Surnames' Heritage Chicken Stir-Fry
A vibrant stir-fry inspired by the most common U.S. surnames, featuring tender chicken with colorful vegetables and a tangy ginger-scallion sauce. This asian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 12 oz boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 4, thinly sliced scallions
- 1 cup, julienned carrots
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 12 oz boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, then toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch to coat lightly.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok, followed by 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 cup julienned carrots and 1.5 cups broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the wok, add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tbsp water. Toss to coat, then stir in 2 sliced scallions. Cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Finish with 1 tsp sesame oil, stir to combine, and serve immediately over rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Surnames' Heritage Chicken Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Surnames' Heritage Chicken Stir-Fry?
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 Surnames' Heritage Chicken Stir-Fry?
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 Surnames' Heritage Chicken Stir-Fry 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 Surnames' Heritage Chicken Stir-Fry?
Asian one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
