why make this recipe
Protein Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal. They are packed with protein from the ground chicken, making them a great option for those who want to boost their protein intake. This dish is not only tasty but also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, the combination of hot sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a deliciously spicy and sweet flavor that is hard to resist.
how to make Protein Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken (93% lean)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Set this sauce aside.
- Heat the cooking oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet and break it apart. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the prepared firecracker sauce and stir well to coat all the chicken. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- While the chicken simmers, cook the jasmine rice according to the package instructions and fluff it with a fork.
- To assemble the bowls, scoop rice onto a plate, top it with the saucy chicken, green onions, and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, high-protein bowl!
how to serve Protein Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls
To serve Protein Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls, simply place the cooked jasmine rice in a bowl. Next, add the saucy ground chicken on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. You can also serve extra hot sauce on the side for those who like additional heat.
how to store Protein Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls
To store leftovers, allow the bowls to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, make sure to heat thoroughly either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
tips to make Protein Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls
- For added crunch, consider adding diced bell peppers or cucumbers to the bowls.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference.
- If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a little longer until it reduces further.
variation
You can easily switch the ground chicken for ground turkey or beef, based on your personal preference. Additionally, feel free to use brown rice instead of jasmine rice for a healthier option.
FAQs
1. Can I use cooked chicken instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken for this recipe. Just make sure to shred or chop it into small pieces and heat it with the firecracker sauce to combine flavors.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and rice in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to eat.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan hot sauce to make it vegetarian-friendly.

Protein Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Set this sauce aside.
- Heat the cooking oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet and break it apart. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the prepared firecracker sauce and stir well to coat all the chicken. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- While the chicken simmers, cook the jasmine rice according to the package instructions and fluff it with a fork.
- To assemble the bowls, scoop rice onto a plate, top it with the saucy chicken, green onions, and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, high-protein bowl!
