Name: Chicken and Asian Greens Stir-Fry: Quick, Fresh, and Flavorful
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 500 g (1.1 lbs) chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp soy sauce (light for seasoning, dark optional for depth); 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil, divided; 2 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 spring onions, sliced diagonally; 200 g (7 oz) bok choy, halved; 200 g (7 oz) choy sum, cut into 2-inch pieces; 150 g (5 oz) snow peas, trimmed; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 red chili, sliced (optional); 125 ml (½ cup) chicken stock; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp brown sugar; ½ tsp black pepper

When time is short but you still want something fresh, healthy, and satisfying, a stir-fry always delivers. With its sizzling sounds, aromatic sauces, and colorful ingredients, this cooking method creates bold flavor in minutes. A chicken and Asian greens stir-fry is a classic choice—it’s light yet hearty, nutrient-rich, and endlessly versatile. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even meal prep. Best of all, you can customize it with seasonal greens or whatever you have on hand, ensuring no two meals are ever quite the same.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make a balanced, restaurant-quality dish:

Chicken breast or thighs: 500 g (1.1 lbs), thinly sliced
Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons (light soy for seasoning, dark soy for depth if preferred)
Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
Sesame oil: 2 teaspoons
Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons
Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
Garlic: 3 cloves, finely minced
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated
Spring onions (scallions): 2, sliced diagonally
Bok choy: 200 g (7 oz), halved lengthwise
Choy sum: 200 g (7 oz), cut into 2-inch pieces
Snow peas: 150 g (5 oz), trimmed
Carrot: 1 large, thinly julienned
Red chili: 1, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
Chicken stock: 125 ml (½ cup)
Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Brown sugar: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: ½ teaspoon

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix until the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step tenderizes the meat and locks in flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken stock, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside. This will be your stir-fry sauce that ties everything together.

Step 3: Heat the wok or skillet

Place a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Cook aromatics

Add a little more oil if necessary. Stir in garlic, ginger, and chili. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.

Step 5: Add vegetables

Add carrots first since they take longer to soften. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Next, add bok choy, choy sum, and snow peas. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the greens are just wilted but still crisp.

Step 6: Combine chicken and sauce

Return the chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce mixture and toss everything together. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce slightly thickens to coat the vegetables.

Step 7: Finish with aromatics

Drizzle the remaining sesame oil and scatter sliced spring onions on top. Give a quick toss and remove from heat.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Use high heat: Stir-frying relies on intense heat to sear ingredients quickly, preserving their crunch and color.
Don’t overcrowd the wok: Cook in batches if needed. Too many ingredients lower the heat and cause steaming instead of stir-frying.
Prep before you cook: Chop all vegetables and measure sauces ahead of time. Stir-fry moves fast and requires readiness.
Marinate properly: Even a short marinade with soy sauce and cornstarch enhances texture and taste.
Balance flavors: Adjust soy, sugar, or vinegar in the sauce to achieve your preferred salty-sweet-tangy balance.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration

Cool the stir-fry quickly and store in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan with a splash of water or stock to refresh the sauce and maintain texture.

Freezing

Not recommended, as Asian greens lose their crunch and may turn watery after thawing. If you must freeze, do so without the vegetables. Reheat and add fresh greens before serving.

Variations

Protein alternatives: Swap chicken for beef strips, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Different greens: Replace bok choy and choy sum with gai lan (Chinese broccoli), spinach, or kale.
Noodle stir-fry: Add cooked rice noodles or egg noodles at the end for a one-bowl meal.
Nutty crunch: Toss in cashews or peanuts for extra texture.
Spicy version: Increase chili, add chili paste, or stir in sambal oelek for heat lovers.

Serving Suggestions

With rice: Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice makes a perfect base.
As a side: Pair with dumplings or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired spread.
Meal prep bowls: Divide into containers with rice or quinoa for healthy grab-and-go lunches.
Garnishes: Add sesame seeds, extra spring onions, or fresh coriander for a finishing touch.
Drink pairing: Serve with green tea, or for wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors.

Conclusion

A chicken and Asian greens stir-fry is quick, healthy, and versatile. Its combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce delivers satisfaction without the heaviness of richer dishes. You can adapt it endlessly by swapping proteins, greens, or adjusting spice levels, making it suitable for any taste or dietary preference. Whether served over rice for a family dinner or prepped ahead for busy days, this stir-fry proves how easy it is to bring big flavor to the table in under 30 minutes. With practice, it may just become a go-to dish in your weekly rotation.

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Chicken and Asian Greens Stir-Fry: Quick, Fresh, and Flavorful

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A quick, fresh, and flavorful chicken stir-fry with bok choy, choy sum, and snow peas. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, ready in under 30 minutes.