Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a lip-smacking dinner that’s both ridiculously easy and utterly packed with bold, punchy flavors, this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy chicken pieces glazed in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce that clings to every bite, studded with hits of garlic, ginger, and the unmistakable zing of chili. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just spicing up a weeknight, this dish delivers big-time flavor with surprisingly little effort—trust me, it never lasts long at my table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this dish lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each bringing something special to the flavor party. From the rich taste of chicken to the fiery pop of chili garlic sauce and aromatic garlic and ginger, every item on the list plays an essential role in creating an unforgettable Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1½ lbs): Go for thighs for richer flavor or breasts for a leaner take; both give a juicy, satisfying bite.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): This coats the chicken for a silky, lightly crispy exterior.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp, divided): Adds a salty, umami backbone and deepens the overall flavor—use half to marinate and half in the sauce.
- Vegetable oil (1 tbsp): Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings pungency and warmth that’s absolutely key for the sauce’s depth.
- Ginger (1 tbsp, minced): Fresh ginger brightens everything up and adds a gentle kick.
- Chili garlic sauce (2 tbsp, adjust to taste): The fiery, tangy component that sets this dish apart—customize the heat to your liking.
- Oyster sauce (1 tbsp): Rounds out the sauce with subtle sweetness and an earthy savoriness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Offers a splash of brightness to balance the bold flavors.
- Honey (1 tbsp): A touch of sticky sweetness helps the sauce caramelize gorgeously.
- Water (1/4 cup): Loosens the sauce just enough for perfect consistency.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water): The secret to a glossy, thick sauce that clings to every piece of chicken.
- Sliced green onions & sesame seeds (optional): These add a pop of color and a bit of crunch to the finished dish.
How to Make Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Coat the Chicken
The first step to crazy-good flavor is a quick marinade. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let them mingle for just 10 to 15 minutes—this simple combo not only tenderizes the meat, but also guarantees that glossy, lightly crisp finish once cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat up your favorite skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear, turning occasionally, until each piece is golden-brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Turn the heat down to medium and, in the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for just 30 seconds—enough to release their outrageous aroma without burning. This foundation is what gives the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe its incredible flavor from the ground up.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Time for the main event: stir in chili garlic sauce, the rest of your soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and water. Let everything bubble together for a minute or so, melding into the ultimate savory-spicy sauce you won’t be able to resist.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk together a cornstarch slurry by combining 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Pour this into your simmering sauce, and watch it transform—thick, shiny, and ready to hug those chicken pieces. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until everything looks luscious.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the seared chicken to the pan and toss to coat every piece in that beautiful, fragrant sauce. Let it all cook for another minute or two, just until the chicken is heated through. That’s it—your Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe is ready for the plate!
How to Serve Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds atop your Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe delivers instant elegance and a fresh crunch. They’re optional, but they really make the final dish pop—visually and flavor-wise!
Side Dishes
You honestly can’t go wrong with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati as the resting place for your saucy chicken. If you’re in the mood to switch things up, try serving it alongside garlic noodles, stir-fried veggies, or a crisp cucumber salad to tame the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a party-friendly, hand-held treat, or pile it high over stir-fried ramen for ultimate comfort. I also love spooning leftovers over roasted cauliflower steaks for a low-carb flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavor and texture perfectly for a next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
Freeze your cooked chicken (completely cooled) in a tightly sealed bag or container for up to one month. For best results, freeze portions with extra sauce to keep everything moist when reheating.
Reheating
To regain that just-cooked taste, reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce looks thick. Microwaving works too, but watch it closely so the chicken remains juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts cook a bit faster and give a leaner bite, while thighs stay extra juicy. Both work beautifully—just keep an eye on cook time for perfect results.
How spicy is this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe?
It all depends on your chili garlic sauce and how much you add. Start with less if you’re spice-shy, and feel free to bump it up if you love heat. The recipe is super adaptable!
Can I make Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely—just swap in tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and look for a gluten-free oyster sauce. Double-check your chili garlic sauce label, too, and you’re all set.
What vegetables can I add to this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe?
Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots are superb additions. Sauté them separately, or toss them into the pan after you finish the chicken for a colorful, veggie-packed meal.
Can I double the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just double all ingredients and sear the chicken in batches for the best color and texture. The sauce quantity scales up easily, so this recipe is perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. The sauce is irresistible, and the process is genuinely simple enough for any night. Go ahead and spice up your table—your friends and family are going to be begging for seconds!
Print
Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Spice up your dinner routine with this flavorful Chili Garlic Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
For Garnish (optional):
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce, and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Sear marinated chicken in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and ginger, then add chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and water. Simmer, thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the pan, toss to coat, and heat through. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust chili garlic sauce for desired heat level.
- Try adding bell peppers or broccoli for extra flavor.
- For crispier chicken, fry coated pieces in batches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
