Craving a delicious, wholesome, and incredibly fast meal? Look no further than this fantastic Ground Chicken Stir-Fry! Packed with vibrant vegetables and coated in a mouth-watering sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver. What’s even better? It’s naturally gluten-free and comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy evenings or efficient meal prep sessions. Forget about unhealthy takeout and embrace the ease and flavor of this homemade masterpiece.

If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired cuisine that doesn’t compromise on health or flavor, you’ll also love our Healthy Chicken Fried Rice for another satisfying option.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Stir-Fry: Recipe Highlights

• Effortless & Wholesome Sauce: The star of this stir-fry is undeniably its sauce. We use a modified version of my popular gluten-free teriyaki sauce, crafted from simple, everyday ingredients. This means it’s not only incredibly flavorful but also completely soy-free and gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Ditch the sugary, additive-filled store-bought alternatives and enjoy a fresh, vibrant sauce that elevates your dish without any guilt. You’ll be amazed at how easily it comes together and how much better it tastes than anything from a bottle!
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Planning your meals for the week just got easier! This ground chicken stir-fry is a dream for meal preppers. It reheats beautifully, maintaining its delicious texture and flavors, making it perfect for packing into individual portions for healthy lunches or dinners throughout your busy week. Imagine having a nutritious, flavorful meal ready to go with minimal fuss – that’s the convenience this recipe offers.
• Endlessly Customizable: One of the best aspects of stir-fries is their incredible flexibility, and this recipe is no exception. It’s an excellent way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand in your refrigerator. From crisp bell peppers and vibrant broccoli to tender snow peas, mushrooms, or even green beans, you truly can’t go wrong. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonal produce to create a unique and delicious stir-fry every time you make it!
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Say goodbye to lengthy cooking sessions and complicated recipes! This entire meal, from start to finish, is ready in less than 30 minutes. The rapid cooking time of ground chicken, combined with quick-sautéing vegetables and a speedy sauce, makes it an unbeatable option for those evenings when you need a nutritious and satisfying meal on the table in a flash. It’s the ultimate solution for busy schedules.
• Budget-Friendly Protein: Ground chicken is not only incredibly versatile but also often a more economical choice compared to other protein sources like chicken breasts or steak. This makes our stir-fry a smart and satisfying option for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank, proving that healthy eating can also be affordable.

It’s time to upgrade your dinner routine and swap expensive, often unhealthy, takeout for this incredibly easy and delicious homemade ground chicken stir-fry. Using ground chicken in a stir-fry isn’t just a clever shortcut; it’s a game-changer. Unlike fiddling with chicken breasts that require careful slicing and often cook unevenly, ground chicken cooks up quickly and effortlessly, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender and infused with flavor. I personally find it superior in taste and texture for stir-fries, as it absorbs the sauce beautifully and provides a wonderfully consistent texture throughout the dish. As an added bonus, ground chicken is typically much more affordable than other cuts, helping you save on your grocery bill without sacrificing quality or taste.

This dish truly shines as one of those “what’s for dinner?” saviors. When you’re short on time but craving something wholesome and satisfying, this recipe delivers. It masterfully combines a simple, lean protein with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, all brought together by an irresistible sauce, and appears on your table in roughly 30 minutes. If you appreciate speedy, hands-off dinner solutions that don’t compromise on nutrition or flavor, you might also enjoy my Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan and Oven Baked Fajita Bowls, which offer similar convenience and delicious results.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Stir-Fry

Crafting a truly exceptional stir-fry begins with selecting quality ingredients that build layers of flavor. Here’s a closer look at some of the key components that make this ground chicken stir-fry so special, along with useful tips for choosing and substituting them:

• Coconut Aminos: This is my go-to alternative for traditional soy sauce, and for good reason! Coconut aminos are naturally gluten-free and soy-free, making them an excellent choice for those with dietary sensitivities or anyone looking for a healthier option. While they offer a similar umami depth to soy sauce, they are typically a bit milder, less salty, and possess a lovely subtle sweetness. They are fantastic in any Asian-inspired dish, providing a nuanced flavor profile without overpowering other ingredients. However, if coconut aminos aren’t available or preferred, regular low-sodium soy sauce can certainly be used; just be mindful of its higher sodium content and adjust other seasonings accordingly.
• Arrowroot Powder: To achieve that perfectly glossy, slightly thickened sauce without gluten or grains, arrowroot powder is an indispensable ingredient. It’s a fantastic natural thickener that creates a clear, smooth sauce, ideal for stir-fries. Unlike some other thickeners, it holds up well to reheating. If you don’t have arrowroot powder on hand, tapioca starch or corn starch are equally effective alternatives and can be substituted in equal measure. Remember to always mix your chosen starch with a cold liquid before adding it to the hot sauce to prevent any clumps from forming.
• Chicken Broth (especially Bone Broth!): Using a good quality chicken broth significantly deepens the flavor of your stir-fry sauce, adding a savory base that water simply can’t replicate. I highly recommend using chicken bone broth whenever possible. Bone broth not only imparts a richer, more complex taste but also adds a beneficial boost of protein, collagen, and numerous nutrients, turning a simple sauce into a more nourishing element of your meal. You’ll often find me incorporating bone broth into many of my recipes, such as my comforting Chicken Kale Soup and creamy Chicken Cauliflower Soup. If bone broth isn’t available, standard chicken broth or even water can be used in a pinch, though you might notice a slight difference in flavor depth.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: This ingredient is crucial for adding an authentic, aromatic, and nutty finish to your stir-fry. It’s important to distinguish between toasted sesame oil and regular (un-toasted) sesame oil. Toasted sesame oil has an intensely concentrated flavor and should typically be added towards the end of cooking or drizzled on as a finishing oil, as high heat can diminish its delicate notes. Un-toasted sesame oil, on the other hand, has a neutral flavor and a higher smoke point, making it more suitable for cooking at higher temperatures. For this recipe, always opt for the toasted variety to infuse your dish with its signature rich, deep aroma.
• Cashews: While entirely optional, a handful of cashews adds a wonderful textural contrast and a subtle, buttery flavor that complements the stir-fry beautifully. They provide a delightful crunch and extra richness that elevates the dish. For an even deeper flavor and crisper texture, I highly recommend taking a few extra minutes to use roasted cashews. A quick toast in a dry pan brings out their natural sweetness and nuttiness, significantly enhancing the overall experience.

A complete list of ingredients and precise amounts can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post. These notes are here to help you select the best ingredients for an outstanding culinary experience.

Versatile Options: Make This Stir-Fry Your Own!

One of the best things about stir-fries is their incredible adaptability. This recipe is designed to be flexible, allowing you to easily adjust it to your taste preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it truly your own!

• Protein Swaps: While ground chicken is fantastic in this recipe, feel free to switch things up based on your preference or what’s available. Ground turkey makes for an equally lean and delicious alternative, offering a very similar texture and cooking time. If you prefer red meat, lean ground beef or even ground pork would also work wonderfully, adding a different depth of flavor to the dish. For a plant-based option, extra-firm tofu or tempeh, crumbled and browned, would be excellent substitutions.
• Store-Bought Sauce Shortcut: If you’re truly short on time or prefer the convenience, you can certainly opt for a good quality store-bought teriyaki or stir-fry sauce. However, be sure to read labels carefully to avoid sauces packed with excessive sugars, unhealthy oils, or artificial ingredients. For a clean, high-quality option, I often recommend brands like Primal Kitchen, known for their commitment to using wholesome ingredients. You might need to adjust the sauce quantity or thickness slightly if using a pre-made version, as their consistency can vary.
• Veggies Galore: This stir-fry is a chameleon when it comes to vegetables. It’s a perfect opportunity to clear out your fridge and use up any leftover produce! Beyond the suggested broccoli, red pepper, and carrots, almost any stir-fry friendly vegetable would be a delicious addition. Consider adding:
  • Pea pods or snow peas for a sweet crunch and vibrant green color.
  • Tender asparagus spears, cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Thinly sliced onions or chopped scallions for aromatic depth.
  • Halved or quartered Brussels sprouts for a slightly bitter, earthy note.
  • Crisp green beans.
  • Sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button) for an umami boost.
  • Diced zucchini or thinly sliced bok choy for added freshness and slight bitterness.
  • Water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for extra crunch.

  Just ensure your chosen veggies are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture.

• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to add a pinch (or more, to taste) of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger during the sautéing process, or a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the finished dish. A few fresh sliced jalapeños can also add a delightful kick.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can easily reduce the amount of honey or even omit it entirely, depending on the natural sweetness of your chosen coconut aminos. Conversely, for a sweeter profile, a little extra honey can be added.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Ground Chicken Stir-Fry

Making this flavorful ground chicken stir-fry is straightforward and incredibly satisfying. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal every time:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Chicken. Begin by adding 1 tablespoon of your preferred cooking oil (extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil work well due to their higher smoke points) to a large skillet. Heat it over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, ensuring it’s cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl, leaving any rendered fat in the pan for the vegetables to absorb flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Fresh Vegetables. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot (it should shimmer slightly, indicating it’s ready for stir-frying), add your prepared vegetables: broccoli florets, sliced red pepper, and diagonal-cut carrots. Sauté them vigorously, stirring often, until they are tender-crisp – meaning they are cooked through but still retain a slight bite and vibrant color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the vegetable size. In the last minute or so of cooking the vegetables, stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. This ensures their aromatic flavors are released without burning.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Stir-Fry Sauce. While your vegetables are cooking, take a moment to prepare the star sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together all the teriyaki stir-fry sauce ingredients: arrowroot starch, chicken bone broth (or water), coconut aminos, honey, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined and the arrowroot powder has fully dissolved, leaving no lumps. This is a critical step for a smooth sauce. Set this flavorful mixture aside.

Step 4: Combine, Sauce, and Simmer. Once the vegetables have reached your desired tender-crisp stage, return the cooked ground chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the whisked teriyaki sauce one final stir (as the starch can settle), then pour it evenly over the chicken and veggies. Stir everything gently to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated with the delicious sauce. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes. The sauce will gradually heat through and thicken to a beautiful, glossy consistency. Finally, if you’re using cashews, stir them in now for a last-minute crunch, or sprinkle them on top just before serving for added texture and flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy. Your delicious homemade ground chicken stir-fry is now ready! Serve it immediately, piping hot, over your favorite base – be it fluffy white rice, nutritious brown rice, savory rice noodles, or as a light and refreshing lettuce wrap. Garnish with extra sesame seeds, chopped fresh cilantro, or thinly sliced green onions if desired, and savor every bite of this quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Chicken Stir-Fry

• Use a Large Skillet: The size of your pan truly matters for successful stir-frying. To ensure your vegetables quickly sear and cook evenly without steaming (which can make them soggy), it’s crucial to use a 12-inch or larger skillet. This allows for ample space, preventing overcrowding. Cast iron skillets are my personal favorite for their excellent heat retention and even cooking, contributing to that perfect stir-fry texture.
• High Heat is Key (But Don’t Burn!): Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat. Ensure your pan and oil are adequately hot before adding ingredients. This helps achieve that desirable slight char and crispness on your vegetables and browns the chicken perfectly. However, always keep a close eye and stir frequently to prevent any burning.
• Stir Frequently: As the name suggests, “stir-fry” means active stirring! Keep the ingredients moving constantly in the pan to ensure even cooking and to prevent any single piece from sticking or burning. This also helps all the flavors meld together beautifully and the sauce coats everything evenly.
• Spice it Up to Your Liking: If you enjoy a kick, don’t hesitate to add some red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger when sautéing the vegetables. For an even more intense heat, a dash of your favorite chili sauce, such as Sriracha or gochujang, can be stirred into the finished dish.
• Time-Saving Strategies: To make this meal even quicker, consider some smart prep. You can chop all your vegetables while the ground chicken is browning. For ultra-fast dinners, you could even cook the ground chicken and sauté the vegetables simultaneously in two separate pans, then combine them at the very end. Pre-mincing garlic and ginger or buying them pre-minced also saves precious minutes.
• Don’t Overcook Your Veggies: The ideal stir-fry vegetables are tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep a watchful eye and remove them from the heat once they reach this stage to maintain their vibrant color, maximize their nutrient content, and preserve their delightful texture.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your stir-fry! Depending on the brand of coconut aminos or broth you use, you might want to add a tiny splash more for sweetness, a bit more coconut aminos for umami, or a pinch of salt/pepper to balance the flavors perfectly.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Ground Chicken Stir-Fry

This versatile ground chicken stir-fry pairs wonderfully with a variety of bases, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences, dietary needs, or simply what you’re craving. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to make it a complete and satisfying meal:

• Classic Rice Bowls: The most traditional and satisfying way to enjoy stir-fry! Serve it generously over fluffy white rice, nutty and wholesome brown rice, or even protein-rich quinoa for a complete and balanced meal. The grains perfectly soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Noodle Sensations: For a delightful textural change and a more slurpable experience, try serving your stir-fry over brown rice noodles. The tender noodles absorb the savory sauce beautifully, creating a comforting and filling dish. Glass noodles, soba noodles, or even whole wheat noodles can also be excellent options.
• Light & Crispy Lettuce Wraps: For a refreshing, low-carb, and incredibly fun way to eat your stir-fry, scoop generous portions into crisp lettuce cups. Varieties like butter lettuce (also known as Bibb lettuce) or sturdy romaine leaves are perfect for wraps, offering a satisfying crunch and a light alternative to grains.
• Low-Carb Alternatives: If you’re looking to keep the carb count down, this stir-fry is exceptionally delicious when served with cauliflower rice. It mimics the texture of traditional rice wonderfully while adding extra nutrients. You can also serve it alongside some flavorful easy roasted cauliflower steaks for a heartier, vegetable-based side dish.
• Garnish & Extra Flavor: Elevate your serving with simple garnishes! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or even a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick can add an extra layer of flavor, vibrant color, and visual appeal to your plate.

Meal Prep & Storage: Enjoy Your Stir-Fry All Week Long!

This ground chicken stir-fry is not just quick to make, it’s also a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, ensuring you have healthy, delicious meals ready to go when hunger strikes. Its flavors often deepen over time, making leftovers just as enjoyable, if not more so!

• For Individual Meal Prep: After cooking, allow the stir-fry to cool completely to room temperature. Then, divide it evenly into your favorite airtight food prep containers. If you plan to serve it with rice, cauliflower rice, or rice noodles, you can add those directly to the containers as well, creating convenient grab-and-go lunches or single-serve dinners. This strategy saves significant time during busy weekdays.
• For Family-Style Storage: If you’re storing for multiple servings to be reheated for the family, simply transfer all the cooled stir-fry into one large airtight container. This makes it easy to scoop out portions as needed throughout the week while keeping everything fresh.

To store in the fridge: Place the cooled stir-fry in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best quality and safety, ensure it’s fully cooled before refrigerating to prevent condensation.

To reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer your desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and reheat in the microwave until thoroughly heated through (usually 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway). You can also gently reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too dry, to maintain moisture and flavor.

To freeze: This stir-fry freezes beautifully! See the FAQ section below for detailed instructions on freezing for long-term storage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Chicken Stir-Fry