Warm, comforting, and loaded with vibrant flavors, this Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe brings all the satisfaction of your favorite takeout without the wrapper. It’s a quick, one-pan wonder that makes healthy eating feel like a treat.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s so satisfying and effortlessly tasty. It’s like falling in love with an egg roll, but without the mess and calories of frying or wrapping.
- Speedy One-Pan Meal: You can have this dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Filling: Packed with lean protein and crunchy veggies, it hits the spot without weighing you down.
- Diet-Friendly: This recipe works beautifully for Whole30, gluten-free, Paleo, and many other diets.
- Customizable Flavors: You can tweak the spices or toppings to make it yours every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each item brings authentic Asian-inspired flavors that blend perfectly, while the slaw adds wonderful crunch and freshness.
- Coconut Aminos: A savory, slightly sweet alternative to soy sauce that’s lower in sodium and paleo-friendly.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a deep, nutty aroma essential for that classic egg roll flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Brightens the dish with a gentle tang, balancing richness.
- Garlic and Fresh Ginger: The dynamic duo that infuses warmth and zest into the chicken.
- Chinese 5-Spice Powder: Offers a subtle complexity with hints of star anise, cinnamon, and cloves (optional but highly recommended!).
- Avocado/Coconut/Olive Oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing veggies with a mild, neutral flavor.
- Green Onions (Divided): White parts cook for sweetness, dark parts finish for fresh brightness and color.
- Lean Ground Chicken or Turkey: A tender protein base that soaks up all those seasonings.
- Broccoli Slaw Mix: This saves a ton of prep time and adds texture with shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Optional Toppings (Black Sesame Seeds, Sriracha, Avocado, Cilantro): These give you layers of contrast—spicy, creamy, and fresh.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about this Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to spice it up, use turkey instead, or add more veggies, the base is just a jumping-off point.
- Variation: I sometimes swap ground chicken with turkey or even ground pork, depending on what’s in my fridge. It changes the flavor profile just enough to keep things interesting!
- More Veggies: Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a splash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes really wakes up the taste buds.
- Vegetarian Version: Try swapping the meat for crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use tamari instead of coconut aminos for that richer soy flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce Together
Start by combining coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and Chinese 5-spice powder in a small bowl. Whisk them until smooth and well blended, then set aside. This mix is where the magic starts!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add your oil (I usually use avocado oil here). Toss in the white and light green parts of the green onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. You'll notice the fragrance filling your kitchen—this step softens the onions and adds a subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to your skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as you cook it evenly for about 5-6 minutes. Keep stirring so it browns nicely and cooks through. You want it fully cooked but still juicy—no pink bits.
Step 4: Toss in the Slaw and Sauce
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add your broccoli slaw mix along with the sauce you whisked earlier. Stir everything to coat the veggies and chicken. Cook it for around 6-7 minutes until the slaw is crisp-tender. If you like it softer, just cook a little longer.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in the dark green parts of the chopped green onions for that fresh pop of color and flavor, then remove the pan from heat. Serve it straight from the skillet into bowls, and add any of your favorite toppings — I’m a sucker for black sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha.
Top Tip
In all my times preparing this Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe, I’ve found a few tricks that consistently make it shine. These tips help keep the chicken moist and the veggies perfectly tender.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches if needed keeps the chicken browning nicely instead of steaming.
- Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh always trump the ground version for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Reserve Dark Green Onion Parts: Add these only at the end to keep their fresh crunch and color.
- Mind the Slaw Cooking Time: Cook it until just tender-crisp to retain texture, avoiding sogginess.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I love topping mine with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness, a drizzle of sriracha to add heat, and fresh cilantro leaves for brightness. Sometimes, a few slices of creamy avocado take it to the next level.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is already loaded with veggies and protein, I usually keep sides light—a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame pairs perfectly. If you want to add some carbs, sticky jasmine rice on the side complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, I’ve served this recipe in lettuce cups—turning it into bite-sized wraps. Another favorite is layering it in individual bowls with different toppings laid out buffet-style so everyone can customize their own egg roll bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a fantastic next-day lunch. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture fresh.
Freezing
Freezing works, but I recommend skipping the fresh green onion garnish until after reheating. Portion the egg roll bowl into freezer-safe containers, and it should last about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to warm evenly and avoid drying out the chicken. You could also use a microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring in between. Adding a splash of water or a few drops of oil helps maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will give the dish a slightly different but still delicious flavor. Just make sure to cook it the same way until no longer pink.
Yes! Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce keeps the recipe both gluten-free and paleo. It’s also dairy-free and whole30 compliant, making it great for many special diets.
Definitely! Swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use tamari or soy sauce to keep the umami flavors. The broccoli slaw will still provide great texture and freshness.
If you don’t have Chinese 5-spice powder, you can use a pinch of cinnamon and ground star anise or ground cloves as a substitute. It’s optional but adds a lovely depth to the dish.
Final Thoughts
I always say this Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe is a game-changer because it’s simple but so full of umami and fresh flavors that you won’t miss the wrapper at all. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug — whether you’re feeding family after school or prepping dinner for yourself. You’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it, I promise!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and flavorful one-dish recipe that combines lean ground chicken or turkey with crunchy broccoli slaw, fresh ginger, garlic, and a savory sauce made from coconut aminos and toasted sesame oil. It offers all the great flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper, making it a healthier and low-carb option perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ½ cup coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 5 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 ½ tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- ½ teaspoon Chinese 5-spice powder
Main Ingredients
- 1–2 teaspoons avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil
- 8 green onions, sliced; white/light green and dark green parts separated
- 1 pound lean ground chicken or turkey (93% lean / 7% fat)
- 2 12-ounce bags broccoli slaw mix or coleslaw mix
Optional Toppings
- Black sesame seeds
- Sriracha
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese 5-spice powder. Whisk thoroughly to combine the flavors, then set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: Place a large skillet over medium heat and let it heat up. Add the oil of choice to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Add the white and light green parts of the sliced green onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook the ground meat: Add the ground chicken or turkey to the skillet. Use a large wooden spoon to break it up evenly. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add the slaw and sauce: Increase heat to medium-high, then add the broccoli slaw mix and the prepared sauce to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 6–7 minutes until the slaw becomes crisp-tender or reaches your desired texture, stirring occasionally to mix everything evenly.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the dark green parts of the green onions, then remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the egg roll bowl in individual bowls and garnish with optional toppings like black sesame seeds, sriracha, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro leaves as desired.
Notes
- This recipe is quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It's a versatile dish that meets multiple special diet requirements including Whole30, dairy-free, grain-free, gluten-free, egg-free, nut-free, and Paleo.
- You can substitute ground chicken with lean ground turkey or ground pork based on preference.
- If broccoli slaw is unavailable, use shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha or avocado to your taste for added spice or creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 263 calories
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 665 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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