Stir-Fried Ginger Chicken with Garlic and Scallions
A fragrant stir-fry combining tender chicken pieces with fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions, served in a savory soy-based sauce. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, finely minced fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp, finely minced fresh ginger
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 stalks, sliced into 1-inch pieces scallions
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss with 1 tsp cornstarch for a light coating.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp finely minced fresh ginger and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Mix 2 tbsp water in to loosen the sauce and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Step 5: Toss in 3 sliced scallion stalks and cook for an additional 1 minute until the scallions soften slightly but remain vibrant. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Ginger Chicken with Garlic and Scallions 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 Ginger Chicken with Garlic 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Ginger Chicken with Garlic 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 Ginger Chicken with Garlic 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 Ginger Chicken with Garlic and Scallions?
Asian 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.