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Low Calorie Meal Prep Firecracker Ground Chicken - Spicy, Sweet, and Weeknight Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground chicken (93% lean or leaner)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4–1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • 3 tbsp sriracha (or more if you like it extra spicy)
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1.5–2 tbsp honey (or use a zero-cal sweetener to reduce calories)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • Cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
  • Cauliflower rice for lower calories
  • Steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas
  • Cucumber slices or shredded cabbage for crunch (optional)

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chicken broth. In a separate cup, stir cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Set both aside.
  2. Heat the pan: Warm the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the aromatics: Add the white parts of the green onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown.
  4. Brown the chicken: Add the ground chicken, salt, and black pepper. Break it up with a spatula and cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink. Let it get a few browned bits for flavor.
  5. Spice it up: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preferred heat level.
  6. Add the sauce: Pour the firecracker sauce into the pan. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
  7. Thicken: Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and add it to the pan. Simmer 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce turns glossy and clings to the chicken.
  8. Taste and adjust: Add a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar if needed. If you want more heat, a little extra sriracha now is perfect.
  9. Finish: Stir in the green parts of the green onion. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like.
  10. Assemble your bowls: Portion into meal prep containers over rice or cauliflower rice with your veggie of choice.