This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is quick, colorful, and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken meets crispy veggies, all tossed in a tasty garlic sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
It’s one of my go-to weeknight meals! Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes. I love serving it over rice—it’s an easy way to make dinner feel special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the star here! Feel free to substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier bite, or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Vegetable Oil: I recommend vegetable oil for its high smoke point, but sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, avocado oil works great too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but fresh garlic really shines in this dish.
Veggies: Red bell peppers and snap peas add great color and crunch. You can swap them for broccoli, carrots, or any seasonal veggies you have on hand.
Sauces: Soy sauce is a staple for umami flavor. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari. Oyster sauce adds depth but can be omitted for a vegan version; consider using soy sauce instead.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Stir-Fry?
The key to a great stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens fast!
- Heat your skillet or wok well before adding oil. This helps achieve nice sears on the chicken.
- Cook the chicken in batches if your pan is small; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.
- Add garlic quickly to avoid burning. It cooks faster than the veggies!
- Keep veggies crisp by cooking them just until tender but still vibrant in color—aim for 3-4 minutes.
These steps will help you master the stir-fry technique and keep your meal vibrant and delicious!
Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas, trimmed
- 3 green onions, sliced (keep white and green parts separate)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water (for sauce thickening)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked white or jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Chicken Stir Fry will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, totaling around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips. Mince the garlic and chop the onion, bell pepper, and green onions. Organizing your ingredients before cooking will make the process smoother!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Onions:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—you want to be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Add the sliced onions, bell pepper, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. This keeps them crunchy and colorful!
5. Combine Chicken and Sauces:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce, mixing everything together until well combined.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Next, stir in the dissolved cornstarch mixture. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
7. Final Touches:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper, if needed. If you’d like, you can add more soy sauce for depth of flavor!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from heat. Garnish your stir fry with the green parts of the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it hot over steamed rice—enjoy!
Now you’re set to delight in a delicious Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with that aromatic garlic flavor paired with crisp veggies!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before slicing. To thaw quickly, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Pat it dry with paper towels before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
Can I Make This Stir Fry Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to press and cube the tofu, then sauté it until golden. You can also add more veggies like broccoli or mushrooms to amp up the nutrition.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, try using a skillet over medium heat to keep the veggies crisp. You can also add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking!
What Should I Serve with Garlic Chicken Stir Fry?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white or jasmine rice, but you can also serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For additional flavor, drizzle some extra soy sauce or sriracha on top!
