Name: Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 3 cups cooked white or brown rice; sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

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If you’re craving an explosion of flavor that’s as comforting as it is energizing, you’ll fall head-over-heels for Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice. This vibrant dish delivers juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and just the right level of garlicky heat, all tossed together in a glossy, savory sauce and served over fluffy grains. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re hosting friends for dinner, this stir-fry brings everyone to the table with zero fuss and maximum flavor in every bite.

Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the secret weapon behind this irresistible Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice. Every ingredient has a role to play: from bold, umami-rich sauces to the crunch of fresh vegetables, each element builds layers of flavor and color. Let’s break it down:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces – absorbs flavor beautifully and cooks up succulent every time.
Soy Sauce: Two hits! 2 tablespoons for marinating the chicken and 3 tablespoons in the sauce – a key for deep savory and salty notes.
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon – ensures the chicken gets a lovely sear and helps thicken the sauce.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons – has a high smoke point, perfect for quick, stir-fry cooking.
Red Bell Pepper: 1, sliced – adds sweetness and gorgeous color.
Broccoli Florets: 1 cup – brings crunch and a pop of healthy green.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – the central aromatic! It infuses the dish with punchy, irresistible fragrance.
Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated – brightens everything up with subtle warmth.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: ¼–½ teaspoon (adjust to heat preference) – dial the heat up or down as you like it.
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon – adds a touch of sweet depth and glossy richness.
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon – brings tangy balance to the savory notes.
Honey or Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon – a hint of sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon – for that finishing nutty aroma and flavor.
Cooked White or Brown Rice: 3 cups – a neutral, comforting base for soaking up the sauce.
Sliced Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: For garnish – a pinch of color, freshness, and crunch right at the end.

How to Make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This quick marinade adds incredible flavor, helps tenderize the chicken, and gives the finished bite that slightly crisp, restaurant-style texture. Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep your other ingredients.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and sesame oil. This sauce is the heart and soul of Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice, delivering sweet, tangy, and sea-salty notes in every spoonful.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and pour in the vegetable oil. Once shimmering hot, add your marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden-brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Into the same pan, toss in your sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until just crisp-tender—this ensures they keep their beautiful color and satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Add Aromatics and Heat

Make a little space in the pan and tip in your minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir for around one minute—this quick blast releases all their flavors and aromas, ensuring that signature kick you expect from a spicy stir-fry.

Step 6: Bring it All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then pour in the sauce you whisked earlier. Toss everything together, letting the sauce bubble and thicken for 1 to 2 minutes until it coats each bite in glossy, savory goodness. Your Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is ready to serve, piping hot!

How to Serve Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Garnishes

No bowl is complete without a final flourish! Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top. These simple garnishes add freshness, color, and a delightful little crunch to every bite of Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a meal on its own, but if you’re planning a spread, consider pairing it with a simple cucumber salad, quick pickled vegetables, or a side of steamed edamame. The cool, crisp sides balance the bold, spicy flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice in individual bowls, bento boxes, or even lettuce cups for a lighter meal. Layering the rice first, then the glossy stir-fry, and finishing with garnishes makes for a truly eye-catching presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it an ideal option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this stir-fry too! Place completely cooled portions into freezable containers or zip-top bags. For best results, freeze the rice and chicken-vegetable mixture separately. They’ll keep their best texture for up to two months—easy meal prep at its finest.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave leftovers in a covered dish for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. This keeps everything moist and delicious, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly richer and stay extra juicy in the stir-fry. Use whichever you have on hand or prefer—either way, your dish will be packed with flavor.

Is there a way to make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice less spicy?

Of course. Simply use less crushed red pepper flakes, or leave them out altogether for a milder dish. You can always serve chili sauce on the side for those who like the extra heat.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn all work beautifully here. Use what you love or have on hand to make this stir-fry your own.

Is this dish gluten-free?

If you need to keep things gluten-free, swap the soy sauce for tamari and make sure your oyster sauce is certified gluten-free. Everything else in Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice should fit nicely into a gluten-free diet.

What type Main Course

Both white and brown rice are delicious here—the choice comes down to personal preference. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, while white rice soaks up the sauce beautifully for a classic comfort-food base.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s quick, bold, and completely satisfying, Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is about to become your new favorite. I hope you’re inspired to grab your skillet, gather your gang, and dig in—once you try it, there’s no going back!

Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken pieces are stir-fried with fresh vegetables in a savory and spicy garlic sauce, served over steamed rice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Additional:

3 cups cooked white or brown rice
sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and cornstarch. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, stir-fry bell pepper and broccoli for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and cook for 1–2 more minutes. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.