Easy & Healthy Chicken Spring Roll Jars: Your Ultimate Grab-and-Go Meal Prep Solution
These Quick & Easy Chicken Spring Roll Jars are designed to be the perfect grab-and-go lunch, packed with savory ground chicken, crisp fresh vegetables, and a delightful sweet chili sauce for an irresistible flavor kick. Say goodbye to soggy lunches and hello to vibrant, fresh flavors whenever you’re ready to eat!
Transform your lunchtime routine with these convenient and utterly delicious Chicken Spring Roll Jars. They offer a fun, mess-free, and incredibly flavorful way to enjoy all the classic tastes of traditional spring rolls, but without any of the tedious rolling or frying. Simply grab a jar from your fridge, give it a good shake to combine the layers, or pour its contents into a bowl, and you’re instantly ready to savor a wholesome and satisfying meal. These Asian-inspired mason jar meals are not only quick to prepare but also brilliant for meal prepping, ensuring you have healthy options readily available throughout your busy week.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Meal Prep Recipe
- No Rolling Required: Enjoy all the incredible flavors and textures of a classic spring roll without the fuss. This innovative mason jar assembly method eliminates the need for any complicated wrapping, making the process quick, easy, and completely mess-free. It’s perfect for busy individuals who crave delicious, fresh food without the extra effort.
- Customizable and Flavor-Packed: This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables, preferred protein, or varying levels of spice. Whether you’re aiming for a vegetarian option, a spicier kick, or just using up what’s in your fridge, these jars can be tailored to suit your taste and dietary needs, always delivering a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Ideal for Meal Prepping: Prepare several jars at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have healthy, homemade lunches ready for up to five days. The layering technique ensures that all ingredients remain fresh and crisp until you’re ready to enjoy them, making it a fantastic solution for staying on track with your healthy eating goals.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with lean protein, fresh crunchy vegetables, and delicate rice noodles, these spring roll jars offer a well-balanced meal. They’re a smart choice for anyone looking for a wholesome lunch that’s low in unhealthy fats, high in fiber, and bursting with nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day.
- Portable and Convenient: Mason jars are perfectly designed for transportation. These self-contained meals are excellent for taking to work, school, or on picnics. No need for multiple containers or elaborate packing – just screw on the lid and go!
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Essential Ingredients and Easy Substitutions
Crafting these delicious Chicken Spring Roll Jars is surprisingly simple, and many of the ingredients can be easily swapped based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some helpful substitutions:
- Sesame oil: This oil provides a distinct nutty flavor that is characteristic of Asian cuisine. If you don’t have sesame oil, any neutral cooking oil like olive, avocado, or canola oil will work well to sauté your protein and vegetables.
- Ground chicken: A fantastic lean protein choice for this recipe. You can easily substitute it with other ground meats such as ground turkey for a similar lean profile, ground pork for a richer flavor, or even ground beef for a heartier jar.
- Soy sauce: Essential for that savory umami depth. For those avoiding gluten, tamari is a perfect gluten-free alternative, offering a similar taste. Coconut aminos also work as a soy-free and gluten-free option, with a slightly sweeter and milder flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic punch, enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken. However, if you’re in a hurry, jarred minced garlic can be used as a convenient substitute.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a bright, zesty warmth. If fresh ginger isn’t available, a good quality ground ginger can be used, though you might need to adjust the quantity to taste as its flavor is more concentrated.
- Coleslaw mix: Using a pre-packaged coleslaw mix makes preparation incredibly fast. Alternatively, you can create your own vibrant mix by shredding fresh cabbage, carrots, and radishes, which allows for customization of textures and colors.
- Sweet chili sauce: This sauce gives the spring rolls their signature sweet and spicy kick. If you’re looking for alternatives, plum sauce offers a sweeter profile, while a mix of soy sauce and a dash of sriracha can create a similar sweet-savory-spicy balance.
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and cooling element to the jars. If you don’t have any cucumber, feel free to omit it altogether, or substitute with other hydrating veggies like jicama or water chestnuts for crunch.
- Red pepper: Provides a sweet flavor and beautiful color. Any other color bell pepper, such as yellow or orange, would be a great substitute and maintain a similar flavor and texture profile.
- Rice stick vermicelli noodles: These delicate noodles form the perfect base for the jars. Plain rice noodles or pre-cooked Cantonese noodles are excellent alternatives, offering slightly different textures while still fitting the Asian flavor profile.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish with its distinctive herbaceous notes. If cilantro isn’t to your liking, fresh parsley can offer a somewhat similar fresh, green taste, or you can simply leave the cilantro out completely.
- Sesame seeds: Used for garnish, sesame seeds add a pleasant texture and a final nutty touch. Poppy seeds or hemp seeds can also be used as a garnish for a different visual and textural appeal.
Crafting Your Delicious Chicken Spring Roll Jars
Creating these vibrant and healthy Chicken Spring Roll Jars is straightforward, making them perfect for your weekly meal prep. Follow these simple steps to assemble your convenient grab-and-go lunches:
Step 1: Cook the Ground Chicken.
Begin by heating a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground chicken (or chosen protein) and two tablespoons of soy sauce, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to brown. Then, incorporate the minced garlic and fresh ginger, stirring well to infuse the chicken with these fragrant aromatics. Continue to cook for another 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 2: Sauté the Coleslaw.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the coleslaw mix along with two teaspoons of soy sauce. Sauté the coleslaw for 2-3 minutes, just until it begins to soften slightly but still retains a pleasant crunch. This quick sauté enhances the flavor and makes the cabbage more palatable.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles.
While the coleslaw is cooking, prepare your rice stick vermicelli noodles according to the package directions. These noodles typically cook very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Once cooked, drain them immediately and rinse thoroughly with cold water to prevent them from sticking together. A tiny drizzle of neutral oil can also help keep them separate and ready for layering.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve.
Now it’s time to assemble your beautiful spring roll jars! Start by dividing the sweet chili sauce evenly among the bottoms of four medium-sized mason jars (approximately 16oz each), which amounts to about two tablespoons per jar. Next, layer the cooked chicken, followed by the sautéed coleslaw, then the fresh cucumber matchsticks and sliced red pepper. Finally, top with the prepared vermicelli noodles, a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro (and optionally mint or basil), and sesame seeds. Add extra soy sauce or sriracha to taste if desired. These jars are now ready to be enjoyed or stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making meal prep a breeze!
Recipe Tips and Exciting Variations
These Chicken Spring Roll Jars are not just easy to make, but they are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative and customize them to your liking. Here are a few fun and delicious ideas to switch things up and keep your meal prep exciting:
- Turn Up the Heat: For those who love a spicy kick, don’t hesitate to add extra heat! Incorporate a drizzle of sriracha directly into the jar, mix in some fiery Sambal Oelek with your chicken, or sprinkle in fresh sliced jalapeños or red chili flakes when layering your ingredients.
- Mix Up the Protein: While ground chicken is fantastic, this recipe welcomes other proteins. Experiment with ground turkey for a leaner option, ground pork for a richer flavor, or for a delightful vegetarian or vegan version, try crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even shelled edamame beans for added protein and texture.
- Add Extra Crunch and Nutrients: Boost the fiber and vitamin content by tossing in more of your favorite crisp vegetables. Snap peas, thinly sliced mushrooms, shredded bok choy, or even finely diced water chestnuts can add wonderful texture and additional flavor dimensions.
- Switch the Base: Rice stick vermicelli noodles are classic, but feel free to change the base. Cooked brown rice offers a heartier, gluten-free alternative, while ramen noodles (cooked and cooled) can provide a different chewiness. You could even use spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Master the Layering Technique: The secret to a non-soggy meal prep jar lies in the layering. Always place your dressing or sauce at the very bottom. Follow with your cooked protein and heartier, less absorbent vegetables. Delicate fresh greens and noodles should go near the top, creating a barrier that keeps them from getting soggy until you’re ready to shake and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Roll Jars
Got questions about making and enjoying these convenient Chicken Spring Roll Jars? We’ve got answers to ensure your meal prep is a success!
Can I enjoy these jars warm or cold?
Absolutely! The beauty of these spring roll jars is their versatility. You can definitely enjoy them cold for maximum crunch and a refreshing taste, especially on a warm day. If you prefer a warm meal, simply remove the fresh cucumber and cilantro, then microwave the remaining contents (chicken, noodles, coleslaw) for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Then, add the fresh veggies back in and mix.
Can I wrap up the chicken jars and bring them to work?
Yes, that’s precisely what they’re designed for! These jars are specifically created to be the ultimate grab-and-go lunch. They are perfectly self-contained, eliminating the need for any separate containers, making them incredibly convenient for packing in your lunch bag and taking to work, school, or anywhere you need a quick, healthy meal.
What’s the best way to keep rice noodles from sticking before eating?
To ensure your rice noodles remain perfectly separate and easy to mix when you’re ready to eat, there are a couple of key tricks. First, immediately after cooking and draining the noodles, rinse them thoroughly with cold water. This stops the cooking process and washes away excess starch. Second, toss them with a tiny bit of neutral cooking oil (like sesame or avocado oil) before layering them into the jars. This light coating will prevent them from clumping together over time.
What to Serve with These Flavorful Spring Roll Jars
These chicken spring roll jars are wonderfully satisfying and truly stand alone as a complete meal due to their balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fresh vegetables. However, if you’re hosting or simply looking to expand your meal with complementary flavors and textures, here are some excellent options that pair beautifully with the Asian-inspired profile of the jars:
- Miso Soup or Broth-Based Soup: A light, warm miso soup or any clear broth-based soup would offer a comforting and traditional Asian accompaniment, balancing the fresh crunch of the jars. It’s perfect for adding a little extra warmth to your meal.
- Light and Fresh Salads: While the jars already contain plenty of veggies, a side salad can offer additional freshness and variety. Consider a vibrant kale salad or a crisp brussels sprout salad with a zesty vinaigrette. You could also explore other mason jar salad recipes for even more meal prep variety.
- Edamame Pods: Steamed and lightly salted edamame pods make a simple, healthy, and protein-rich snack or appetizer that fits perfectly with the Asian theme.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: For a refreshing finish, a platter of tropical fruits like mango slices, pineapple chunks, or lychees would cleanse the palate beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat for Optimal Freshness
One of the greatest advantages of these Chicken Spring Roll Jars is their fantastic suitability for meal prepping. Here’s how to ensure they stay delicious and fresh for days:
Make-Ahead: You can confidently assemble these jars up to 4 days in advance. The careful layering of ingredients is key to preventing sogginess and maintaining freshness, making them an incredibly convenient option for a grab-and-go lunch throughout the work week. Simply prepare all components, layer them as instructed, and seal tightly.
Store: Always keep your assembled jars tightly sealed with their lids in the refrigerator. Stored correctly, they will maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to 4-5 days. Ensure the jars are completely cool before sealing and refrigerating to avoid condensation buildup.
Reheat: These spring roll jars are truly best enjoyed either cold or at room temperature, allowing the fresh vegetables to retain their crispness and the flavors to remain vibrant. However, if you prefer a warm component, you can easily remove just the cooked chicken from the jar and microwave it separately for 1-2 minutes until it reaches your desired temperature. Once warm, add it back to the jar with the cool components and give everything a good shake or stir before digging in.
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Quick and Easy Chicken Spring Roll Jars
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Equipment
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4 Mason jars
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 lb Ground chicken or turkey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari if gluten-free
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 bag coleslaw
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 cup cucumber, cut into matchsticks
- 1 cup red pepper, sliced
- 200 g rice stick vermicelli noodles about half of a 400g package
- 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped (can also use/add in fresh mint and basil)
- Sesame seeds, soy sauce & sriracha to taste
Instructions
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Heat sesame oil over med-high heat in a large skillet. Add ground chicken and 2 tbsp soy sauce, cooking for 2-3 min. Add garlic and ginger, then sautee for 7-8 min until chicken is fully cooked.
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Remove chicken from pan and add coleslaw and 2 tsp soy sauce, sauteeing for 2-3 min until slaw is slightly wilted. Meanwhile, cook vermicelli noodles according to package directions (usually takes 2-3 min in boiling water).
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Divide sweet chili sauce among the bottom of 4 medium-sized mason jars (it ends up being about 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce added to each 16oz jar). Divide chicken among jars, then coleslaw, cucumber and red pepper. Top with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs and sesame seeds. Add soy sauce and sriracha if desired. Jars keep in fridge up to 5 days.
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Notes
For a vegetarian option, use edamame, tofu or tempeh instead of ground turkey.
Make your own coleslaw mix using shredded cabbage, carrot and radish.
Store these jars in the fridge up to 5 days.
I typically eat them cold, but you can warm them up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes then pour into a large bowl and dig in.
Nutrition
In conclusion, these Chicken Spring Roll Jars are a game-changer for anyone seeking a convenient, healthy, and exceptionally tasty meal prep solution. They encapsulate all the beloved flavors and textures of traditional spring rolls into an easy-to-assemble, portable format. Whether you’re rushing out the door, planning a picnic, or simply want a wholesome lunch ready in the fridge, these jars deliver. With endless customization possibilities and simple instructions, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Enjoy the freshness, the flavor, and the sheer ease of these delightful meal-in-a-jar creations!