Wok-Seared Cantonese-Chicken with Ginger and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken pieces wok-seared with fresh ginger and scallions, highlighting the fragrant simplicity of Cantonese home cooking. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs julienned fresh ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1/4 tsp white pepper, and 1 tsp sugar; marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering; add marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Push chicken to one side; add 2 tbsp julienned fresh ginger and 4 cut green onions to the empty side; stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Mix chicken and aromatics together; drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil, toss well, and cook for another 30 seconds.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wok-Seared Cantonese-Chicken with Ginger and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Wok-Seared Cantonese-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 julienned fresh ginger from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wok-Seared Cantonese-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 Wok-Seared Cantonese-Chicken with Ginger and Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Wok-Seared Cantonese-Chicken with Ginger and Scallions?

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.

Related recipes