🥢 Garlic Ginger Chicken Stir Fry
Craving a healthy, flavorful dinner that’s quick and easy? This Garlic Ginger Chicken Stir Fry is loaded with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce — all ready in under 30 minutes!
🧄 Ingredients
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1” pieces)
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
-
1 cup chicken broth (divided)
-
3 tbsp soy sauce
-
2 tsp sugar
-
2 cups mixed veggies (broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers)
-
2 tsp cornstarch
-
Cooked rice (for serving)
-
Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
🔪 Directions
1️⃣ Sauté Chicken
Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high.
Add chicken, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until the chicken is browned.
2️⃣ Add Sauce
Stir in ¾ cup chicken broth, soy sauce, and sugar.
Cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring twice.
3️⃣ Add Veggies
Toss in the mixed vegetables. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until tender.
4️⃣ Thicken Sauce
Mix cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup broth.
Stir into skillet and simmer until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
5️⃣ Serve
Spoon over hot cooked rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, without rice):
-
Calories: 280
-
Fat: 6g
-
Carbohydrates: 14g
-
Protein: 36g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Sugar: 4g
❓ 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just thaw first or increase cook time slightly. -
What’s the best soy sauce to use?
Use low-sodium for a lighter option or tamari for gluten-free. -
Can I substitute chicken thighs?
Absolutely — they’ll be even juicier. -
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats beautifully for meal prep. -
How long will leftovers last?
Store in the fridge up to 4 days. -
Can I use ground ginger?
Yes — use ½ teaspoon if you don’t have fresh ginger. -
What veggies work best?
Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or even mushrooms. -
Can I make this spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat. -
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check broth ingredients. -
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine or brown rice are both great options. -
Can I add sesame oil?
Yes — drizzle a bit at the end for extra flavor. -
Is it okay to skip sugar?
Yes, or substitute with honey or maple syrup. -
Can I double the recipe?
Totally! Just use a bigger skillet or wok. -
Can I freeze it?
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. -
How can I make it low carb?
Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it as-is. -
Can I cook this in a wok?
Yes — it’s ideal for stir frying. -
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Sure! Add it during the last 5 minutes with the veggies. -
What’s a good vegetarian substitute?
Use tofu or tempeh and veggie broth. -
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
It should coat the back of a spoon after simmering. -
Can I use store-bought stir fry sauce instead?
Yes, but adjust salt and sugar levels accordingly.
✅ 20 Expert Cooking Tips
-
Cut chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly.
-
Use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum flavor.
-
Marinate chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 10 minutes if you have time.
-
Don’t overcrowd the pan — it lowers the heat and steams instead of sears.
-
Use a wok if possible for authentic stir-fry texture.
-
Add veggies in stages if some cook faster than others.
-
Use cold broth when mixing with cornstarch to prevent clumping.
-
Let sauce simmer to fully activate the cornstarch.
-
Garnish with green onions for extra color and flavor.
-
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime at the end for brightness.
-
Toast sesame seeds first to enhance their nutty flavor.
-
Use high heat for better stir-fry texture.
-
Prep all ingredients first — stir fry moves fast.
-
Use avocado oil or sesame oil instead of cooking spray for a richer flavor.
-
Serve with noodles for a tasty twist.
-
Try cashews or peanuts for added crunch.
-
Add hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter finish.
-
Bulk it up with mushrooms or water chestnuts.
-
Keep cooked ingredients warm in a low oven if doing batches.
-
Deglaze with a splash of broth or wine for an extra punch of flavor.