Cantonese Chicken Stir-Fry

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Private Chef Anna (@chefanna)

This Cantonese Chicken Stir-Fry is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine to your table. The tender chicken pieces are marinated to perfection, stir-fried with vibrant vegetables, and coated in a savory sauce. It's a quick and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles,...

Cantonese Chicken Stir-Fry recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
35min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

For the Chicken Marinade

  • boneless skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
    boneless skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
    500g
  • soy sauce
    soy sauce
    1tbsp
  • cornstarch
    cornstarch
    1tsp
  • Chinese cooking wine (or dry sherry)
    Chinese cooking wine (or dry sherry)
    1tsp
  • white pepper
    white pepper
    1/2tsp

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

  • chicken stock
    chicken stock
    1/4cup
  • oyster sauce
    oyster sauce
    2tbsp
  • soy sauce
    soy sauce
    1tbsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1tsp
  • sesame oil
    sesame oil
    1tsp
  • cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
    cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
    1tsp

For the Stir-Fry

  • vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
    vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
    2tbsp
  • large onion, sliced
    large onion, sliced
    1
  • red bell pepper, sliced
    red bell pepper, sliced
    1
  • green bell pepper, sliced
    green bell pepper, sliced
    1
  • small eggplant, cut into half-moons, or 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
    small eggplant, cut into half-moons, or 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
    1
  • garlic, minced
    garlic, minced
    3clove
  • piece of ginger, finely chopped
    piece of ginger, finely chopped
    1in
  • green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
    green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
    2
  • toasted sesame seeds for garnish
    toasted sesame seeds for garnish
    1dash

How to make Cantonese Chicken Stir-Fry

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, combine the chicken marinade ingredients. Add the chicken pieces and mix thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce

  1. Step 1

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.

  2. Step 2

    In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Set both aside.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.

  2. Step 2

    Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Stir-fry the Vegetables

  1. Step 1

    Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan.

  2. Step 2

    Add the onions, bell peppers, and eggplant/mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

  3. Step 3

    Add the minced garlic, chopped ginger, and the white parts of the green onions, and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.

Combine and Thicken

  1. Step 1

    Return the cooked chicken to the pan.

  2. Step 2

    Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer.

  3. Step 3

    Stir the cornstarch slurry again and add it to the pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds as the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients.

Serve

  1. Step 1

    Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles.

  2. Step 2

    Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

262.5kcal (13.13%)

Protein

21.3g (42.5%)

Carbs

10.0g (3.64%)

Sugars

2.5g (5%)

Healthy Fat

8.9g

Unhealthy Fat

2.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a spicier version, add some sliced red chilies or a dash of chili oil to the stir-fry.

  2. Make sure the wok or pan is hot before adding the ingredients to ensure a good sear and to prevent sticking.

  3. You can substitute the vegetables with your favorites, such as broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini.

FAQS

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

    Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe and tend to be juicier than chicken breasts.

  2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

    To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is also gluten-free.

  3. What can I use instead of Chinese cooking wine?

    You can substitute Chinese cooking wine with dry sherry or even rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

  4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

    You can prepare the marinade and sauce ahead of time, but it's best to stir-fry the chicken and vegetables just before serving for the freshest taste.

  5. What can I serve with this stir-fry?

    This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.

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Private Chef Anna

(@chefanna)

I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...

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