If you love the flavor of egg rolls but want a quicker, healthier, and low-carb alternative, this Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl is exactly what you need. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy all the taste of a classic egg roll without the deep-fried wrapper. This stir-fry is packed with ground chicken, fresh cabbage, carrots, and a savory soy-ginger sauce, delivering a bowl full of texture, flavor, and nutrition.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a light lunch, this dish is simple, flexible, and endlessly customizable. Serve it with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a fast, flavorful dinner, this recipe delivers all the crunch, sweetness, and umami of an egg roll in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Healthier than traditional egg rolls: No deep frying, less oil, more vegetables.
- Packed with protein: Ground chicken provides lean protein for a filling meal.
- Full of texture: Cabbage, carrots, and optional veggies give satisfying crunch.
- Customizable: Add extra vegetables or adjust sauces to taste.
- Meal prep-friendly: Keeps well in the fridge or freezer for easy lunches.
Ingredients Breakdown
Main Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons sesame oil, or to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste
- 1 pound ground chicken (substitute ground turkey or pork if desired)
- 1 small sweet Vidalia yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Vegetables
- 1 16-ounce bag coleslaw mix (shredded green cabbage and carrots)
Sauce and Seasoning
- ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce, or as desired
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt, optional and to taste
Garnishes (Optional)
- About 3 green onions, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce for serving
This combination creates a balanced flavor: savory, slightly sweet, with a hint of spice and aroma from sesame and ginger.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok: For stir-frying chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping onions, garlic, and optional veggies.
- Measuring spoons and cups: To ensure consistent seasoning.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and combining ingredients.
- Serving bowls: For a visually appealing presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat the sesame oil and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook 4–5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula and stirring intermittently until fully cooked.
2. Add the Onions
Add the diced sweet onion to the skillet and cook about 5 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The onions add natural sweetness and flavor to the dish.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and ground ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step infuses the chicken and vegetables with classic Asian-inspired flavor.
4. Add Cabbage and Carrots
Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet. While it may look like a lot at first, it wilts quickly as it cooks.
Evenly drizzle soy sauce over the mixture, season with black pepper and salt (if using), and stir to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring intermittently, until the cabbage and carrots are tender but still slightly crisp.
Tip: Extra vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas can be added to increase fiber, nutrients, and volume.
5. Garnish and Serve
Evenly sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with optional hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce for added flavor. Pair the stir-fry with steamed or cauliflower rice and a green salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Tips & Variations
Protein Substitutions
- Ground turkey or pork can replace chicken for different flavor or preference.
- Plant-based crumbles make it vegetarian-friendly.
Veggie Boost
- Add broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini to boost nutrition.
- Carrots in the coleslaw mix can be swapped or supplemented with shredded sweet potato for sweetness.
Sauce Adjustments
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Add a drizzle of hoisin, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce for extra depth and spice.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper or sesame oil at the end for an aromatic finish.
Cooking Tips
- Stir intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Avoid overcooking the cabbage to maintain its crunch and color.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Microwave for 30 seconds or until warm, or heat gently on the stovetop.
- Meal Prep Tip: Make extra portions and pair with rice or quinoa for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Flavor Profile & Pairings
This dish has a savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor profile, combining:
- Umami from soy sauce and chicken
- Sweetness from onions and carrots
- Warm notes from sesame oil and ginger
- Crunch from cabbage and optional fresh vegetables
Serving Suggestions
- Over steamed jasmine, basmati, or brown rice
- With cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Accompanied by a green salad or simple Asian-style vegetables
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cabbage should remain slightly crisp.
- Skipping the garlic/ginger step: These aromatics are key for flavor.
- Not stirring: Occasional stirring prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Too much soy sauce at the start: Start with ½ cup and adjust to taste.
FAQs
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas are great additions.
Can I use other proteins?
Ground turkey, pork, or plant-based crumbles all work well.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes! Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to reduce carbs.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Can it be frozen?
Yes, up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently before serving.
Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 5 minutes |
| Cook | 10 minutes |
| Total | 15 minutes |
Ingredient Spotlight
Ground Chicken
A lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs sauces beautifully. It’s perfect for fast stir-fry dishes like this.
Cabbage
Shredded cabbage adds bulk, crunch, and fiber. Wilts quickly while retaining texture, making it perfect for egg roll-inspired bowls.
Ginger & Garlic
These aromatics bring signature Asian-inspired flavors that are bold, fragrant, and essential for depth.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 271 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 98 mg |
| Sodium | 1508 mg |
| Potassium | 777 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 4 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
| Calcium | 49 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Dietary Notes: High-protein, low-carb, gluten-free if soy sauce is gluten-free, family-friendly.
Expanded Conclusion
The Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl is a fast, flavorful, and nutritious alternative to traditional egg rolls. With ground chicken, cabbage, carrots, and Asian-inspired aromatics, it delivers the crunch, sweetness, and umami you love—all without frying.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you want a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. Add extra vegetables, customize sauces, and pair with rice or cauliflower rice to make it your own.
This recipe proves you can enjoy the taste of an egg roll in minutes, in a bowl, with minimal effort, maximum flavor, and wholesome ingredients.
Print
Chicken Egg Roll Bowls
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional egg rolls. Ground chicken stir-fried with cabbage, carrots, garlic, and ginger, served over rice or cauliflower rice, and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1–2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey/pork)
- 1 small Vidalia yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 16 oz coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oils in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook 4-5 minutes, crumbling as you go.
- Add onion and cook 5 minutes until tender.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add coleslaw mix and drizzle with soy sauce, season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes until cabbage is wilted.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional sauces. Serve immediately with rice or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Store leftovers airtight in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
- Optional: add extra vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or pea pods for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired



