to add to your weekly meal prep, you’re in the right place! Ground chicken is an incredibly versatile ingredient that works wonderfully in a variety of Asian dishes. Not only is it lean and healthy, but it also absorbs flavors exceptionally well, making it perfect for stir-fries, lettuce wraps, and more. In this article, we’ll explore several easy Asian dishes featuring ground chicken that are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have tasty and satisfying meals ready to go throughout the week.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Cooked jasmine rice or quinoa for serving
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground chicken. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Add the diced red and green bell peppers, snap peas, and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the chicken mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions.
- Serve the ground chicken stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice or quinoa, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
More Easy Asian Dishes With Ground Chicken
Now that you have the basic stir-fry down, let’s explore more easy Asian dishes that utilize ground chicken. These recipes are not only quick to prepare but also perfect for meal prep, giving you a variety of flavors throughout the week.
1. Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These lettuce wraps are a refreshing and low-carb option for a quick lunch or dinner. The crisp lettuce provides the perfect vessel for the savory ground chicken mixture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 cup water chestnuts, diced
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, diced
- 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, water chestnuts, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve in lettuce leaves and garnish with chopped cilantro.
2. Asian Chicken Meatballs
These meatballs are a fantastic option for meal prep, as they can be made in advance and frozen for later use. They work well as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sriracha or sweet chili sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve with Sriracha or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
3. Ground Chicken Fried Rice
This dish is a fantastic way to use leftover rice and is a favorite among families. It’s quick, filling, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked.
- Add the cooked rice and mixed vegetables, stirring to combine everything.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will work well in all of these recipes.
2. How long can I store these meal prep dishes?
Most of these dishes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
3. What can I serve with these dishes?
These dishes pair well with steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles. You can also serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauces.
4. Are these recipes gluten-free?
To make these recipes gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.
With these easy Asian dishes featuring ground chicken, you can streamline your meal prep while enjoying a variety of flavors. They are nutritious, adaptable, and sure to please the whole family. So get cooking, and enjoy your delicious meal prep adventures!
