Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Scallions and Garlic
A quick and savory stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a fragrant sesame-garlic sauce, brightened with fresh scallions. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, sliced into 1-inch pieces scallions 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, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3, sliced into 1-inch pieces scallions
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp, for garnish toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 pound chicken thigh pieces to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Step 5: Stir in 3 sliced scallions and cook for an additional 1 minute until the scallions are slightly wilted but still vibrant.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Scallions and Garlic 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 and Garlic?
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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Scallions and Garlic?
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 and Garlic 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 and Garlic?
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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