If you love the flavor of classic egg rolls but do not want the deep frying, wrappers, or extra prep time, this egg roll bowl with chicken and cabbage is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It delivers everything you crave, savory chicken, tender cabbage, garlic, ginger, and that irresistible sesame-soy flavor, all in one quick skillet meal.
This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you need something fast, filling, and satisfying. It is ready in about 10 minutes, uses simple pantry ingredients, and keeps cleanup minimal with just one pan. Whether you are feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just cooking for yourself, this bowl fits right into a realistic schedule.
Let’s make a dinner that tastes like takeout, but feels homemade, fresh, and comforting.
Table of Contents
A Fast Skillet Dinner That Truly Delivers
There are nights when you need a recipe that works without extra thought. This chicken egg roll bowl is one of those reliable, no-fuss meals.
Instead of stuffing filling into wrappers and frying, everything cooks together in a skillet. The cabbage softens just enough to stay slightly crisp. The ground chicken absorbs garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. A drizzle of sesame oil at the end ties it all together with deep, toasty flavor.
It is light but filling. Simple but bold. Fast but satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is everything required for this easy egg roll bowl with chicken and cabbage. Exact measurements are included for consistent results.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced (about ½ medium head)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Extra sliced green onions
- Sriracha or chili sauce
- Cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect chicken egg roll bowl in just minutes.
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and allow it to warm for about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add 1 pound ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and black pepper.
Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger directly into the cooked chicken.
Stir continuously for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
Step 4: Add Cabbage and Carrots
Add 4 cups sliced cabbage and 1 cup shredded carrots to the skillet.
Stir well to combine with the chicken mixture. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should soften but still retain a slight crunch.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if using.
Stir everything thoroughly and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Stir in sliced green onions.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot on its own or over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired.
Flavor Variations to Try
This egg roll bowl is incredibly flexible. You can adapt it to fit your preferences or what you have in the fridge.
Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or ground beef.
Add thinly sliced mushrooms for extra depth.
Stir in bean sprouts at the end for more crunch.
Add a splash of hoisin sauce for slightly sweeter flavor.
Mix in scrambled eggs for a heartier bowl.
Keep the base structure the same and customize to your taste.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
Use a large skillet so the cabbage cooks evenly and does not steam too much.
Do not overcook the cabbage. Slight texture makes the bowl more satisfying.
Grate fresh ginger instead of using powdered for better flavor.
Taste before adding extra salt because soy sauce already contains sodium.
Prep all ingredients before turning on the heat. This recipe moves quickly.
Storage and Meal Prep
This chicken egg roll bowl stores beautifully.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
You can portion into meal prep containers with rice or cauliflower rice for easy lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make egg roll bowls ahead of time?
Yes. This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Cook everything completely, allow it to cool, then portion into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating. The flavors often deepen slightly after resting, making leftovers just as delicious.
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of cabbage?
Absolutely. A 16-ounce bag of coleslaw mix works perfectly and saves prep time. Most mixes include shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots, which add extra color and texture. Just add it directly to the skillet as you would fresh cabbage and cook until slightly tender but still crisp.
Is this egg roll bowl low carb?
Yes, when served on its own or over cauliflower rice. The primary ingredients, ground chicken, cabbage, carrots, garlic, and ginger, are naturally lower in carbohydrates. If you want to reduce carbs further, you can slightly decrease the carrots or choose a reduced-sodium soy sauce without added sugars.
Can I freeze this recipe?
You can freeze it, but the cabbage may soften more after thawing. For best results, allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to restore texture as much as possible.
What sauce goes well on top?
A drizzle of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or extra soy sauce works beautifully. Some people enjoy a light sesame dressing or a splash of rice vinegar for brightness. If you prefer a creamier topping, a small spoonful of spicy mayo made with mayonnaise and a touch of sriracha adds richness.
Can I make this with ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Yes. Ground turkey is a seamless substitute and keeps the flavor profile very similar. Ground beef adds a richer, slightly heavier taste. If using beef, you may want to drain excess fat after browning to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
How do I keep the cabbage from becoming soggy?
Cook the cabbage over medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet. Stir occasionally but do not cover the pan. Cooking uncovered allows excess moisture to evaporate, helping the cabbage stay tender yet slightly crisp.
Can I add eggs like traditional egg roll filling?
Yes. If you would like to include eggs, push the chicken and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet after cooking. Crack 1 or 2 eggs into the empty side, scramble gently, then fold them into the mixture before serving. This adds extra protein and richness.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mild. The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your preference. If serving children or those sensitive to heat, you can omit the flakes and allow individuals to add spice at the table.
What can I serve with egg roll bowls?
This dish is satisfying on its own, but it pairs well with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even a simple cucumber salad for freshness. For a fuller dinner spread, serve alongside dumplings or a light Asian-inspired soup.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the ground chicken with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives. Be sure to season well, as tofu absorbs flavor best when cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
How do I boost the flavor even more?
Try adding a splash of hoisin sauce for sweetness, a squeeze of lime for brightness, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness. Fresh chopped cilantro or extra green onions also enhance the final flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a very large skillet or cook in batches. Overcrowding the pan can cause the cabbage to steam instead of sauté, which affects texture. Doubling works well for meal prep or feeding a larger family.
Why does my bowl taste too salty?
Soy sauce varies by brand. If the flavor feels too strong, balance it with a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice. Using low-sodium soy sauce from the start helps control salt levels.
How long does it take from start to finish?
With ingredients prepped and ready, this recipe takes about 10 minutes. If you need to slice cabbage and grate ginger from scratch, add an extra 5 minutes for preparation time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
Servings: 4
Calories: 290
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Sugar: 4g
Values may vary depending on brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
Egg Roll Bowls with Chicken and Cabbage prove that dinner does not have to be complicated to be delicious. With simple ingredients and just one skillet, you can create a meal that tastes comforting, flavorful, and fresh.
It is fast enough for busy weeknights, flexible enough for creative variations, and satisfying enough to feel like something special.
Once you make it, you will likely keep this recipe on repeat.
Now your kitchen smells amazing, dinner is ready, and cleanup will be easy. That is a win any night of the week.