Chicken and Green Onion Stir-Fry

This Chicken and Green Onion Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish featuring tender chicken, crisp green onions, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fry pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even a side of steamed vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes!
  • Savory & Aromatic – A garlicky, ginger-infused sauce with a touch of sweetness.
  • Healthy & Light – A protein-packed meal with fresh green onions.
  • Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own.
  • Customizable – Add veggies, adjust spice levels, or switch up the protein.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (sliced into thin strips)
  • Cornstarch (for coating)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or sesame oil

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

  • Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Oyster sauce (adds depth)
  • Hoisin sauce (for a slight sweetness)
  • Rice vinegar (for balance)
  • Honey or brown sugar
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, grated
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • Chicken broth or water (to adjust consistency)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • Green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Coat the Chicken – In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This helps create a light, crispy texture.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

  1. Mix the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat the Oil – In a wok or skillet, heat vegetable or sesame oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the Chicken – Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Green Onions

  1. Add Green Onions – In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and stir-fry the green onions for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. Return Chicken to the Pan – Add the cooked chicken back to the pan.
  2. Pour in the Sauce – Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version – Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
  • Vegetable Additions – Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
  • Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Different Protein – Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken.
  • Crispy Chicken – Lightly fry the cornstarch-coated chicken for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs are juicier and work great in this stir-fry.

What’s the best way to get a crispy texture on the chicken?

Coating with cornstarch and cooking over high heat helps create a light crust.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce.

Do I need a wok for this recipe?

No, a large skillet works just fine!

Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh ginger gives the best flavor. If using dried, use ½ teaspoon.

What should I serve with this stir-fry?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles all pair well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything and store it in the fridge for quick meals.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and stir until thickened.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking.

What oil is best for stir-frying?

Vegetable, sesame, or avocado oil work best for high-heat cooking.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Green Onion Stir-Fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings together juicy chicken, fresh green onions, and a delicious savory sauce. Perfect for weeknights, it’s versatile, healthy, and sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal!

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Chicken and Green Onion Stir-Fry

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This simple yet delicious stir-fry features tender chicken, crisp green onions, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • ½ red bell pepper, sliced (optional, for color)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)


 

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, mix the chicken slices with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and sesame oil. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Aromatics & Veggies

  1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  2. Toss in the green onions and red bell pepper, stirring for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine & Finish

  1. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until everything is well coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
  2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles!

Notes

  • Want it crispier? Lightly coat the chicken in extra cornstarch before cooking.
  • Extra Veggies? Add snap peas, broccoli, or carrots for more color and crunch.
  • Make it spicy! Increase red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the oyster sauce.

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