If you love the irresistible flavors of a classic egg roll but want a lighter, low-carb alternative, the Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish takes all the delicious goodness—savory seasoned chicken, crisp cabbage, fragrant ginger, and the perfect touch of soy sauce—and tosses it all together into one skillet meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Packed with vibrant color, fresh texture, and bold Asian-inspired flavors, it’s comfort food that feels fresh and satisfying every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is brilliantly simple, highlighting fresh and wholesome ingredients that combine to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tender chicken providing protein, the cabbage bringing crunch, or the ginger adding a spicy warmth.
- 1 lb ground chicken: Choose lean ground chicken or finely chopped chicken breast for tender, juicy bites.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty flavor that’s essential to the dish’s authentic taste.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings a zesty, bright kick and wonderfully fresh aroma.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides savory depth that gently infuses the whole dish.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and a little bite to balance the savory flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage: Green or a mix of green and purple, this adds crunch and bulk without heaviness.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Offers just the right touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions: Used as a garnish, these fresh scallions add a mild onion flavor and pop of green color.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Or tamari if gluten-free—this is the salty, umami backbone of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the richness with a subtle tang.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional): For an extra boost of that signature nutty flavor if you want to double down.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional): Adds a delicate sweetness that rounds everything out beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season carefully to bring all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to brighten the flavor profile.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you heat the pan, make sure all your veggies are shredded and your chicken is ready to go. Fresh ginger and garlic finely grated or minced release their punchy flavors better when they start cooking early.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s just browned and no longer pink.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add diced onion, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook until the onion softens and everything smells fragrant, allowing the aromatics to infuse the chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Toss in the Vegetables
Mix in the shredded cabbage and carrots. Stir frequently as the vegetables soften slightly but retain a pleasant crunch that keeps every bite exciting.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, optional honey or maple syrup, and extra sesame oil if you’re using it. Stir everything together and let the flavors meld for a couple more minutes. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Once off the heat, sprinkle the dish generously with sliced green onions. These provide a fresh, sharp contrast that really brings the whole dish alive visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
This egg roll in a bowl shines as a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice can turn it into a heartier feast. For lighter options, a crisp cucumber salad or miso soup complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the egg roll mixture in lettuce cups for a delightful hand-held experience. You can also top it with a soft-boiled egg or a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. The vegetables may soften a bit but the overall dish remains delicious.
Freezing
Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe freezes well if you want to save some for busy days. Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture of the chicken and vegetables. A quick microwave blast works too, but stir halfway through to heat evenly and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a similar mild flavor and tenderness, making it a perfect substitute for ground chicken in this dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be easily made gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken with firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the substitute is cooked through and flavorful.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh ginger?
If fresh ginger isn’t available, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger can work in a pinch, but fresh ginger really elevates the dish with its bright and zesty flavor.
How can I add more spice to this recipe?
Besides red pepper flakes, you can add sriracha or chili garlic sauce for an extra fiery kick, adjusting amounts to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe enough—it’s the kind of home-cooked meal that feels both comforting and fresh, quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve whenever you want to treat yourself. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this flavorful, easy, and downright addictive dish in your cooking rotation!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that captures all the delicious flavors of an egg roll without the hassle of wrapping and frying. Ground chicken is sautéed with fresh ginger, garlic, and onions before being combined with shredded cabbage and carrots, then seasoned with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil. It’s a healthy, low-carb dish perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground chicken (or chicken breast, finely chopped)
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Grate the fresh ginger, mince the garlic, dice the onion, shred the cabbage and carrots, and slice the green onions for garnish. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and diced onion to the skillet with the browned chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened but still retain some crunch.
- Season the Dish: Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and if using, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup. Add salt and pepper to taste, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Stir well to combine all flavors and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the seasonings meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions on top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Egg Roll in a Bowl immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork depending on preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adding red pepper flakes gives a nice spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian-friendly sauces.
- This recipe reheats well and is excellent for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
