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Firecracker Ground Chicken: A Beginner’s Guide to Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinners

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Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting! This Firecracker Ground Chicken with broccoli is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Imagine tender ground chicken and crisp broccoli coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, all ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! This easy recipe is ideal for beginner cooks, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce (mild or spicy)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated or minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

    1. Prepare the Firecracker Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, honey, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, grated or minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined. Whisking ensures that all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and emulsified. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the other ingredients. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    1. Sauté the Onion: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. A wok is ideal for stir-frying because of its sloped sides, but a large skillet will also work well. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant and slightly softened. Sautéing the onion first adds a depth of flavor to the stir-fry and creates a base for the other ingredients. You want the onion to be translucent but not browned.

    1. Cook the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or meat chopper. Breaking up the ground chicken ensures that it cooks evenly and prevents it from clumping together. Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through. The chicken should no longer be pink and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.

    1. Add the Broccoli and Seasonings: Add the chopped broccoli, paprika (sweet or smoked), salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the chicken. Stirring ensures that the broccoli is evenly coated with the seasonings and that it cooks evenly. You can adjust the amount of paprika, salt, and pepper to your liking.

    1. Add the Firecracker Sauce: Pour the prepared firecracker sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Tossing the ingredients in the sauce ensures that everything is flavorful and that the sauce thickens slightly as it cooks. Bring the sauce to a simmer. .

    1. Cook and Thicken: Cook the stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the broccoli reaches your desired level of tenderness and the sauce has thickened slightly. You can cook the broccoli for a longer or shorter time depending on how soft you like it. If you like your broccoli crisp-tender, cook it for a shorter time. If you prefer it softer, cook it for a longer time. The sauce will thicken as it simmers.

    1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the stir-fry with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The green onions add a fresh, mild oniony flavor, while the sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a subtle crunch. Serve the firecracker ground chicken with broccoli over steamed rice (white or brown), noodles (such as lo mein or chow mein), quinoa (for a healthier option), or in lettuce wraps (for a low-carb or lighter option). You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, such as carrots or snap peas.

Notes

  • Use pre-chopped broccoli for a faster meal.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce for desired spice level.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan.
  • Serve with your favorite sides.

Find it online: https://marcelarecipes.com/firecracker-ground-chicken-a-beginners-guide-to-flavor-packed-weeknight-dinners/