Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Tofu

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

A vibrant, protein-packed stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crispy tofu, and a tangy soy-ginger glaze. This asian-inspired quick meals ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breast, tofu, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs chicken breast cubes and 1 block tofu, cooking for 5-6 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tofu is golden.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 head broccoli and 1 red bell pepper, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and serve immediately, garnished with extra sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Tofu?

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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Tofu?

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 Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Tofu 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 Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Tofu?

Asian quick meals 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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