Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger in Spicy Soy Sauce

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

A quick stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces infused with garlic, ginger, and a spicy soy-based sauce that delivers a perfect balance of heat and umami. This Chinese-inspired stir-fry recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh garlic cloves, minced, fresh ginger root, grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 400 grams of boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces about 1-inch each. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the wok and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until they start to brown and are nearly cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon chili paste, tossing everything together and cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger in Spicy Soy Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger in Spicy Soy Sauce?

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 fresh garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger in Spicy 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger in Spicy Soy Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Ginger in Spicy Soy Sauce?

Chinese 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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