If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and packs a punch, the Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish bursts with bold garlic, a perfect balance of spicy kicks, and fresh veggies that add crunch and color, all tossed with tender chicken and served over fluffy rice. It’s a delightful combination that will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight dinners because it’s simple enough to make any day, yet impressive enough to share at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe, you’ll want to gather a handful of fresh and pantry staples that work beautifully together. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—whether it’s the juicy chicken for protein, colorful vegetables for texture and nutrition, or the flavorful sauces that tie everything into one delicious dish.
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Using thin slices ensures quick and even cooking, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that balances the heat.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Provides crunch and loads of nutrients, making the dish feel fresh and wholesome.
- 1 carrot, julienned: Offers a sweet earthiness and crisp texture to complement the other veggies.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the dish, delivering a fragrant and savory punch that defines the overall flavor.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings umami richness and saltiness that deepens the taste.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce and enhances every bite.
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce: The key to achieving that spicy kick—adjust it according to your heat preference.
- 1 tbsp honey: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness for a perfect harmony of flavors.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like their stir-fry extra fiery, this is the way to go.
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine): Acts as the comforting base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a subtle nutty flavor and a nice visual finish.
- Green onions for garnish (optional): Brings a fresh, sharp contrast that livens up the dish.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for a beautifully browned exterior and cooked-through tenderness. When ready, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate to rest. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken that perfect texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Garlic
Next, in the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic, sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry these for 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender-crisp. The garlic will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, while the vegetables soften just enough to keep their crunch and vibrant colors intact.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
While the veggies are cooking, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) in a small bowl. Whisk until everything is well blended. This sauce is a beautiful blend of salty, spicy, tangy, and sweet that will coat every bite of your stir-fry and make it truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour your homemade sauce over the entire mixture. Stir everything carefully but thoroughly, making sure that each piece of chicken and vegetable is evenly coated with that luscious sauce. Let it cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry perfectly and the dish to heat through.
Step 5: Serve over Rice
Finally, serve your stunning Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe over a bed of warm, fluffy cooked rice. This base helps soak up all the sauce and balances the bold flavors, making every mouthful a delight.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top right before serving. These simple garnishes add a lovely crunch, subtle nuttiness, and bright green bursts that make the dish feel fresh and inviting.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with light side dishes such as a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame. These sides enhance the meal without competing with the bold flavors, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe in individual bowls layered with rice first, then topped with the chicken and veggie mixture and garnished generously. You can even tuck the stir-fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on approach that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the stir-fry and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Proper storage will keep everything tasting fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful dish again without losing any of its original charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the rice and cook fresh rice when ready to eat. This helps preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and vegetable mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry. Heat until warmed through and serve over freshly steamed rice for a near-fresh meal experience.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add your favorite stir-fry veggies like snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just adjust cooking times slightly to keep that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is adjustable. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes. For a fiery kick, increase them to suit your taste buds.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully too. They tend to stay juicy and flavorful, though you might want to cut them into smaller pieces for quicker and even cooking.
What kind of rice works best for this recipe?
White, brown, or jasmine rice are all great choices. Jasmine rice adds a subtle floral note, while brown rice offers nuttier flavor and more fiber. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can keep all the veggies and sauce for a delicious plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, wholesome, and totally satisfying meal any day of the week. Its vibrant flavors and textures come together so beautifully, it’s hard not to fall in love at first bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to dinner that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken breast slices are stir-fried with crisp vegetables and tossed in a vibrant, spicy garlic sauce. Served over fluffy cooked rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
To Serve
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to ensure a hot cooking surface for stir-frying.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the hot oil. Stir occasionally and cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic, sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes if you want additional heat. This sauce combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors perfectly.
- Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly, then cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld and heat everything through.
- Serve: Spoon the spicy garlic chicken stir-fry over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired for added texture and freshness. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use any rice variety you prefer, such as jasmine, basmati, or brown rice.
- You can add other vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for more variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
