Garlic Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry with Flavorful White Rice

Directions

1. Rinse rice until water runs mostly clear; drain well.
2. In a saucepan, heat 1 tsp oil. Add sliced ginger and smashed garlic, sauté 1 minute.
3. Stir in rice, then add water, salt, and bay leaf if using. Bring to a boil.
4. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15 minutes. Turn off heat, leave covered 10 minutes, then fluff.
5. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
6. In a bowl, combine chicken strips with soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil. Let marinate 15 minutes.
7. In another bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster/hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and broth. Keep slurry separate.
8. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add oil, then chicken in a single layer.
9. Sear 3–4 minutes, turning once, until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove to a plate.
10. Add more oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and onion for 30 seconds.
11. Add remaining vegetables and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
12. Return chicken to pan. Pour in sauce, bring to a simmer, then stir in cornstarch slurry.
13. Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats chicken and vegetables.
14. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
15. Spoon the stir-fry over the prepared rice and serve hot.