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Easy Asian Chicken Recipe

Easy Asian Chicken Recipe

This Easy Asian Chicken Recipe is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory, sweet, and a hint of spice, it features tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a delicious soy-based glaze with fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is versatile, healthy, and can be customized with various vegetables or proteins. Ideal for anyone seeking a satisfying and effortless Asian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Cooking Oils

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil

Garnishes and Optional Ingredients

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional, to taste)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the sauce adhere better and to brown nicely in the pan.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar (or lime juice), and cornstarch. This mix forms the flavorful glaze that turns simple chicken into a dish packed with zest and balance.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes depending on size. Stir occasionally to avoid burning while allowing the chicken to crisp.
  4. Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat each chicken piece evenly. This caramelizes the flavors and gives the dish its signature glossy finish.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and toss in sliced green onions and optional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot alongside your choice of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Chicken Size Matters: Cut uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and tender results every time.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches helps chicken brown properly rather than steaming.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic make a noticeable difference in flavor depth.
  • Adjust Sauce Thickness: Slowly add cornstarch slurry until you reach the perfect glaze consistency.
  • Marinate if Time Allows: For extra flavor infusion, marinate chicken in sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
  • Variations: Swap chicken for tofu, add mixed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, use coconut aminos for soy-free, incorporate cashews or peanuts for crunch, or adjust sweetness and heat to your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe, honey garlic chicken, gluten-free Asian dish