Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken – Fast, Healthy & Budget-Friendly Meal

Total Cooking Time: ~25 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy, one-pan dinner

If you love the savory, slightly sweet, deeply satisfying flavors of a classic egg roll but want something lighter, faster, and far more practical for everyday cooking, this Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken is exactly what you need. It has all the familiar elements—tender chicken, garlicky aromatics, savory soy sauce, and crisp-tender cabbage—without the wrapper, the frying, or the mess. The result is a skillet full of warm, comforting goodness that smells incredible as it cooks and tastes even better with every bite.

This dish is special because it hits so many boxes at once. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, healthy without feeling restrictive, and made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The texture is one of its biggest strengths: juicy chicken, softened cabbage with just a little crunch left, and a glossy sauce that coats everything beautifully. It’s satisfying but not heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Egg Roll in a Bowl is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a quick lunch that reheats well. It’s naturally low-carb, high in protein, and easy to scale up for families. Each serving averages around 400–500 calories, depending on oil and sauce amounts, making it a smart, balanced option that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or flavor.

Key Ingredients

This recipe relies on simple ingredients that work together to create bold flavor and satisfying texture without extra cost or effort.

Ground Chicken – Lean, affordable protein that absorbs flavor beautifully.
Neutral Cooking Oil (Avocado or Vegetable) – Helps brown the chicken and sauté aromatics evenly.
Green Cabbage – The main bulk of the dish; tender, slightly sweet, and budget-friendly.
Carrots – Add natural sweetness, color, and subtle crunch.
Yellow Onion – Builds savory depth as it softens.
Garlic – Essential for that classic egg roll aroma and flavor.
Fresh Ginger – Adds warmth and brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Soy Sauce or Tamari – Provides salty, umami-rich backbone.
Sesame Oil – A small amount adds signature toasted flavor.
Rice Vinegar – Brings balance and light acidity.
Salt – Enhances and rounds out all flavors.
Black Pepper – Adds gentle heat and depth.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For a touch of spice.
Green Onions – Fresh, mild onion flavor for finishing.
Sesame Seeds (Optional) – Add nutty crunch and visual appeal.

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How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)

Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil and let it heat until shimmering. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned, with no pink remaining. Season lightly with salt and black pepper as it cooks.

Once the chicken is cooked, push it to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion to the empty space and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. At first it may look like a lot, but it will wilt down quickly. Stir everything together and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite. You’re looking for softened leaves with just a bit of texture, not mushy vegetables.

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce lightly glosses the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a minute. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for freshness and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Egg Roll in a Bowl is wonderfully flexible when it comes to serving, making it easy to fit into different routines and preferences. The simplest option is to serve it straight from the skillet into bowls while it’s hot and fragrant. The glossy cabbage, tender chicken, and pops of green onion make it visually appealing with almost no effort. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a dash of chili sauce on top can elevate the presentation and flavor instantly.

For families or casual dinners, consider serving it family-style with a large bowl in the center of the table. This encourages relaxed, help-yourself dining and makes it easy to adjust portion sizes. You can also offer optional toppings like extra soy sauce, sriracha, or crushed peanuts so everyone can customize their bowl. For kids, serving it with a small side of rice can make it more familiar and filling without changing the core dish.

If you’re using this recipe for meal prep, portion it into individual containers and keep it simple. It works great on its own or paired with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For those who want a bit more substance, serving it over jasmine rice or inside lettuce cups creates variety without extra work. No matter how you serve it, this dish stays comforting, fresh, and satisfying.

Storage + Meal Prep

Egg Roll in a Bowl is an excellent choice for leftovers and meal prep because it holds up well in the refrigerator and reheats easily. Once cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making day-two servings especially delicious.

This dish can also be frozen, though it’s best done carefully. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Because cabbage releases moisture, the texture may soften slightly after thawing, but the flavor will remain strong. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring halfway through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the texture. For best flavor, add fresh green onions or sesame seeds after reheating rather than storing them with the dish. This small step makes leftovers taste freshly made instead of reheated.

Conclusion

Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken is proof that fast, healthy, and budget-friendly meals don’t have to be boring. With one pan, simple ingredients, and bold flavors, it delivers everything you love about takeout-style comfort food in a lighter, more practical form. It’s warm, savory, and deeply satisfying without being heavy or complicated.

This is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a regular in your rotation because it’s reliable, flexible, and easy to customize. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just trying to get dinner on the table without stress, this dish fits the moment per

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