Half-Hour Sesame Ginger Chicken Stir Fry

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

A quick and flavorful chicken stir fry with a tangy sesame ginger sauce, perfect for a balanced weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breast, sesame oil, fresh ginger, grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thinly slice 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a bowl.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 2 cups broccoli florets to the skillet, stir-frying for 3 minutes until vegetables are bright and crisp-tender.
  6. Step 6: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat.
  7. Step 7: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water until smooth, then pour into the skillet.
  8. Step 8: Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
  9. Step 9: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Hour Sesame Ginger Chicken Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Half-Hour Sesame Ginger 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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Hour Sesame Ginger 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 Half-Hour Sesame Ginger 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 Half-Hour Sesame Ginger 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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