Stir-Fried Chicken with Toasted Sesame and Scallions

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

Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions create a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick dinner. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes pairs chicken breast, toasted sesame seeds, scallions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch minced fresh ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast to the wok, spreading it out evenly. Cook without stirring for 2 minutes until the edges start to brown, then stir-fry for another 3 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Pour 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sesame oil over the chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Add 4 sliced scallions and 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, stir-frying for 1 more minute until scallions soften and everything is well mixed.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, toss again, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Toasted Sesame and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Toasted Sesame and Scallions?

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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Toasted Sesame and Scallions?

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 Toasted Sesame and Scallions 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Toasted Sesame and Scallions?

Asian 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.

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