Stir-Fries

Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry

Name: Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 medium onions, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch (2.5cm) piece of fresh ginger, grated; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1 tsp (5g) ground coriander; 1/2 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp (30g) soy sauce; 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce; 1 tbsp (15g) rice vinegar; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped scallions, for garnish; Salt and pepper, to taste

By Gemma Oakley · June 19, 2026 · Stir-Fries

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I tried Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry at a local restaurant. The combination of flavors and textures was like nothing I had ever experienced before. The dish was spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, with tender chicken and crispy vegetables. I was hooked from the very first bite.

As a home cook, I was determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. After some trial and error, I finally perfected the recipe. Today, I'm excited to share it with you.

This Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Asian cuisine. It's easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, you'll love the simplicity and flavor of this dish.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of authentic Sri Lankan spices and ingredients. The combination of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon gives the dish a unique and aromatic flavor that's sure to impress. And the best part? You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store.

In this recipe, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of making Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry. From preparing the ingredients to cooking the dish, we'll cover everything you need to know to create a delicious and authentic meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions
The combination of flavors and textures is unique and delicious
The recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences
The dish is spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, with tender chicken and crispy vegetables
The recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Asian cuisine

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry is in the balance of flavors and textures. The dish should be spicy, but not overpowering. It should be savory, but not too salty. And it should be slightly sweet, but not cloying. To achieve this balance, we'll use a combination of aromatics, spices, and sauces.

First, we'll start with a mixture of onions, garlic, and ginger. These aromatics will add depth and complexity to the dish. Then, we'll add a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. These spices will give the dish its unique flavor and aroma.

Next, we'll add the chicken and cook it until it's tender and juicy. We'll use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar to add flavor and moisture to the dish. And finally, we'll stir in some chopped scallions and cilantro to add freshness and texture.

The result is a dish that's both familiar and exotic. It's a perfect combination of Asian flavors and techniques, with a unique Sri Lankan twist. And the best part? It's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry, you'll need a few simple ingredients. These include chicken breast or thighs, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and scallions. You'll also need some oil for cooking and some salt and pepper to taste.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. This will ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and delicious. You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store, and they're relatively inexpensive.

1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized piecesYou can use either chicken breast or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. If using breast, be sure to cook it until it's tender and juicy. If using thighs, you can cook it until it's crispy and caramelized.
2 medium onions, thinly slicedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. You can use either yellow or white onions, depending on your preference.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes, and it adds a pungent flavor to the stir fry. Be sure to mince it finely so that it cooks evenly.
1-inch (2.5cm) piece of fresh ginger, gratedGinger adds a warm and spicy flavor to the dish. You can use either fresh or dried ginger, depending on your preference.
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminCumin is a common spice in many Asian dishes, and it adds a warm and earthy flavor to the stir fry. Be sure to use high-quality cumin for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5g) ground corianderCoriander is another common spice in Asian cuisine, and it adds a sweet and citrusy flavor to the dish. Be sure to use high-quality coriander for the best flavor.
1/2 tsp (2g) ground cinnamonCinnamon adds a warm and sweet flavor to the dish. You can use either ground or whole cinnamon, depending on your preference.
2 tbsp (30g) soy sauceSoy sauce is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes, and it adds a salty and savory flavor to the stir fry. Be sure to use high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauceOyster sauce is a common ingredient in many Asian dishes, and it adds a sweet and savory flavor to the stir fry. Be sure to use high-quality oyster sauce for the best flavor.
1 tbsp (15g) rice vinegarRice vinegar is a mild and slightly sweet vinegar that adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish. Be sure to use high-quality rice vinegar for the best flavor.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped scallions, for garnishScallions add a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish. You can use either green or white scallions, depending on your preference.
Salt and pepper, to tasteSalt and pepper are essential seasonings in many dishes, and they add a salty and savory flavor to the stir fry. Be sure to use high-quality salt and pepper for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and cook until they're translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help to release the flavors and aromas of the garlic and ginger.
3
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir the chicken frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking to the skillet.
4
Add the ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help to release the flavors and aromas of the spices.
5
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is coated.
6
Stir in the chopped scallions and cook for 1 minute, or until they're wilted and fragrant.
7
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken should reach 165 F (74 C) in the thickest part of the breast.
8
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This will help the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender and juicy.
9
Serve the Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry hot, garnished with additional scallions and a side of steamed rice or noodles.
10
Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. You can add more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or rice vinegar to taste, or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra brightness and flavor.
11
Leftover Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat the dish in a skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it's hot and steaming.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This includes using fresh and flavorful spices, as well as high-quality soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Don't overcook the chicken. This can make it dry and tough, rather than tender and juicy.
Stir the dish frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking to the skillet.
Add the scallions at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and texture.
Use a variety of colors and textures to make the dish visually appealing. This can include adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to the stir fry.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the flavor combination that you like best.
Serve the dish with a side of steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Consider adding other protein sources, such as shrimp or tofu, to make the dish more substantial and filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
Not stirring the dish frequently enough, which can cause it to burn or stick to the skillet.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, which can make the dish too salty or bland.
Not serving the dish immediately, which can cause the sauce to thicken and the chicken to dry out.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which can make it undercooked or overcooked.

Variations and Substitutions

Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to the stir fry for added color and texture.
Use different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, to make the dish more substantial and filling.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as curry powder or chili flakes, to add more flavor and heat to the dish.
Add a splash of coconut milk or cream to the sauce for added richness and creaminess.
Use different types of noodles or rice, such as brown rice or quinoa, to make the dish more nutritious and filling.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.
Use fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, to add more flavor and fragrance to the dish.

What to Serve With Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry

Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include steamed rice, noodles, or roti. You can also serve the dish with a side of naan bread or papadum for added crunch and texture.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding some roasted vegetables or a side salad to the dish. This can include roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.

Steamed riceNoodlesRotiNaan breadPapadumRoasted vegetablesSide salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Leftover Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, simply cool the dish to room temperature and store it in an airtight container. To freeze, cool the dish to room temperature and transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container.

When reheating the dish, be sure to stir it frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking to the skillet. You can reheat the dish in a skillet or wok over medium heat, or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.

It's also important to note that the dish will thicken and the sauce will reduce as it cools. To restore the sauce to its original consistency, simply add a splash of water or broth to the dish and stir to combine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

You can use either chicken breast or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. If using breast, be sure to cook it until it's tender and juicy. If using thighs, you can cook it until it's crispy and caramelized.

Can I use different types of protein for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, to make the dish more substantial and filling. Simply adjust the cooking time and seasonings as needed.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of heat in this dish will depend on the type and amount of spices you use. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the chili flakes or serrano peppers. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more chili flakes or serrano peppers to taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat the dish in a skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it's hot and steaming.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making this dish?

Some common mistakes to avoid when making this dish include overcooking the chicken, not stirring the dish frequently enough, and not using high-quality ingredients. Be sure to cook the chicken until it's tender and juicy, stir the dish frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking to the skillet, and use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

How do I store leftover Sri Lankan Chicken Stir Fry?

Can I customize this recipe to suit my dietary preferences?

Yes, you can customize this recipe to suit your dietary preferences. For example, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or omit the oyster sauce for a vegan or vegetarian version. You can also add or substitute different spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

What are some variations or substitutions I can make to this recipe?

Some variations or substitutions you can make to this recipe include adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to the stir fry, using different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, or experimenting with different spices and seasonings, such as curry powder or chili flakes.

The Full Recipe

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