Spicy Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe

Spicy Ground Chicken Firecracker Bowls Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand bold, quick solutions that pack serious flavor, and these sizzling firecracker ground chicken bowls deliver a punch of zesty excitement.

Spicy seasonings dance through tender ground chicken, creating a meal that sparks culinary adventure at your table.

The recipe balances heat and harmony with layers of vibrant ingredients that complement each other perfectly.

Bright, tangy sauces mingle with crisp vegetables and perfectly seasoned proteins.

Each forkful promises a delightful explosion of taste that will have everyone at the dinner table eagerly diving in.

Customizable and easy to assemble, these bowls turn an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Ready to turn up the heat and transform your dinner routine?

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls

For Firecracker Sauce:
  • Sriracha Sauce: Adds bold, spicy kick that gives the dish its signature heat and vibrant flavor.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness and helps balance the sauce's intensity.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness that mellows the spice and creates a glossy coating.
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers rich umami depth and enhances overall savory profile.
  • Garlic: Offers aromatic punch and complex underlying flavor.
For Protein and Vegetables:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs sauce beautifully and creates hearty base.
  • Broccoli Florets: Adds nutritious crunch and vibrant green color to the dish.
For Cooking and Finishing:
  • Avocado Oil: High-heat cooking oil that provides clean, neutral flavor for sautéing.
  • Green Onion: Fresh garnish that brings light, crisp onion notes and visual appeal.
  • Cauliflower Rice or Steamed Rice: Neutral base that soaks up delicious sauce and completes the bowl.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance overall taste.

Kitchen Tools for Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls

  • Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing firecracker sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Large Pan: Ideal for sautéing broccoli and cooking ground chicken evenly.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring and breaking up ground chicken while cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping green onions as garnish.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for slicing green onions precisely.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning sauce ingredients.

Directions for Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls

  • Sauce Magic

Create a zesty firecracker sauce that brings incredible flavor to the entire dish. Mix together tangy and spicy ingredients until they blend perfectly into a smooth, vibrant coating.

  • Veggie Prep

Warm a pan and gently transform broccoli florets into crisp, golden-edged morsels. Season with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance their natural goodness.

  • Chicken Dance

Brown ground chicken in the same pan, breaking it into delicate crumbles. Cook until every morsel turns a beautiful golden color and is completely tender.

  • Symphony of Flavors

Reunite the broccoli and chicken, then generously drench them in the firecracker sauce. Stir until every piece glistens with a spicy, irresistible coating.

  • Serving Celebration

Nestle the spicy chicken and broccoli mixture over a bed of fluffy rice. Scatter fresh green onions on top for a bright, crisp finish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips to Boost Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowl Flavor

  • Swap ground chicken with ground turkey, lean beef, or tofu for a protein-packed alternative that keeps the spicy flavor profile intact.
  • Replace broccoli with zucchini, bell peppers, or snap peas to add colorful nutrition and varied textures to your bowl.
  • Adjust the firecracker sauce's spiciness by reducing sriracha for mild eaters or adding extra hot sauce for heat lovers who crave a serious kick.
  • Double the recipe and store in airtight containers for quick lunches throughout the week, keeping the sauce and chicken separately to maintain optimal freshness and crispness.

Serving Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls Just Right

  • Spicy Family Feast Night: Create a vibrant dinner experience by serving these firecracker ground chicken bowls as a fun, interactive meal where everyone builds their own bowl with toppings.
  • Asian-Inspired Plating: Arrange the chicken and broccoli mixture over rice, then sprinkle fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality presentation that adds color and crunch.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in sealed containers with rice and chicken separately to maintain texture, making these bowls perfect for quick lunches or grab-and-go dinners during busy workweeks.
  • Customizable Comfort: Offer optional toppings like sliced avocado, crispy wontons, pickled vegetables, or a drizzle of extra firecracker sauce so each person can personalize their bowl according to their taste preferences.

Storing Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls Efficiently

  • Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare a double batch of this spicy chicken recipe and store individual portions in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. These bowls stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Separate the cooked chicken and sauce mixture into freezer-safe containers. These meals will maintain excellent quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Smart Ingredient Prep: Chop broccoli and prepare firecracker sauce ingredients in advance to streamline cooking time. Store prepped vegetables in sealed containers within the refrigerator for maximum freshness and convenience.
  • Reheating Tips: Warm refrigerated or thawed meals in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the sauce's vibrant flavor and texture.
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Spicy Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe

Spicy Ground Chicken Bowls


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Firecracker ground chicken bowls combine spicy Asian-inspired flavors with quick meal preparation. Crisp vegetables and zesty sauce create a delicious balance that makes dining memorable for hungry people at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
  • 3 cups cauliflower rice or steamed rice
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tbsps avocado oil
  • 2 tbsps coconut aminos
  • 3 tbsps coconut sugar
  • 2 tsps apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsps green onion, sliced
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • 2 tsps garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste (omit for AIP)

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk firecracker sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl, blending seasonings until smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Broccoli Roasting: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté broccoli florets until edges caramelize and become crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a separate plate.
  3. Chicken Cooking: In the same skillet, cook ground chicken, breaking meat into fine crumbles and stirring continuously until fully cooked and no pink remains.
  4. Flavor Fusion: Return roasted broccoli to skillet with chicken, pour firecracker sauce over the mixture, ensuring complete and even coating of all ingredients.
  5. Plating and Garnishing: Serve the spicy chicken and broccoli atop cauliflower or steamed rice, then sprinkle freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Sauce Balancing Trick: Whisk firecracker sauce ingredients meticulously to achieve a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors without overwhelming the chicken.
  • Broccoli Caramelization Technique: Sauté broccoli precisely 4-5 minutes to develop golden edges and lock in nutrients, creating a crisp texture that complements the tender chicken.
  • Meat Cooking Precision: Break ground chicken into uniform small crumbles while stirring constantly, ensuring complete cooking without drying out the protein.
  • Garnish Impact: Sprinkle fresh green onions just before serving to add a bright, sharp flavor contrast and elevate the dish’s overall sensory experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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