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Ginger Garlic Chicken Stir Fry - Fast, Fresh, and Flavorful

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.25–1.5 lb (about 600 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
  • Aromatics: 3–4 garlic cloves (minced), 1.5 tbsp fresh ginger (finely grated)
  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 small carrot (thinly sliced), 3–4 green onions (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • Sauce: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but recommended), 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1–2 tbsp honey or brown sugar, 1/2 cup chicken broth or water, 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Thickener: 1–1.5 tsp cornstarch
  • Heat (optional): 1/2–1 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 fresh chili, sliced
  • Cooking oil: 2–3 tbsp neutral oil (canola, avocado, or peanut)
  • To serve: Cooked rice or noodles, toasted sesame seeds (optional), lime wedges (optional)
  • Seasoning: Black pepper, a pinch of salt only if needed (soy is salty)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken. Slice the chicken thinly against the grain so it cooks quickly and stays tender. Pat it dry with paper towels. Season lightly with black pepper.
  2. Whisk the sauce. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity.
  3. Prep the aromatics and veg. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice your vegetables. Keep them in separate piles so you can cook in stages.
  4. Heat the pan until hot. Use a large skillet or wok. Add 1 tbsp oil and heat over medium-high until shimmering. High heat is key for color and flavor.
  5. Sear the chicken in batches. Add half the chicken in a single layer. Don’t stir for 60–90 seconds to get a good sear, then stir-fry until just cooked through (3–4 minutes). Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more oil if needed.
  6. Stir-fry the vegetables. Add 1 tbsp oil if the pan is dry. Toss in broccoli and carrots first; cook 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and green onions; cook 1–2 minutes more. You want crisp-tender, not soft.
  7. Bloom the aromatics. Push the vegetables to the sides. Add a small drizzle of oil to the center, then add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 20–30 seconds until fragrant—don’t brown them.
  8. Combine and sauce. Return chicken (and any juices) to the pan. Stir the sauce, then pour it in. Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats everything. If too thick, splash in a bit more broth or water.
  9. Taste and finish. Adjust seasoning: more soy for salt, honey for sweetness, or vinegar for brightness. Add a squeeze of lime if you like. Sprinkle sesame seeds.
  10. Serve hot. Spoon over steamed rice or toss with noodles. Eat right away for the best texture.