Chicken-Sesame Stir-Fry
A flavorful chicken stir-fry featuring tender pieces of chicken and crisp broccoli, coated in a savory sesame and soy sauce blend with a tangy vinegar kick. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lively gatherings, this dish combines bold Asian-inspired flavors with fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the salad oil.
- Saute the chicken for 5 minutes until tender, then remove from the pan.
- In the drippings, add the chicken broth and soy sauce, bring to a boil.
- Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Remove the broccoli to a bowl with the chicken.
- In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch, sugar, and vinegar.
- Stir the mixture into the pan and boil for 1 minute.
- Return the chicken and broccoli to the pan.
- Toss to coat everything and heat until warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and sesame oil for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have broccoli, snap peas or bell peppers can work as great substitutes. Adjust the sugar to taste, especially if using a sweeter soy sauce. This dish can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken-Sesame Stir-Fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of Mandarin Chinese Chicken Salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir until heated through. This stir-fry can also be enjoyed cold as part of a salad or rice bowl.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Sesame Stir-Fry contains roughly 1242 calories, with 4g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 117g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1807mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! This recipe is versatile; you can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp and tofu will cook faster than chicken.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute low-salt soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Ensure that the chicken broth you use is also gluten-free.
What can I do if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Both will add a pleasant acidity that complements the dish well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).