Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that packs a punch and comes together in hardly any time, the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe is destined to become your new favorite weeknight hero. This dish achieves the perfect balance between savory, spicy, and a subtle sweetness, all nestled in a glossy sauce that clings beautifully to tender pieces of chicken. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or simply want to elevate your dinner routine, you’ll love how quick, customizable, and bold this recipe is. Let’s dive in and discover why this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe proves that you don’t need a complicated shopping list to create something special. Each component has a purpose, bringing flavor, texture, or that irresistible glossy finish to the final dish.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all that spicy, garlicky sauce. Thighs give extra moisture, but breasts work beautifully too!
- Cornstarch: Coats the chicken, creating a light, crispy crust and helping the sauce cling to every bite.
- Vegetable Oil: Ensures a golden sear on the chicken and keeps everything from sticking to the pan.
- Garlic: The star aromatics—use fresh for the boldest, most fragrant flavor.
- Ginger: Adds warmth and a touch of zing, balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a little extra fire—add to taste!
- Soy Sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce, infusing every bite with umami depth.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: The heart of the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe, delivering heat and robust flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Lifts the sauce with a gentle tang, brightening the overall dish.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the heat and salt.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle for nutty, toasty aroma—don’t skip it!
- Water: Helps loosen the sauce so it’s pourable and coats the chicken evenly.
How to Make Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces in a medium bowl and sprinkle them with cornstarch. Toss everything together until each piece is lightly dusted. This simple step ensures your chicken gets that irresistible light crust and helps the sauce stick beautifully later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan! Let the pieces cook undisturbed for a few minutes before turning. Sear for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add your minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Stir for just 30 seconds—this is enough to release their fragrance without burning, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!
Step 4: Mix and Simmer the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water. Pour this mixture into the pan with the aromatics. Let the sauce bubble and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens just slightly, becoming glossy and rich.
Step 5: Coat and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing well to coat every piece in that beautiful sauce. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, making sure every morsel is lacquered and heated through. Serve hot and get ready to impress!
How to Serve Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a scattering of sesame seeds. Not only do these add a pop of color, they bring extra flavor and a bit of crunch, elevating your dish from simple to sensational.
Side Dishes
This chicken is fantastic over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, swirled into noodles, or served alongside crisp-tender stir-fried vegetables. The sauce seeps into the rice or noodles, making every bite deeply satisfying and flavorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on experience, or pile it high on a platter with a rainbow of fresh veggies for a family-style feast. This Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe also shines inside a bao bun or as a zesty filling for Asian-inspired tacos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully in this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe. Thighs will be a bit juicier, but breasts are leaner and just as tasty when cooked properly.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is very customizable. The chili garlic sauce gives a moderate kick, but you can add or reduce the amount, and adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and check that your chili garlic sauce is gluten-free as well. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What vegetables pair well with this chicken?
Broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy are all excellent choices. Their crisp texture and mild flavors complement the bold sauce of this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe perfectly.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales up easily. Just make sure to cook the chicken in batches so it browns nicely, and double the sauce ingredients for plenty of that irresistible glaze.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—it’s bold, easy, and always delivers on flavor. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own family favorite, too. Let me know how you like to serve yours!
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Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This bold and flavorful Chili Garlic Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized pieces of chicken tossed in a spicy, garlicky sauce that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Enhanced with ginger, red pepper flakes, and a balanced sauce of soy, chili garlic sauce, and brown sugar, this Asian-inspired dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce later.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes fragrant but not burned.
- Prepare and Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water until well combined. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan with the aromatics and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it thoroughly in the sauce to coat each piece evenly. Continue to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to meld all the flavors and ensure the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the chili garlic chicken hot over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of chili garlic sauce to suit your preferred spice level—add less for mild heat, or more for a spicier kick.
- For added texture and a fresh flavor contrast, garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can provide a juicier, more flavorful result if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftover chili garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
