Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken Recipe

Posted on January 28, 2026

Chinese Chicken Recipe

This incredible Chinese Chicken Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is made in just one skillet for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will absolutely love! You can easily switch up the vegetables and ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, it’s all about making dinner stress-free without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive into this delicious, soul-satisfying dish!

Ingredients for Chinese Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish. Don’t worry; these ingredients are pretty straightforward, and you might already have them in your kitchen!

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (You can also use thighs if you prefer!)

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (Adds that sweet, aromatic kick!)

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (Garlic gives a lovely depth of flavor!)

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (For the salty, umami goodness.)

  • 2 tbsp honey (A hint of sweetness to balance the savory vibes!)

  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (For brightness and acidity that makes everything pop!)

  • 1 tbsp oil for cooking (I love using sesame oil for extra flavor!)

Optional Add-ins

Feel free to toss in some veggies if you have them on hand! Here are some ideas:

  • Bell peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Snap peas
  • Carrots

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now, let’s walk through the steps to make this mouthwatering Chinese Chicken Recipe. You’re gonna want to keep your taste buds ready for a flavor explosion!

  1. Prep Your Ingredients : Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It makes cooking quick and ensures they cook evenly. Don’t forget the ginger and garlic! Mince the garlic and grate the ginger trust me, you want those aromatics ready to go. It just fills the kitchen with such an amazing smell!

  2. Marinate the Chicken : In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Toss in those chicken pieces and coat them well. Let this marinate while you prep your next steps, at least 15 minutes is perfect, but the longer the better! The best part is that while this is resting, you can start cleaning up a bit.

  3. Cook the Chicken : In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the marinated chicken (including all those tasty juices). Cook for about 7-10 minutes. You want that chicken to be golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this part, let it get that nice color. You’ll know it’s done when it’s no longer pink inside!

  4. Make the Sauce : Remove the chicken from the skillet once it’s perfectly golden. Pour the leftover marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This makes a beautiful sauce that clings to everything.

  5. Serve It Up : Plate your chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed veggies, and drizzle that extra delectable sauce over the top. Your family will be begging for seconds!

Chinese Chicken Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick and comforting after a long day. Weeknights can be crazy, especially as a single mom, but knowing I can throw together this hearty dish in no time? Total lifesaver! I’m a real sucker for anything that makes dinnertime feel special without taking all evening to whip up. Plus, the versatility is amazing, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand! Seriously, this one is always a hit at my house.

If you loved this Chinese Chicken, be sure to check out my Dragon Chicken, my Japanese Katsu Bowls, or my Crispy Asian Shrimp Balls for more delicious, family-friendly recipes!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Comes together in under 30 minutes!
Weeknight meals don’t have to be complicated. This dish provides a satisfying meal without the long prep. You can be sitting down to dinner in no time!

One Skillet Wonder

Minimal cleanup required!
With just one skillet, you’re cutting down on cleaning time. Okay, can I emphasize how great that is? Less mess means more time for family or even catching up on that series you’ve been binge-watching!

Comfort Food

Loaded with tons of flavor!
Sweet, savory, and a little tangy, this dish is beloved by everyone in the family. It’s the ultimate comfort food that still feels like an indulgence.

Customizable

Use whatever ingredients you have!
Have some leftover veggies? Throw those in! Honestly, anything goes with this dish. It’s like the kitchen sink of meals, just take whatever you have and mix it up!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Chinese Chicken

This Chinese chicken pairs perfectly with:

  • Steamed jasmine or white rice
  • Stir-fried veggies (you can keep it simple, just toss some in the pan!)
  • A side of crispy spring rolls for that extra treat.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you seal it up.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, I suggest tossing it back in the skillet with a splash of water or broth to moisten it up. It’ll restore some of that original flavor and texture. You can also use the microwave, but it might lose some of that lovely sauce goodness.

Freezer Friendly

Yes! This recipe is freezer-friendly too. Just portion it into containers once it’s cooled completely. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Food is all about sharing love and memories, and this Chinese Chicken Recipe is a perfect way to create moments with your family, even on the busiest of weeknights. It’s about simplicity, comfort, and making the dinner table a meeting place for laughter and stories, don’t you think?

So, will you give this a try? I’d love to hear how it turns out! Let me know your variations and what your family thinks, until next time, happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chinese Chicken Recipe

Quick and Easy Chinese Chicken


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Poultry

Description

A quick and easy Chinese chicken dish that comes together in about 30 minutes, made in one skillet for a stress-free, flavorful weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp oil for cooking (sesame oil recommended)
  • Optional: Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and prepare the ginger and garlic.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  3. Toss in the chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, add marinated chicken and cook for 7-10 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Remove the chicken, pour the leftover marinade into the skillet, and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  6. Serve the chicken over rice or steamed veggies, drizzling with the sauce.

Notes

Can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Tags:

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star