Garlic Chive Chicken Stir-Fry

Why I Love This Recipe

• Incredibly easy to make – Simply slice the chicken breast, dust it with flour, stir-fry with the chives, and add the sauce. This straightforward dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for any weeknight.
• A quick sauce that hits all the right notes – It’s savory, sweet, salty, and slightly spicy. Despite the complex flavors, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just mix and pour.
• A great way to cook chicken breast – My method seals in the juices and cooks this lean protein evenly, ensuring it stays tender and flavorful.

Ingredients for Chicken Stir-fry with Garlic Chives

• Chicken breast
• Garlic chives – also known as nira in Japanese or Chinese chives
• All-purpose flour
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper – or use white pepper powder
• Toasted sesame oil – for cooking
• Sauce
  • Sake
  • Mirin
  • Miso – any type
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Doubanjiang – spicy chili bean paste

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

Substitutions

• Chicken breast – Skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute. They may require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
• Garlic chives – If unavailable, you can use other aromatics like green onions or scallions.
• Miso – Any type can be used. The most common varieties found in Japanese grocery stores are white miso, red miso, and awase miso. I prefer additive-free red koji miso from Hikari Miso, which can be found online.
• Mirin – For every tablespoon of mirin, substitute with one tablespoon of sake (or water) plus one teaspoon of sugar. While the flavor may differ slightly, it will be close.
• Sake – In a pinch, you can use Chinese rice wine, dry sherry, or water as substitutes.
• Doubanjiang – You can skip or reduce it to match your spice preference. I personally use Taiwanese brands Lian How or Ming De, which offer both mild and spicy versions. For a milder heat level, I blend them together. Spicy Sichuan doubanjiang is also available online or at Asian markets. Other spicy alternatives include gochujang (Korean chili paste) and sriracha. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free doubanjiang.

How to Make Chicken Stir-fry with Garlic Chives

Preparation

Step 1 – Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the sake, mirin, miso, soy sauce, honey, and chili bean paste. Stir until the miso is dissolved.

Step 2 – Cut the garlic chives and chicken. Slice the nira into short pieces and cut the chicken breast into flat, bite-sized pieces of equal thickness.

Step 3 – Season and dredge. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly coat it in flour.

Cooking

Step 4 – Sear. Heat sesame oil in a hot frying pan or wok over medium heat. Sear the chicken in two batches until golden brown on both sides.

Step 5 – Stir-fry. Add the chives to the pan with the chicken and toss to combine. Pour in the sauce and quickly coat the ingredients before the sauce thickens.

Step 6 – Serve. Transfer the stir-fry to a serving plate and enjoy!

Nami’s Recipe Tips

• Cut the chicken pieces the same thickness – This ensures even cooking. I use the sogigiri technique, slicing at a slanted angle to create thinner, flatter pieces.
• Dredge the chicken lightly – A light dusting of flour helps lock in flavor and moisture. Shake off excess flour to prevent a cloudy sauce.
• Sear until golden brown – Allow the chicken to fry undisturbed until golden, then flip to seal in juices and enhance flavor.
• Don’t crowd the pan – Space the chicken pieces to ensure proper air circulation and browning. Sear in batches if necessary.
• Don’t overcook it – The chicken should be fully cooked after searing, requiring only a brief toss with the chives and sauce at the end.

Variations and Customizations

• Add garlic and ginger. Enhance the flavor by including sliced garlic and/or minced ginger in the sauce.
• Toss in other vegetables. Add veggies like bean sprouts, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, snow peas, mushrooms, or onions for extra nutrition.
• Swap pork or beef. Use tender cuts of meat, sliced thinly to ensure even cooking.
• Make it vegan/vegetarian. Substitute chicken with cubed tofu for a plant-based option.

What to Serve with Chicken Stir-fry

Storage Tips

To store: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions