Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry Recipe

Sizzling Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry Recipe: A Zingy Dinner Joy

Quick weeknight dinners with chicken and asparagus stir-fry save precious evening moments for busy people.

Crisp green spears dance alongside tender meat in this delightful Asian-inspired dish.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor through smart cooking techniques.

Seasonal asparagus brings bright, fresh notes to the classic protein combination.

Salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce work magic in the wok.

Colorful vegetables add nutrition and visual appeal to this speedy meal.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together in just minutes.

Why Chicken And Asparagus Stir-Fry Is A Weeknight Winner

  • Speed Demon: Quickly prepare a restaurant-quality meal in minutes with minimal chopping and rapid cooking techniques.
  • Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack your plate with lean protein from chicken and nutrient-rich asparagus, creating a balanced and healthy dinner option.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine umami-rich sauces like soy and oyster sauce with garlic and sesame oil to deliver a complex, mouthwatering taste profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Versatile Performer: Adaptable recipe that works perfectly for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing dinner guests with minimal culinary skills required.

What’s Inside Chicken And Asparagus Stir-Fry

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that absorbs marinades beautifully and provides a hearty base for the stir-fry.
Vegetables:
  • Asparagus: A fresh and crisp vegetable that adds vibrant green color and a delicate, slightly earthy flavor to the dish.
  • Garlic: An aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall depth and complexity of the stir-fry.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: These umami-rich condiments create a savory and complex flavor profile for the dish.
  • Sesame Oil: A nutty and fragrant oil that adds a distinctive Asian-inspired taste.
  • Cornstarch, Water: A thickening agent that creates a glossy and smooth sauce consistency.
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the stir-fry.
  • Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil used for high-heat stir-frying.
Optional Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Optional toppings that provide additional texture and visual appeal.

How To Make Chicken And Asparagus Stir-Fry Fast

How To Make Chicken And Asparagus Stir-Fry Fast

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Slice chicken breasts into slender, uniform strips to ensure even cooking and quick flavor absorption.

Step 2: Trim the Green Goodness

Cut asparagus by trimming the tough ends and slicing diagonally into elegant 2-inch pieces for perfect bite-sized segments.

Step 3: Create Flavor Boosters

Mince garlic into tiny pieces to unleash its powerful aromatic essence that will elevate the entire dish.

Step 4: Whip Up the Thickening Magic

Prepare a smooth cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water to create a glossy sauce finish.

Step 5: Mix the Flavor Bomb Marinade

Combine in a bowl:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients to develop a robust flavor base.

Step 6: Marinate the Chicken

Drizzle half of the marinade over chicken strips and let them soak up the flavors for 10 minutes at room temperature.

Step 7: Fire Up the Wok

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it shimmers and creates rippling waves.

Step 8: Sear the Chicken

Toss marinated chicken into the hot wok, stir-frying rapidly for 3-4 minutes until it turns golden and nearly cooked through.

Step 9: Add the Green Crunch

Introduce minced garlic and asparagus to the wok, continuously tossing for 2-3 minutes until asparagus looks vibrant green and remains crisp-tender.

Step 10: Sauce It Up

Pour remaining marinade over the stir-fry, stirring to coat every morsel completely.

Step 11: Thicken and Finish

Add cornstarch slurry and cook for 30-45 seconds until the sauce transforms into a glossy coating that hugs the chicken and asparagus.

Step 12: Plate and Garnish

Remove from heat immediately and serve piping hot. Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra flavor pop.

Tips To Get Chicken And Asparagus Stir-Fry Just Right

  • Slice Smartly: Cut chicken and asparagus into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Marinate Strategically: Let chicken absorb marinade for maximum flavor penetration, but limit marinating time to prevent over-seasoning.
  • Manage Heat Carefully: Use high heat for quick stir-frying to maintain asparagus crispness and achieve golden chicken without overcooking.
  • Balance Sauce Perfectly: Adjust marinade ingredients to personal taste, adding a touch of honey or chili sauce for extra depth and complexity.
  • Prep Like a Pro: Have all ingredients chopped and measured before cooking to create a smooth, stress-free stir-fry experience.

Fresh Twists On Chicken And Asparagus Stir-Fry

  • Spicy Southeast Asian Stir-Fry: Add red chili flakes, sriracha sauce, and replace oyster sauce with fish sauce for a fiery Vietnamese-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Stir-Fry: Incorporate oregano, basil, and replace soy sauce with lemon juice and white wine for a Greek-style interpretation.
  • Japanese Teriyaki Fusion: Swap cornstarch slurry with mirin, increase sesame oil, and add ginger for an authentic teriyaki flavor profile.
  • Coconut Curry Chicken Variation: Mix in coconut milk, mild curry powder, and green curry paste to create a creamy, aromatic Southeast Asian rendition.

What To Serve With Chicken And Asparagus Stir-Fry

  • Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc that complements the bright, fresh asparagus and cuts through the rich chicken flavors with its zesty acidity.
  • Complementary Side Dish: Prepare steamed jasmine rice to absorb the savory sauce and provide a neutral, soft texture that balances the stir-fry's bold seasonings.
  • Refreshing Beverage Match: Choose a light Asian-style lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo, which offers a clean, crisp finish that refreshes the palate between bites of the stir-fry.
  • Flavor-Enhancing Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions to add nutty complexity and a fresh, sharp note that elevates the overall dish's aromatic profile.

How To Keep Chicken And Asparagus Stir-Fry Fresh

  • Transfer cooled stir-fry to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
  • Pack completely cooled stir-fry in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and keep frozen for 2-3 months.
  • Consider storing sauce and chicken-asparagus mixture separately to prevent soggy texture and maintain crisp asparagus when reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

Chicken And Asparagus Stir-Fry FAQ Roundup

  • Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can use tofu, shrimp, or beef as alternatives to chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein’s thickness and texture.

  • Is this stir-fry recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce and verify oyster sauce is gluten-free to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Look for golden color and no pink center. Cut a piece to check doneness if unsure.

  • What if I don't have a wok?

A large skillet works perfectly fine. The key is high heat and continuous stirring to achieve that classic stir-fry texture and prevent sticking.

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Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sizzling chicken and asparagus stir-fry delivers a perfect balance of lean protein and crisp vegetables in one quick, delightful meal. Fragrant Asian-inspired seasonings elevate simple ingredients, promising you a delicious dinner solution that’s both nutritious and satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 2 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips, ensuring even cooking and quick absorption of flavors.
  2. Trim asparagus ends and cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces to create elegant, bite-sized segments.
  3. Mince garlic finely to release its aromatic essence and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
  4. Whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry that will help thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
  5. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl to develop a robust marinade.
  6. Pour half of the marinade over chicken strips, allowing them to marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it shimmers and begins to ripple.
  8. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry rapidly for 3-4 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.
  9. Introduce minced garlic and asparagus to the wok, tossing continuously for 2-3 minutes until asparagus is vibrant green and crisp-tender.
  10. Pour remaining marinade over the stir-fry, stirring to coat ingredients completely.
  11. Add cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until sauce thickens and coats the chicken and asparagus.
  12. Remove from heat immediately and serve hot, garnishing with optional sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and flavor absorption throughout the protein.
  • Marinate chicken briefly to enhance tenderness and infuse deeper umami flavors into the meat.
  • Maintain high wok temperature for quick cooking, preserving asparagus’s bright green color and crisp texture.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by gradually adding cornstarch slurry, preventing over-thickening and maintaining a silky, light coating.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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