Ginger Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Name: Ginger Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, julienned; 3 green onions, chopped; Cooked jasmine rice; Sesame seeds for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love whipping up this Ginger Garlic Chicken Stir Fry on busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a go-to dish in my kitchen. The combination of ginger and garlic creates an aromatic base that elevates simple chicken and vegetables into a delightful meal. With fresh veggies and tender chicken, each bite bursts with a delicious umami taste that keeps everyone coming back for more. I often serve it with jasmine rice, and it makes for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-27T13:50:28.703Z

When I first tried this Ginger Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, I was blown away by how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The trick is to marinate the chicken in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, which infuses the meat with incredible flavor in a short time. I usually marinate it for just 15 minutes while I prep my veggies, and it makes all the difference!

Another tip I discovered is to use high heat when cooking. This not only seals in the juices of the chicken but also gives the vegetables just the right amount of crunch. For a pop of freshness, I like adding scallions and sesame seeds just before serving. It’s a quick dish that never disappoints!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bold flavors from fresh ginger and garlic
Crisp vegetables that add great texture
Quick and easy to make on busy nights

Techniques for the Best Stir Fry

To achieve that signature stir-fry texture, high heat is crucial. Preheat your skillet or wok over medium-high to high heat before adding the oil. You'll know it's ready when the oil begins to shimmer and smoke slightly. This quick cooking method ensures that your chicken gets a nice sear, locking in flavor while keeping it juicy. Remember, avoid overcrowding the pan; if you have a large batch, consider cooking chicken in smaller portions.

When it comes to vegetables, aim for uniform cutting. Consistent slicing allows for even cooking, particularly with firmer veggies like carrots and broccoli. If you prefer more tender vegetables, blanch them briefly before stir-frying. This technique helps retain color and nutrients while shortening the cooking time in the skillet.

Ingredient Insights

Fresh ginger and garlic are the stars of this Ginger Garlic Chicken Stir Fry. Their robust flavors not only enhance the chicken but also elevate the smaller ingredients. For optimal aroma and taste, use a microplane to grate the ginger, as this releases more oils compared to chopping. If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can substitute with an equal amount of ground ginger, but the flavor will be milder.

Substituting the chicken is also an option. Thinly sliced beef or shrimp can work beautifully in this recipe, simply adjust your cooking time. For a vegetarian twist, replace the protein with tofu or tempeh, ensuring that you press and cube them beforehand for better texture and flavor absorption.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
3 green onions, chopped

For Serving

Cooked jasmine rice
Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.

Heat the Pan

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.

Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it's browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add the green onions, and stir everything together for another minute.

Serve

Serve hot over jasmine rice, garnished with sesame seeds.

Pro Tips

For more heat, add some red pepper flakes while stir-frying. You can also substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different twist!

Storage and Meal Prep

This stir fry is excellent for meal prep. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the cooked chicken and vegetables. They will last up to 2 months frozen, but keep in mind that the textures may change slightly upon reheating. Reheating on the stove over medium heat is best to retain crispiness, though microwaving is convenient if you're in a hurry.

For meal prep, you can also chop all the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This can cut down your cooking time to just 15 minutes on busy nights. Marinating the chicken overnight is another time-saver, allowing flavors to develop more deeply.

Serving Suggestions

While jasmine rice is a fantastic accompaniment, consider other grains or noodles for variety. Quinoa or brown rice can add a nutty flavor and additional fiber, making your meal heartier. For a more traditional approach, serve the stir fry over egg noodles or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired dish.

If you want to elevate your garnish game, try adding a drizzle of soy sauce or a splash of sriracha for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil can also add brightness to the dish. A sprinkle of lime juice right before serving enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it's best to thaw the chicken completely before marinating for even flavor.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.

→ Can I make this in advance?

While stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat.