Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Green Onion in Savory Soy Sauce
Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with aromatic garlic and fresh green onions, coated in a rich soy-based sauce perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends minced garlic cloves, tablespoons soy sauce, tablespoon sesame oil 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 280 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 400 grams, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 stalks, sliced into 1-inch lengths green onions
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 50 milliliters water
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 400 grams of boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 50 milliliters water, tossing to coat the chicken. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tablespoon sesame oil over the chicken, then add 3 sliced green onion stalks. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Green Onion in Savory Soy Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Green Onion in Savory 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Green Onion in Savory 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 Green Onion in Savory 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 Green Onion in Savory Soy Sauce?
Chinese chicken 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.
