Stir-Fried Ginger Chicken with Scallions and Soy Sauce

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

Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with fresh ginger and scallions in a savory soy sauce glaze, perfect for a quick Asian-inspired dinner. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, minced fresh ginger, stalks, sliced scallions 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 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the chicken, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil and add 4 sliced scallions, tossing everything together for 1 minute until scallions soften but remain bright green.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Ginger Chicken with Scallions and 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 Ginger Chicken with Scallions and 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 Ginger Chicken with Scallions and 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 Ginger Chicken with Scallions and Soy Sauce 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 Scallions and 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.

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