Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger Soy Sauce

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

Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with fragrant garlic and ginger in a savory soy sauce, served with crisp vegetables for a speedy weeknight meal. This asian-inspired chicken (gluten free option) ready in about 22 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced garlic, fresh ginger, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 cup sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onions before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger Soy Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger Soy Sauce?

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 Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger Soy Sauce 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.

Is Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger Soy Sauce gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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