Quick and Easy Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe Everyone Will Love 2025
There’s something magical about stir-fry recipes. They are quick, vibrant, and layered with flavors that wake up your palate in every bite. Among the many variations, Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry with Eggs and Shiitake Mushrooms stands out as a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Imagine tender strips of chicken, marinated just enough to soak in flavors, seared to golden perfection, then tossed with earthy shiitake mushrooms, crunchy cabbage, and silky ribbons of egg. Finally, all of it is enveloped in a glossy sauce made with hoisin, oyster, and soy—an umami-packed trio that guarantees a restaurant-style finish right at home.
The best part? This dish takes less than 30 minutes to bring together, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights without sacrificing nutrition or flavor. Whether you’re serving it with fluffy jasmine rice, tossing it with noodles, or enjoying it on its own as a protein-rich stir-fry bowl, this recipe proves that quick cooking can also be deeply satisfying.
In this article, we’ll dive into:
- Why this recipe works so well.
- Detailed ingredient breakdown.
- Step-by-step cooking guide.
- Professional cooking tips.
- Variations and substitutions for all diets.
- Storage, reheating, and meal-prep strategies.
- Reader-friendly FAQs.
By the end, you’ll have not only a complete recipe but also the knowledge and flexibility to adapt it into countless delicious versions.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry
- Quick and Easy: From chopping board to dinner table in 30 minutes.
- Nutritious Balance: Lean protein, vegetables, and eggs make it a complete meal.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet, salty, nutty, and umami-rich in every bite.
- Customizable: Works with chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even just veggies.
- Beginner-Friendly: No advanced cooking skills needed—just follow the steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed ingredient list with explanations for why each is important.
Protein
- Chicken breast tenderloins (1 lb / 450 g, sliced thin): Tender and quick to cook, making them ideal for stir-fry. Regular chicken breast or thighs also work.
- Eggs (2 large): Cooked into thin strips, they add texture, richness, and extra protein.
Vegetables
- Shiitake mushrooms (1 cup, sliced): Bring a meaty, earthy depth of flavor. Button or cremini mushrooms are fine substitutes.
- Cabbage or coleslaw mix (2 cups): Adds crunch, freshness, and balance.
Sauce Ingredients
- Soy sauce (3 tbsp): For salty umami richness. Use low-sodium if preferred.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Oyster sauce (1 tbsp): Intensifies umami and gives the sauce its glossy finish.
- Sesame oil (2 tsp): Nutty fragrance that defines the dish.
- Cornstarch (1 tsp): Helps thicken the sauce and coats the chicken for tenderness.
- Cold water (6 tbsp): Keeps the sauce smooth.
Aromatics
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that signature stir-fry punch.
- Ginger (1 tsp, grated, optional): Boosts freshness.
- Green onions (2, chopped): For garnish and final freshness.
Oil & Extras
- Vegetable oil (2 tsp): Neutral high-heat cooking oil.
- Dry sherry or rice wine (1 tbsp, optional): Enhances flavor depth.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk 2 tbsp cold water, 2 tsp sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add chicken strips, coat well, and set aside for at least 10 minutes.
👉 Why: This tenderizes the chicken and locks in flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Mix remaining 4 tbsp water, 1 tsp sesame oil, soy sauce, hoisin, and oyster sauce in a small bowl.
- Stir until no lumps remain.
👉 Why: Preparing sauce beforehand ensures a smooth cooking flow.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs
- Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet on medium heat.
- Add beaten eggs, cook until set (about 3 minutes per side), then remove and slice into thin strips.
👉 Why: Cooking separately keeps them fluffy instead of scrambled into the stir-fry.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Add another 1 tsp oil to the pan, raise heat to medium-high.
- Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add garlic, mushrooms, cabbage, and sherry.
- Stir-fry for 2 minutes until cabbage softens slightly.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return chicken and eggs to the skillet.
- Pour in sauce mixture.
- Stir continuously until sauce thickens and coats everything (about 4–5 minutes).
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Slice chicken thinly and evenly to ensure quick and uniform cooking.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch marinade—it’s a restaurant trick for tender stir-fry chicken.
- Cook eggs separately for the best silky texture.
- High heat is key—stir-fry needs sizzle, not steam.
- Sauce thickening tip: If too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add to skillet.
What to Serve With Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Classic pairing for soaking up the sauce.
- Fried Rice – Turn it into a feast.
- Lo Mein or Rice Noodles – Toss directly into the stir-fry for a one-pan meal.
- Asian Cucumber Salad – Refreshing side that balances richness.
- Spring Rolls or Dumplings – Make it a complete Asian-style dinner spread.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip rice, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Spicy Twist: Add chili paste, red pepper flakes, or sriracha.
- Extra Veggies: Snap peas, bell peppers, broccoli, or bok choy.
- Alcohol-Free: Replace sherry with broth.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Storage and Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month, but vegetables may soften.
- Great for meal-prep—portion into containers with rice for grab-and-go lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving.
Q: How do I keep chicken from drying out?
Thin slicing, quick cooking, and the cornstarch marinade keep it moist.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Q: How can I make the dish healthier?
Use less oil, skip oyster sauce, and add more vegetables.
Q: What noodles pair best?
Lo mein, soba, or even ramen noodles work beautifully.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, marinate chicken and prep sauce/veggies in advance. Cook just before serving for best results.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
Final Thoughts
This Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry with Eggs and Shiitake Mushrooms proves that a hearty, flavorful, and wholesome meal doesn’t have to take hours in the kitchen. It combines the best of Asian-inspired cooking—umami-rich sauce, tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fluffy eggs—all in one sizzling skillet.
Whether you’re new to stir-fry or a seasoned home cook, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite. It’s easy, adaptable, and endlessly satisfying. Pair it with your favorite sides, experiment with variations, and make it your own.
👉 So, next time you crave something quick yet special, skip takeout and whip up this stir-fry—you’ll thank yourself later!
