Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry with juicy chicken, tender asparagus, and coated in a savory sauce. It’s ready in 25 minutes!

We love anything stir fry, I make healthy chicken stir fry, chicken and broccoli stir fry and basil cashew chicken all the time.

Chicken asparagus stir fry garnished with sesame seeds in a skillet.

This healthy chicken asparagus stir fry is faster and better than takeout. Chunks of chicken and asparagus with an easy, homemade stir fry sauce make this the perfect weeknight dinner.

Anytime I need a meal ready in 30 minutes or less, I whip up one of my savory stir fry recipes. They are quick, delicious, and nutrition packed.

Ingredients for Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry

To make this chicken asparagus stir fry recipe you will need easy to find ingredients. You can meal plan or make it in a pinch.

Chicken broth, chicken breasts, cornstarch, brown sugar, salt, pepper, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, oil, asparagus, rice vinegar.
  • Chicken: Use cubed chicken or thinly sliced chicken so it sears quickly. I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs.
  • Asparagus: Thin-medium asparagus will take less cook time than thicker pieces.
  • Seasonings: Grated fresh garlic and ginger.
  • Stir fry sauce: Chicken stock, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar and cornstarch. That’s it! No fancy ingredients in this easy asparagus stir fry with chicken.
  • Oil: It’s important to use a high smoke point oil, like avocado oil or coconut oil when frying. Sesame oil will taste great but it has a low smoke point. You can add a little bit after if you like.
  • Spices: Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnishes: Optional, but I love garnishing with sesame seeds. They add extra flavor and texture, and pair well with Asian dishes.

How to Make Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry

Here is a quick overview how to make chicken asparagus stir fry at home.

Stir-frying moves quickly, your first step is having everything ready before getting started.

Step-by-step process how to make chicken and asparagus stir fry.
  • Make stir fry sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together stock, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar and cornstarch then set aside.
  • Cook chicken: Preheat large skillet on medium-high heat. Your pan is ready when a few drops of water sizzle. Add oil and chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cook until seared and cooked through.
  • Stir fry chicken with asparagus: Add asparagus and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Then add your garlic and ginger, and stir fry for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  • Add sauce and garnish: Whisk stir fry sauce once more then add to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir chicken asparagus stir fry a few times until sauce thickens.

How to Trim and Cut Asparagus for Stir Fry

Trim asparagus by gently bending each stalk so the tough, woody end snaps off, then cut the remaining asparagus the same length. I cut them regularly into one and a half inch pieces.

You can also cut the spears on a diagonal so the sauce has a slightly larger surface to stick to. Either way you cut it, make sure to use fresh asparagus with trimmed off woody ends.

Tips for Best Results

Use these easy tips for the best chicken and asparagus stir fry!

  • Have all ingredients prepped before cooking: Prep first! Stir fry means cooking small pieces of food quickly on high heat, while constantly stirring. Make sure vegetables and meat are cut before preheating your pan.
  • Cut chicken and asparagus into same size pieces: For even cooking, a pleasant look, and perfect texture.
  • Whisk stir fry sauce once more: The cornstarch will naturally settle to the bottom of the bowl. Make sure to whisk the sauce before adding to the pan.
  • Use other vegetables: I love how versatile stir fries are! Add broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers, or sugar snap peas to chicken asparagus stir fry.
  • You can use chicken thighs: If that’s what you have on hand. Make sure they are cut into small bite-sized pieces.
  • Best skillet for homemade stir fry: I recommend a large deep ceramic non-stick skillet. In my experience, it’s the best way to get a good sear on both chicken and vegetables. A cast iron skillet works great too. A wok tends to steam more than sear with its high walls, but you can use whatever you are used to.
  • Don’t overcook asparagus, garlic and ginger: A secret from my kitchen to yours! Asparagus, garlic and ginger are added towards the end so they don’t overcook. You want the asparagus to be bright in color with a bit of crunch.
Chicken asparagus stir fry served over a bed of rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions on a plate.

What Sides Go with Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry?

Asparagus with chicken stir fry recipe is my go-to for any night I need a quick family-friendly meal or a delicious dish to serve a crowd.

I always stick to plain grains that can take on the flavorful stir fry sauce like rice, Instant Pot brown rice, quinoa or bulgur. Asian noodles like ramen noodles, soba noodles or chow mein noodles are great too.

For low-carb versions you can make cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash noodles.

How to Store

Store: You can keep chicken asparagus stir fry leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of water or chicken broth until heated through.

Freeze: I recommend to freeze only the chicken as asparagus does not freeze well.

FAQs

Why is my chicken tough and chewy?

This means your chicken is overcooked. Cook on high heat quickly, let it sear and don’t stir too much. If you are making a big batch cook chicken in batches, single layer is best.

Is it best to blanch asparagus before cooking?

No need to for this chicken asparagus stir fry recipe, we quickly cook it after the chicken.

Can I use frozen asparagus?

Yes, but do not thaw them first or they will lose their crispness. Toss them in from frozen and cook for shorter amount of time than you would fresh vegetables, until warmed through.

Can I make chicken asparagus stir fry ahead of time?

Yes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or a healthy lunch. Refrigerate chopped asparagus, chicken and stir fry sauce in separate bowls. Cover with plastic wrap for up to 2 days and then cook as per recipe.

How do restaurants get their chicken so moist?

Restaurants use a simple method called “velveting chicken” that tenderizes the chicken breast so it is extremely tender and juicy. Toss 8 ounces of chicken breast strips or chunks with 3/4 teaspoon baking soda. Marinate for 20 minutes, rinse well, and pat dry with paper towel. Then cook as per recipe and enjoy the most tender chicken.

More Asparagus Recipes to Try

More Stir Fry Recipes to Try

Close up of chicken and asparagus stir fry covered in sauce and sesame seeds in white skillet.
Chicken asparagus stir fry garnished with sesame seeds in a skillet.

Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry

Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry with juicy chicken, tender asparagus, and coated in a savory sauce. It's ready in 25 minutes!
5 from 4 votes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 308
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, add chicken stock, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar and cornstarch. Whisk and set aside.
  • Preheat large skillet on medium-high heat, add oil and chicken. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper and cook for 10 minutes or until seared and cooked through, stirring a few times but not too often.
  • Add asparagus and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and stir fry for another 30 seconds.
  • Give stir fry sauce a whisk, pour over chicken and asparagus and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until sauce has thickened, stirring a few times.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.

Notes

Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a bit of water or broth until heated through.
Freeze: Chicken does freeze well but not the asparagus.

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 694mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: North American
Author: Olena Osipov
Did you make this recipe?Mention @ifoodreal or tag #ifoodreal!

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About Olena

Welcome! I grew up in Ukraine watching my grandma cook with simple ingredients. I have spent the last 11 years making it my mission to help you cook quick and easy meals for your family!

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5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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