Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced (1 pound)
- Low sodium Soy Sauce (4 tablespoons, divided)
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (2 tablespoons)
- Minced Garlic (2 cloves)
- Chicken Broth or Water (1/4 cup)
- Granulated Sugar (1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch until fully coated. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Whisk the Sauce Base. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, the chicken broth (or water), and the granulated sugar. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until fully cooked through and slightly golden (about 4-5 minutes). Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside, leaving any residual oil.
- Step 4: Finish the Sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour the prepared sauce mixture (from Step 2) into the pan and bring to a quick simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly (this should take less than 1 minute).
- Step 5: Combine and Serve. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss quickly to coat the chicken evenly with the thickened sauce. Remove from heat immediately and serve hot, ideally over steamed rice.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, noting that the sauce will likely thicken substantially when chilled.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat rather than microwaving, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
- For a complete meal, serve this savory chicken immediately over hot steamed rice and top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions for a fresh finish.
- Do not overcook the minced garlic in Step 4; 30 seconds is plenty, as burned garlic will introduce a bitter taste to the delicate finished sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American