Speedy Sesame-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

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

A restaurant-quality stir-fry made with the best tender chicken and a glossy, aromatic sauce that cooks in under 20 minutes. This asian-inspired quick meals (high-protein) ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless chicken breast, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water to make the sauce.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups chopped broccoli, 1/2 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 medium julienned carrot to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Return chicken to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and cook for 1-2 minutes until glossy and thickened, tossing constantly. Sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Speedy 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 boneless chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Speedy 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 Speedy Sesame-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Speedy Sesame-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry high-protein?

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

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