Paleo Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that captures all the deliciousness of a traditional egg roll but without the wrapper or deep-frying. Instead, it features ground chicken sautéed with a variety of fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions, all cooked in a savory mixture of coconut aminos (a soy sauce alternative) and sesame oil. The result is a low-carb, Paleo-friendly dish that’s full of flavor and texture, with a slight crunch from the veggies and a savory umami from the seasonings.
I first made Paleo Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken when I was craving the flavors of egg rolls but wanted something lighter and quicker to prepare. It was a total hit! The chicken was tender, and the veggies brought just the right amount of crunch. What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to prepare—it takes just one pan and about 30 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s also highly customizable, so you can add or omit veggies depending on what you have on hand. This is a perfect healthy meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal prep
- Low-carb eating
- Paleo and Whole30 diets
- Anyone craving an egg roll without the frying
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Paleo Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken will become your go-to meal:
- Crispy and Savory: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of cabbage and vegetables without the deep frying.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean chicken and lots of veggies for a wholesome, protein-rich dish.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup, as everything is cooked in one skillet.
- Flavor Explosion: A delicious combination of ginger, garlic, and coconut aminos that creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Skip the carbs without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
- Customizable Veggies: Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on what you have on hand.
- Make-Ahead Meal: This dish is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- Paleo and Whole30-Friendly: Free of grains, dairy, and refined sugars, making it suitable for most special diets.
- Kid-Friendly: The savory, familiar flavors of egg rolls make this dish a hit with the whole family.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce if not paleo)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Cilantro leaves
Ingredient Highlights
- Coconut Aminos: A soy-free alternative to soy sauce, adding a rich umami flavor.
- Ground Chicken: A lean protein that takes on the flavors of the dish while remaining juicy.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the stir-fried vegetables.
- Shredded Cabbage: Gives the dish a satisfying crunch while being a healthy base.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and slightly wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season: Drizzle the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and sesame oil over the mixture. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Optional Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the pan and mix in.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, sesame oil, honey (if using), garlic powder, and ground ginger.
Assemble and Serve:
- Serve the Dish: Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked and well-seasoned, remove from heat.
- Drizzle Sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring to evenly coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Paleo Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken:
- On Its Own: Enjoy it as a hearty, flavorful main dish.
- With Cauliflower Rice: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb, veggie-packed meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple side salad for extra crunch and freshness.
- For Meal Prep: Portion out into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- With Avocado Slices: Add some creamy avocado on the side for a nice contrast to the savory flavors.
- As a Lettuce Wrap Filling: Serve in lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld meal.
- With Coconut Rice: If not following paleo, pair with coconut-infused rice for a rich side.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Top with some tangy pickled vegetables for extra flavor.
- As a Topping for Zucchini Noodles: Serve on top of zucchini noodles for a noodle-free option.
- With a Squeeze of Lime: Add a fresh squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.
Additional Tips
- Shred the Vegetables Fine: This will help them cook faster and mimic the texture of a traditional egg roll.
- Add More Protein: If you prefer a more protein-packed dish, you can add shrimp or pork in place of chicken.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to add more coconut aminos or sesame oil to suit your taste.
- Make it Sweet or Spicy: Add more honey for sweetness or red pepper flakes for spice, depending on your preference.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve this dish right after cooking.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Beef Option: Use ground beef or turkey for a different protein base.
- Add More Veggies: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a veggie-packed dish.
- Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- No Soy Option: Use liquid aminos or tamari if you need to avoid soy altogether.
- Crunchy Topping: Top with some crushed nuts (like cashews) or crispy bacon bits for a crunchy contrast.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok: For easy stir-frying and even cooking of the chicken and vegetables.
- Grater or Food Processor: For quickly shredding the cabbage and carrots.
- Small Mixing Bowl: For preparing the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients in the skillet.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with ground turkey, beef, pork, or even tofu. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken and vegetable mixture can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. - Can I use a different oil for cooking?
Yes, you can use avocado oil or another high-heat cooking oil if preferred. - Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. - How do I keep the cabbage crunchy?
Stir-fry the cabbage until just tender to maintain some of its crunch. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. - Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, pre-shredded cabbage will save time and still work well in the recipe. - Can I add noodles to this dish?
Yes, you can serve this over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option. - Can I use soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?
Yes, if not following paleo, soy sauce can be used as a substitute for coconut aminos.
Conclusion
Paleo Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken is a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional egg rolls, minus the wrapper! This dish features ground chicken sautéed with a mix of crunchy vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, all seasoned with a savory blend of garlic, ginger, coconut aminos (as a soy sauce alternative), and a bit of sesame oil for a rich, umami flavor. The result is a delicious, veggie-packed, and protein-rich meal that’s light but satisfying.
The beauty of this dish is its versatility—you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or even add toppings like sesame seeds, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat. It’s a perfect meal for those following a paleo diet, offering all the flavors of an egg roll without the carbs, and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
I can’t wait to see how your Paleo Egg Roll in a Bowl with Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!