As I lifted the lid off my skillet, a wave of aromas danced into the air, promising a delightful meal in just minutes. This Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli is my go-to for those busy weeknights when I crave something quick yet satisfying. The beauty of this one-pan wonder lies not only in its ease but also in its ability to pack a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving—all for a mere 260 calories. Whether I’m prepping for the week ahead or gathering the family for dinner, this dish makes every bite feel like a cozy embrace. Plus, with endless possibilities for swapping in your favorite veggies or proteins, it’s a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. Who’s ready to whip up a deliciously sticky, sweet-spicy feast that might just become your new dinner favorite?
Why is this dish a weeknight winner?
Simplicity: With just one pan needed, cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Flavor Fusion: The sweet and spicy combo of honey and sriracha elevates the ground chicken, creating a sauce that’s irresistible.
Protein Power: Each serving delivers 30 grams of high-quality protein, keeping you satisfied without the excess calories.
Versatile: Feel free to substitute proteins or add in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for a personal touch.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish takes just 30 minutes to make, making it an excellent choice for prepping ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its delightful flavors and textures are sure to win over family and friends alike—just serve it up with rice, and watch it disappear!
Ground Chicken and Broccoli Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Ground Chicken (97% lean) – The star of this dish, providing a lean protein source; can be swapped with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Olive Oil – Adds richness and aids in cooking; consider using chili oil for an extra spicy kick.
For the Sauce
• Sweet Chili Sauce – Delivers sweetness and body to the sauce; feel free to use homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Honey – Adds a natural sweetness; agave syrup works as a vegan substitute.
• Sriracha – Infuses heat into the dish; adjust to your spice tolerance for perfectly balanced flavor.
• Soy Sauce – Brings umami depth; gluten-free soy sauce or tamari can easily be used for a gluten-free option.
• Toasted Sesame Oil – Amplifies flavors with a nuttiness that rounds off the sauce beautifully.
For the Vegetables
• Broccoli Florets – Offers a vibrant crunch and loads of nutrients; chop into smaller pieces for rapid cooking.
• Garlic Powder & Ground Ginger – These pantry staples enhance the flavor; fresh garlic and ginger can refresh the taste if desired.
For Garnish
• Sesame Seeds – Adds texture and a nice crunch when sprinkled on top of the dish.
• Green Onion – Brings a fresh kick and a pop of color as a finishing touch!
This flavorful Ground Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a must-try for a delightful one-pan meal that is both quick and nourishing!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Heat the Broccoli
In a large skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the broccoli florets, allowing them to sear for 1-2 minutes undisturbed until lightly browned. Stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they turn a vibrant dark green. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside, making room for the ground chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and bring up to medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and browned all over, with no pink remaining. This step is crucial for ensuring the flavors of the Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken are rich and satisfying.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, grab a bowl and combine the sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Whisk until the ingredients blend smoothly into a harmonious sauce. The mix should have a sticky consistency that enhances the flavor profile of your ground chicken.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the ground chicken is cooked through, pour your sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken evenly. Continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, keeping an eye to prevent the sugars from burning.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
Carefully return the cooked broccoli back to the skillet, mixing it into the ground chicken and sauce combination. Stir thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the broccoli is well-coated and heated through. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli truly delightful.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer your delicious one-pan meal to a serving dish. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onion for added texture and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors that make this dish a weeknight winner!
Helpful Tricks for Ground Chicken and Broccoli
- Browning Matters: Ensure you allow the ground chicken to brown well; this enhances the flavor and avoids a bland taste. Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a golden color.
- Vegetable Size: If you’re using different veggies, cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. This prevents some from being undercooked while others are overdone.
- Sauce Caution: Add sauce gradually once the chicken is cooked. Pouring too much too quickly can lead to burning due to the high sugar content in honey and sweet chili sauce.
- Texture Boost: For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds to your finished dish. They complement the ground chicken and broccoli beautifully.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture of the ground chicken and broccoli.
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the broccoli and mix the sauce (sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger) up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the ground chicken with olive oil, add the prepped sauce, and incorporate the pre-chopped broccoli. This way, you’ll save precious time on busy weeknights and enjoy a delicious meal just as flavorful as if it were freshly made!
Storage Tips for Ground Chicken and Broccoli
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools down to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion during freezing.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your Ground Chicken and Broccoli again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Texture Tip: To retain the crunch of the broccoli, consider adding a splash of water or broth while reheating, and cover with a lid to create steam.
Ground Chicken and Broccoli Variations
Feel free to customize this delightful recipe to suit your taste preferences and ingredient availability, making every meal a new adventure!
- Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey for a lighter variation, offering a similar texture and flavor profile.
- Veggie Medley: Toss in bell peppers or snap peas alongside the broccoli for an extra crunch and vibrant colors.
- Sweet & Sticky: Increase the honey or sweet chili sauce for those who prefer a sweeter taste, perfect for balancing the heat.
- Low-Carb Twist: Serve with sautéed cabbage instead of rice for a low-carb, high-fiber alternative that’s equally satisfying.
- Spicy Boost: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick if you love heat!
- Noodle Delight: Mix in cooked noodles or rice during the final step for a more filling dish that’ll please the crowd.
- Asia-Inspired: Try adding some grated carrots or spinach to bring some extra color and nutrients to your dish—it’s an easy way to up the veggie ante!
- Flavor Upgrade: Enhance the sauce by experimenting with different spices like cumin or lemon zest for a surprising twist.
Looking for more delicious dinner ideas? Check out my recipes for Savory Ground Beef or Oven Baked Chicken—both are perfect for adding variety to your weeknight rotation!
What to Serve with Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli
A delightful one-pan dinner deserves the perfect companions to elevate the entire meal experience!
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffiness of jasmine rice soaks up the sweet-spicy sauce beautifully, adding comfort to every bite.
- Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad with herbs and citrus brightens up the dish, adding a nutritious crunch that complements the velvety chicken.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, these breadsticks offer a delightful textural contrast and are perfect for sopping up the sauce.
- Crispy Egg Rolls: These savory treats add a crunchy element with a burst of flavor, creating a satisfying balance with the tender chicken and broccoli.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts ties in well with the dish’s honey notes, adding depth and contrast.
- Mango Lassi: A chilled mango lassi provides a creamy, refreshing counterpoint to the heat of sriracha, making each taste moment delightful.
- Coconut Lime Rice: The zesty coconut lime flavor adds an exotic twist that pairs wonderfully with the honey sriracha glaze, enhancing the meal’s overall appeal.
- Sesame Noodles: Soft noodles tossed in a sesame dressing create a tasty side that harmonizes with the dish’s Asian-inspired flavors.
- Chocolate Mousse: For a sweet finish, a light and airy chocolate mousse provides decadence that balances the savory nature of the main dish.
Ground Chicken and Broccoli Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for broccoli with a vibrant green color and tightly closed florets. Avoid any heads with yellowing or dark spots, as these indicate overripeness. For the best texture, I recommend selecting medium to small florets, as they’ll cook more evenly and quickly in your skillet.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of Ground Chicken and Broccoli?
You can store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool down to room temperature before sealing to keep it fresh. For longer storage, transfer to a freezer-safe container, where it will stay good for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze Ground Chicken and Broccoli?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place the fully cooled dish into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. To reheat, first, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave for about 2-3 minutes until fully warmed through.
What if my ground chicken is cooking unevenly?
Very! If you notice uneven cooking, it’s likely due to overcrowding the pan. Be sure to cook the ground chicken in a single layer and break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. This will help achieve that lovely browning on each side, which enhances the flavor. If you still find it isn’t browning, turn up the heat slightly for a bit, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari, and use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. Always be mindful of spice levels if cooking for kids or sensitive palates; you can reduce the amount of sriracha to suit your preference.
What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?
I often make this dish with various vegetables! You can easily substitute in bell peppers, snap peas, or even zucchini to switch things up. Just ensure any new vegetables are cut to a similar size as the broccoli and adjust the cooking time accordingly for the best results.
Ground Chicken and Broccoli: Sweet and Spicy One-Pan Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the broccoli florets, allowing them to sear for 1-2 minutes undisturbed until lightly browned. Stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they turn a vibrant dark green. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and bring up to medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and browned all over, with no pink remaining.
- While the chicken cooks, grab a bowl and combine the sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Whisk until the ingredients blend smoothly.
- Once the ground chicken is cooked through, pour your sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken evenly. Continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Carefully return the cooked broccoli back to the skillet, mixing it into the ground chicken and sauce combination. Stir thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer your delicious one-pan meal to a serving dish. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Serve hot.
