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
Scale
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.
