Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry

This Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender marinated chicken, crisp asparagus, and a garlicky, savory sauce, this stir fry delivers classic takeout flavor in less than 30 minutes. It’s light, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is fast, simple, and packed with flavor. You’ll love the balance of textures—the juicy chicken and crisp asparagus come together beautifully in a glossy, umami-rich sauce. It’s healthier than takeout, budget-friendly, and highly customizable. Plus, it’s made in one pan, which means easy cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams chicken breast (boneless, skinless)

• 250 grams asparagus

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2–3 tablespoons cooking oil (neutral oil)

• Salt to taste

Chicken Marinade:

• 2 teaspoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

Stir Fry Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 2 teaspoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Slice the chicken thinly and combine with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and baking soda. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Prep the Vegetables:
   Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and slice the rest diagonally. Halve thick pieces if needed. Mince garlic and thinly slice the onion, separating the layers.

3. Cook the Asparagus and Onion:
   Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Stir fry the asparagus for 1 minute, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then add the onion. Toss for another minute and remove both from the pan.

4. Stir Fry the Chicken:
   In the same pan, add a bit more oil. Sear the marinated chicken on one side. Add the minced garlic and stir fry until the chicken is about 80% cooked.

5. Combine and Finish:
   Return the cooked asparagus and onion to the pan. Add the stir fry sauce ingredients and toss everything together until well coated and glossy. Drizzle a little sesame oil over the top before turning off the heat.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–3
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.

• Add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.

• For a spicy kick, include chili flakes, fresh chilies, or chili oil.

• Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

• Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for tofu or tempeh.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Avoid overcooking during reheating to preserve the texture of the vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Yes, but for best texture, thaw and pat dry before stir frying to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar as a substitute.

Is baking soda necessary in the marinade?

Yes, it helps tenderize the chicken and gives it that soft texture often found in restaurant stir fry dishes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.

What’s the best oil for stir frying?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal.

How do I keep the asparagus crisp?

Stir fry briefly over high heat and avoid overcooking. Remove it from the pan as soon as it’s bright green and slightly tender.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the ingredients instead of stir frying them.

Do I need a wok to make this?

No, a large non-stick skillet or sauté pan works just as well for home cooking.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) at the end and stir until the sauce thickens.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s mild. You can easily make it spicy by adding chili flakes or chili oil to taste.

Conclusion

Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that fits right into a busy lifestyle. With tender marinated chicken, vibrant asparagus, and a rich, savory sauce, this dish is satisfying and versatile. Serve it over rice or noodles and enjoy a flavorful dinner that’s better than takeout in half the time.

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