Chicken Stir Fry
Tender chicken strips stir-fried with vegetables in a savory soy-ginger sauce — the 20-minute weeknight dinner. The trick is velveting the chicken (cornstarch coating) and using maximum heat for proper wok hei.
Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
47 min
Servings
2
Calories
545 cal
🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Chicken250 g
- Carrot½ medium
- Cabbage½
- Peas¼ cup
- Spring Onion½
- Soy Sauce1 tbsp
- Garlic1 ½ cloves
- Ginger½ tsp
- Sesame Oil½
All quantities scaled automatically from 2 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Chicken250 g
- Carrot0.5 medium
- Cabbage0.5
- Peas0.25 cup
- Spring Onion0.5
- Soy Sauce1 tbsp
- Garlic1.5 cloves
- Ginger0.5 tsp
- Sesame Oil0.5
Instructions
- 1
Slice 1.5 lb of boneless chicken thighs (or breasts) into thin strips. Marinate 15 minutes: 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry).
- 2
Whisk the sauce: 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ½ cup chicken stock, 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water.
- 3
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok over highest heat until smoking. Add chicken in a single layer, don't move for 30 seconds, then stir-fry 90 seconds until cooked. Remove to a plate.
- 4
Add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry 3 cups of mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, mushrooms, carrots) for 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- 5
Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Stir 30 seconds. Return the chicken. Pour the sauce around the rim. Toss 90 seconds until sauce thickens.
- 6
Off heat, sprinkle with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve over rice immediately.
Watch how to make Chicken Stir Fry
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💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Velvet the chicken. Cornstarch + soy marinade creates the tender coating.
- 2.Maximum heat. Wok hei requires intense heat.
- 3.Sauce around the rim. Briefly caramelizes against the hot edge.
- 4.Constant motion. Stopping = burning.
🔬 Why It Works
Chicken stir-fry succeeds with tender chicken (velveted), crisp-tender vegetables (quick high-heat cooking), and glossy savory sauce (cornstarch-thickened). The brief total cooking time keeps everything fresh and properly textured. Constant motion and high heat are the Chinese stir-fry technique that creates the dish's character.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 2 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 2 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
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