Name: General Tso’s Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup coconut aminos; 2 tbsp rice vinegar (substitute apple cider vinegar for grain-free); 2 tbsp chicken broth; 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses (substitute hoisin sauce); 1 tsp coconut sugar; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp ginger powder; 2 tsp arrowroot starch; Salt and pepper, omit pepper for AIP; 1 tbsp avocado oil; 1 ½ cups broccoli florets; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lb ground chicken; 2 tbsp green onion, sliced; 3 cups cauliflower rice, cooked (or steamed rice)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving something savory, comforting, and packed with flavor, you have to try this General Tso’s Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe. It takes the classic bold and slightly sweet General Tso’s flavors and marries them with tender ground chicken and crisp broccoli, all served over fluffy cauliflower or steamed rice. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner solution that is quick to make, satisfying, and will quickly become one of those meals you can’t wait to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of small green broccoli pieces scattered inside a white frying pan. The broccoli pieces have a mix of dark green tree-like tops and lighter green stalks with a slightly soft texture. The pan's smooth white surface contrasts with the rough texture of the broccoli. The background shows a blurred white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet incredibly important, each playing a crucial role in balancing the taste, texture, and color of the bowls. From the bright tanginess of rice vinegar to the subtle sweetness of blackstrap molasses, every element adds a unique touch to this General Tso’s Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe.

⅓ cup coconut aminos: A delicious soy sauce alternative that adds savory umami with less sodium.
2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a mild acidity that brightens the sauce perfectly.
2 tbsp chicken broth: It deepens the flavor and keeps the sauce luscious.
1 tbsp blackstrap molasses: Adds a rich, complex sweetness—hoisin sauce works as a substitute if you prefer.
1 tsp coconut sugar: Balances the tart and savory notes with subtle sweetness.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth essential for that signature flavor.
½ tsp ginger powder: Gives a gentle spicy zing that perks up every bite.
2 tsp arrowroot starch: Thickens the sauce into a perfect glaze for the chicken and veggies.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings, but omit pepper if following an AIP diet.
1 tbsp avocado oil: A healthy oil with a high smoke point for sautéing.
1 ½ cup broccoli florets: Adds crunch, vibrant green color, and nutrition.
1 lb ground chicken: The hearty protein base that soaks up all that flavorful sauce.
2 tbsp green onion, sliced: A fresh garnish that adds a mild onion bite and color contrast.
3 cups cauliflower rice (or steamed rice): The perfect fluffy base to serve the saucy chicken and broccoli.

How to Make General Tso’s Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by mixing all the ingredients for the General Tso’s sauce in a bowl: coconut aminos, rice vinegar, chicken broth, blackstrap molasses, coconut sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, arrowroot starch, and seasoning. Whisk until smooth and set aside to let the flavors meld together while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli

Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the broccoli florets. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they are bright green and just tender but still have a nice crisp bite. This texture contrast is a key part of what makes the bowls so enjoyable. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Chicken

In the same pan, add the ground chicken and crumble it into small pieces. Cook until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked through, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, but remember that the sauce will add extra seasoning too.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer with Sauce

Return the sautéed broccoli to the pan with the chicken, then pour the prepared sauce over everything. Lower the heat to low and stir constantly to allow the sauce to thicken and coat every morsel of chicken and broccoli. This process takes a few minutes but is totally worth it to get that sticky, flavorful glaze that defines this dish.

Step 5: Serve with Rice and Garnish

Dish out the saucy chicken and broccoli over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Finish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions for freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting.

How to Serve General Tso’s Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe

A white bowl filled with two main layers: on the left side, a layer of steamed white rice with a soft, fluffy texture and bright white color; on the right side, a layer of finely crumbled cooked ground meat mixed with vibrant green broccoli florets, both coated lightly with a brown sauce that gives a glossy look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a beige cloth and chopsticks slightly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like chopped green onions is my go-to because they offer a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the rich sauce. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or add thinly sliced red chilies if you like a bit of heat. These small touches elevate the dish from good to truly irresistible.

Side Dishes

While these bowls are a meal on their own, pairing them with crisp side dishes like a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad or roasted snap peas really complements the flavors. Light, fresh sides help balance the savory depth of the General Tso’s sauce and keep the meal feeling vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the General Tso’s Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe in lettuce cups for a handheld delight, or drizzle extra sauce on top paired with avocado slices for creaminess. Packed into bento boxes, these bowls make an excellent, portable lunch full of exciting flavors that stay delicious even reheated.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the sauce thickens nicely, the flavors will deepen, making leftovers even tastier. Simply keep the rice separate if possible to avoid it getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to prepare meals in advance, General Tso’s Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the bowls gently in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute heat and loosen up the sauce. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground pork make great alternatives if you prefer a different flavor or texture. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure your protein is fully cooked.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, it can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free coconut aminos and double-check your chicken broth. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities who still want to enjoy bold flavors.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Definitely! The recipe as is has a mild sweetness and tang, but feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or some chopped fresh chili to suit your heat preference.

What’s the best rice option to pair with this dish?

Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb, grain-free choice with a neutral flavor that complements the sauce well. Traditional steamed jasmine or white rice works beautifully too, soaking up the sauce for a classic experience.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

It sure is! The sauce is sweet and savory without overwhelming spice, making it popular with kids and adults alike. You can always adjust seasoning to match your family’s palate.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this General Tso’s Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe feels like sharing a little slice of comfort and joy from my kitchen to yours. It’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how fast it becomes a family favorite too!