Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Scallions
Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions in a savory soy glaze. This asian fusion-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 4 stalks scallions
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water in a small bowl; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: Mince 3 garlic cloves and grate 1 tbsp fresh ginger. Add to the pan along with 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour the soy sauce mixture into the pan, tossing the chicken to coat and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Slice 4 scallions into 1-inch pieces and add them along with 2 tbsp sesame seeds. Stir-fry for 1 minute until scallions soften slightly and sesame seeds are toasted. Serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with 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 Sesame Chicken with 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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with 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 Sesame Chicken with 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 Sesame Chicken with Scallions?
Asian Fusion 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.