Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry (Easy Weeknight)
Quick overview
This Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry is a reliable weeknight winner: fast, forgiving, and packed with flavor. It uses simple pantry staples and a short marinate to keep the chicken tender. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Yield & time
- Serves: 3–4
- Active prep: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12–15 minutes
- Total time: 22–25 minutes
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Pinch of black pepper
For the stir-fry sauce
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional; substitute with extra soy if avoiding)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 3 tbsp chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
For the stir-fry
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut), divided
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1½ tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced on the bias (about 1 cup)
- 1 small head of broccoli, cut into small florets (about 2 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3–4 scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup snow peas or snap peas (optional)
- Sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for finishing (optional)
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Small bowl for sauce
- Spatula or tongs
Prep (5–10 minutes)
- Slice the chicken and toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature while you chop the vegetables—5–10 minutes. The cornstarch helps the chicken brown and stay juicy.
- Whisk together the stir-fry sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Keep the cornstarch separate until ready to cook if you prefer a smoother sauce—add it last with the broth.
Instructions
1. Heat the pan
Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and let it get hot— shimmering but not smoking.
2. Cook the chicken
Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir or toss until nearly cooked through, about 2–3 minutes total depending on thickness. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Stir-fry aromatics and vegetables
Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Add garlic and ginger and stir for 15–20 seconds until fragrant. Add carrots and broccoli first (they take a touch longer), stir-fry 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and peas and stir-fry another 1–2 minutes—vegetables should be bright and crisp-tender.
4. Return chicken and add sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir the sauce; if you kept cornstarch separate, whisk it into the broth now and pour the sauce over the stir-fry. Toss constantly for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
5. Finish
Stir in scallions and remove from heat. Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds if using. Taste and adjust: a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime will brighten the dish if needed.
Serving suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or toss with cooked rice noodles.
- For a lighter option, mound over cauliflower rice.
- Add a side of quick pickled cucumbers or a simple salad to cut through the richness.
Tips & variations
- Protein swaps: use thinly sliced steak, shrimp, or tofu; adjust cook time accordingly.
- Vegetable swaps: bok choy, green beans, zucchini, or mushrooms work well.
- Make it spicy: add 1 tsp chili paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes when stir-frying the aromatics.
- Gluten-free: use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and check oyster sauce label.
Make-ahead & storage
- Chicken can be marinated and vegetables chopped up to 24 hours ahead (store separately).
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
Nutritional note (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320–380 (varies with oil and rice)
- Protein: 28–34 g
Enjoy a fast, flavorful weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes—crisp veggies, savory sauce, and tender chicken all in one pan.
