Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this stir-fry is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and vitamin-rich bok choy, it’s a healthy meal choice.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a savory and aromatic dish.
- Versatile: Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 bunch bok choy, washed and chopped into large pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the chicken into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
- Wash the bok choy thoroughly, then chop it into large pieces, separating the stems from the leafy greens.
- Mince the garlic cloves, grate the ginger, and thinly slice the onion and red bell pepper (if using).
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the bok choy stems to the skillet first, as they take a bit longer to cook than the leafy greens.
- Stir-fry for 2 minutes before adding the red bell pepper (if using) and the bok choy leaves.
- Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Season:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and mix with the vegetables.
- Drizzle in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using).
- Toss everything to ensure the chicken and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce.
- Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot, either on its own or over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
- Protein: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Spice Level: Add a sliced jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage instead of bok choy?
Yes, napa cabbage or regular green cabbage can be used as alternatives.
Is this stir-fry gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken ahead of time to save preparation time.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add sliced fresh chilies or a teaspoon of chili paste to the stir-fry for added heat.
Can I use frozen bok choy?
Fresh bok choy is recommended for the best texture, but if
Savory Chicken and Bok Choy Stir-Fry
Savory Chicken and Bok Choy Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken slices and crisp bok choy are cooked in a savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, creating a delicious, nutritious meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, this stir-fry can be customized with additional vegetables and protein options for a complete, satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stir-Fry, Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 bunch bok choy, washed and chopped into large pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin strips for quick and even cooking. Wash and chop the bok choy, separating the stems from the leafy greens. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and thinly slice the onion and red bell pepper (if using).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the bok choy stems first and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Then add the red bell pepper (if using) and bok choy leaves. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Season: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Drizzle in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Toss everything to coat with the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot, either on its own or over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Vegetables: Customize with additional vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to suit your taste.
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Spice Level: For added heat, add fresh chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry.