We skipped takeout and made this recipe instead, and it did not disappoint!

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chili paste, and a splash of water. Set aside. This sauce will create the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, with just the right amount of acidity from the rice vinegar.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced chicken. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Veggies: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp. You want them to retain their vibrant color and crunch.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the vegetables are ready, add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Serve: Serve your sesame ginger chicken stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice, and garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For an extra kick, drizzle a little more soy sauce or chili paste on top.

Why We’ll Skip Takeout Next Time

We love that this recipe provides all the flavors we crave from takeout, without the heavy oils or unknown ingredients. It’s light, fresh, and satisfying. The fact that we can easily customize the vegetables and protein based on what we have in our kitchen is a huge bonus too. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, it has become a regular in our dinner rotation.

The umami-packed sauce, the crispy chicken, and the tender vegetables—all paired with fluffy rice—offer everything we love about takeout, with the added joy of knowing exactly what went into it. Plus, there’s something special about enjoying a meal you’ve made yourself. The pride of cooking something this flavorful (and the clean-up is a breeze!) is an added bonus.

Tips for Perfecting Your Stir-Fry

• Prepping Ahead: The beauty of stir-fry is how quickly it comes together, but prepping your ingredients ahead of time is key. Chop the chicken and vegetables and whisk up the sauce so everything is ready to go before you start cooking.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about high heat. Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the chicken and vegetables. This ensures a crisp texture on the veggies and a nice sear on the chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the chicken and veggies in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures everything cooks evenly and gets that perfect stir-fry texture.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like a bit more spice, add extra chili paste or some sriracha for a fiery kick. You can always adjust the heat level to your preference.

Final Thoughts

By making this Sesame Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry at home, we’ve discovered that takeout is no longer a go-to solution. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with flavors that will rival any restaurant dish. The best part is that you can control the ingredients, making it a healthier and more satisfying choice. The next time you’re tempted to call for takeout, think about how much more rewarding it is to create a meal that’s not just tasty but made with love and fresh ingredients. Trust us, it won’t disappoint!

Give this recipe a try and skip the takeout—you won’t regret it!