Spicy Sesame Chicken Stir Fry: Quick & Flavorful Recipe
This Spicy Sesame Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. With a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, it’s a delightful meal for busy weeknights.
- Author: Layla
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans
- 2–3 tablespoons chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep the vegetables.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles upon contact. Avoid overcrowding the pan; it’s better to cook in batches if necessary.
- Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Don’t stir too frequently, as this will prevent browning.
- Once the chicken is cooked, push it to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add 1 sliced medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion starts to become translucent.
- Add 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 cup of snap peas or green beans to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are vibrant and tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2-3 tablespoons of chili paste, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the stir-fry and toss to combine. Cook for another minute to toast the seeds slightly and enhance their flavor.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with 4 chopped green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken for better searing. Use high heat for stir-frying to keep vegetables crisp. Fresh ingredients enhance flavor and nutrition.