Stir-Fried Twelve-Spice Chicken with Ginger and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory stir-fry featuring tender chicken infused with a blend of twelve aromatic spices, bright ginger, and fresh scallions for a flavorful dish. This chinese-inspired new year ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, ginger, finely minced, stalks scallions, chopped 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb boneless chicken thighs and cut into 1-inch pieces. Toss with 1 tsp twelve-spice blend and 1/2 tsp salt to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 2 tbsp finely minced ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until edges turn golden and chicken is nearly cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil and fold in 4 chopped scallions. Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Twelve-Spice Chicken with Ginger 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 Twelve-Spice Chicken with Ginger 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 Twelve-Spice Chicken with Ginger 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 Twelve-Spice Chicken with Ginger 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 Twelve-Spice Chicken with Ginger and Scallions?

Chinese new year 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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