Chicken And Bok Choy Stir Fry

Chicken And Bok Choy Stir Fry is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 270 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $6.98 total, $1.74 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into thin strips against the grain)
  • 1 lb Baby Bok Choy (halved lengthwise; larger bok choy can be quartered)
  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 3 slices Fresh Ginger (about 1‑inch long each, then minced)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (separate stems and leafy parts; stems diced, leaves sliced)
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular light soy sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and depth)
  • 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (provides umami richness)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 0.25 tsp Baking Soda
  • 2 Tbsp Cornstarch (divided: 1 Tbsp for marinating, 1 Tbsp for slurry)
  • 4 Tbsp Water (cold; half for marination, half for slurry; can use unsalted chicken broth)
  • 2 Tbsp Rice Wine (Shaoxing) (optional; divided between bok choy and chicken)
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (for stir‑frying; use a high‑smoke‑point oil)
  • 1 pinch Salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare aromatics

    Mince the five garlic cloves, slice the ginger into three thin pieces, and separate the green onion stems from the leafy tops; dice the stems and slice the leaves.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Trim and cut bok choy

    If using baby bok choy, halve each head lengthwise. Larger bok choy can be quartered or cut into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Slice chicken and marinate

    Cut the chicken breast into thin strips against the grain. In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, baking soda, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 2 Tbsp water, and a drizzle of oil. Add the chicken strips and toss until evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Make cornstarch slurry

    In a small bowl mix the remaining 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water (or unsalted chicken broth) until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Sauté ginger

    Heat the wok over medium‑high heat, add 1 Tbsp oil, and when shimmering, add the ginger slices. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Stir‑fry bok choy

    Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar to the oil, then toss in the bok choy. Stir‑fry for 1 minute until bright green but still crisp.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  7. Add rice wine and set bok choy aside

    Splash 1 tsp rice wine over the bok choy, stir briefly to deglaze, then transfer the bok choy to a plate.

    Time: PT30S

  8. Flavor oil with green onion stems

    Add another drizzle of oil to the pan, then add the diced green onion stems. Stir for about 30 seconds until aromatic.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium‑high

  9. Cook chicken

    Add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer. Let them sit undisturbed for 1‑2 minutes to develop a light golden crust, then stir‑fry until the bottom is golden and the chicken is about 75% cooked.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  10. Add garlic and wine

    Stir in the minced garlic and splash another 1 tsp rice wine. Toss quickly; the alcohol will evaporate in seconds.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium‑high

  11. Season chicken

    Drizzle the remaining dark soy sauce and oyster sauce over the chicken. Stir‑fry until the sauce coats the pieces and the color is uniform.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  12. Thicken with cornstarch slurry

    Give the slurry a quick stir, then pour it into the pan. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  13. Finish with greens

    Return the leafy green onion parts and the cooked bok choy to the wok. Toss everything together for another 30 seconds so the vegetables are reheated and coated with sauce.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium‑high

  14. Serve

    Transfer the stir‑fry to a serving plate and enjoy immediately with steamed rice.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
270
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
10 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: High protein, Gluten contains (soy sauce), Dairy free

Allergens: Soy, Shellfish

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Chicken And Bok Choy Stir Fry

Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook

A quick, healthy Chinese‑style stir‑fry featuring tender chicken breast and crisp baby bok choy, flavored with garlic, ginger, soy sauces, and a light cornstarch glaze. Perfect served over rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

EasyChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
8m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.98
Total cost
$1.74
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken with baking soda and cornstarch to keep it tender.
  • Cooking bok choy quickly to retain its crisp texture.
  • Stir‑frying the chicken just until golden before adding sauces to avoid dryness.
  • Adding the cornstarch slurry at the right moment and stirring constantly to achieve a smooth glaze.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; keep face away and use a splatter guard if desired.
  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken and bok choy stir fry in Chinese cuisine?

A

Stir‑frying is a hallmark of Cantonese cooking, developed in the early 20th century to quickly preserve the natural flavors and textures of ingredients. Chicken with bok choy is a classic home‑cooked dish that showcases the balance of protein and leafy greens, embodying the Chinese principle of harmony between meat and vegetables.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken and bok choy stir fry in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Sichuan cuisine the dish may include dried chilies and Sichuan pepper for heat, while in Shanghai style a sweeter soy‑based glaze is common. Coastal regions sometimes add a splash of Shaoxing wine, as shown in this recipe, to brighten the flavor.

cultural
Q

How is chicken and bok choy traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, alongside steamed white rice or fried rice. The dish is placed in the center of the family table so everyone can share the flavorful sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken and bok choy stir fry associated with in Chinese culture?

A

While not a festival‑specific dish, it is a staple for everyday family meals and is often prepared for gatherings because it is quick, nutritious, and appeals to both children and adults.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with chicken and bok choy stir fry?

A

Pair it with simple steamed dumplings, egg drop soup, or a cold cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. A side of garlic‑scented fried rice completes a balanced Chinese‑style dinner.

cultural
Q

What makes chicken and bok choy stir fry special in Chinese cuisine?

A

The dish highlights the wok’s high‑heat technique, preserving the crispness of bok choy while delivering a glossy, lightly thickened sauce that clings to tender chicken strips—an embodiment of texture and flavor balance prized in Chinese cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken and bok choy stir fry?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken, which makes it rubbery, and over‑stirring the bok choy, which turns it soggy. Also, adding the cornstarch slurry too early can cause clumping.

technical
Q

Why does this chicken and bok choy stir fry recipe use baking soda in the chicken marinade?

A

Baking soda raises the pH of the meat surface, weakening protein bonds and helping the chicken retain moisture, resulting in a juicier texture after the quick high‑heat stir‑fry.

technical
Q

Can I make chicken and bok choy stir fry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prep the aromatics and marinate the chicken up to 30 minutes in advance. Store the cooked stir‑fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop to retain texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that emphasize quick weeknight meals, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and practical cooking tips for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Stacey Cook simplifies traditional techniques, using readily available ingredients and minimal equipment while still preserving authentic flavors, whereas many Chinese cooking channels may rely on specialty tools or more complex preparations.

channel

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