Basic Calculator-Inspired Quick Chicken Stir Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple and fast chicken stir fry with fresh vegetables and a tangy soy-based sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes pairs thinly sliced boneless chicken breast, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced boneless chicken breast and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet with the chicken, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1.5 cups broccoli florets, cooking for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly, about 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 chopped green onions and drizzle 2 tbsp sesame oil over the stir fry, tossing gently before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Basic Calculator-Inspired Quick Chicken Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Basic Calculator-Inspired Quick Chicken Stir Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Basic Calculator-Inspired Quick Chicken Stir Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Basic Calculator-Inspired Quick Chicken Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Basic Calculator-Inspired Quick Chicken Stir Fry?

Asian stir fry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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