If you are craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that excites your taste buds and comes together in no time, this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Think tender chicken breast pieces coated in a bold, garlicky sauce with a spicy kick, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of honey and the crunch of fresh vegetables. Served over fluffy rice, this dish is a wonderful harmony of heat, texture, and freshness that brightens up any weeknight dinner while feeling special enough to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe is in its simplicity and the quality ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays a vital role—whether it’s adding depth, crunch, heat, or sweetness—making the dish both visually appealing and deliciously balanced.
- Chicken breasts (2, thinly sliced): Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): The perfect neutral base for sautéing without overpowering other flavors.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds vibrant color and a sweet crunch that balances the heat.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Brings a satisfying bite and freshness to every forkful.
- Carrot (1, julienned): Offers a subtle sweetness and delightful texture contrast.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): The star ingredient that infuses the dish with its irresistible aroma and pungency.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Adds savory umami depth and saltiness to enhance all the flavors.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Provides a gentle tang that lifts the sauce’s complexity.
- Chili garlic sauce (1 tbsp): The exciting spicy component – adjust to taste for mild to fiery heat.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional): For those who love an extra punch of heat, these tiny flakes pack a big flavor punch.
- Cooked rice (2 cups): Choose white, brown, or jasmine for a comforting base that soaks up all the sauce.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A nutty garnish that adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- Green onions (optional): Fresh, sharp bursts of flavor and color to finish the dish.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. This step is crucial because the chicken needs to develop a slight sear, which locks in the juices and adds flavor. When ready, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—the stir-fry will come together quickly once everything is combined.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pan, drizzle a little more oil if needed, then add minced garlic, red bell pepper slices, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, cooking just until the vegetables become tender yet still crisp. This quick cook preserves their bright colors and fresh textures, which are essential for the dish’s balance.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the vegetables cook, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes (if you want extra heat) in a small bowl. This vibrant sauce brings together the salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that make this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe so addictive. Tasting as you go will help you perfect the balance to your liking.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour your freshly whisked sauce over the top and toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are uniformly coated with that glossy, spicy garlic goodness. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the dish warm through perfectly before serving.
Step 5: Serve Over Rice
Finally, pile this mouthwatering stir-fry over your choice of cooked rice. The fluffy rice acts as the perfect canvas, soaking up all the delicious sauce and making every bite satisfying and complete.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions on top of this spicy garlic chicken stir-fry elevates the dish visually and adds subtle layers of flavor and texture. The sesame seeds contribute a gentle nuttiness and crunch, while the green onions offer fresh, mild pungency that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, pair this stir-fry with light and refreshing sides like a crisp cucumber salad or a simple steamed edamame. These sides complement the intense flavors of the main dish without overwhelming your palate or making the meal feel too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or simply make mealtime more fun? Serve the stir-fry in individual mini bowls shaped from carved bell peppers, or build a vibrant rice bowl layering fresh herbs, avocado slices, and a lime wedge for a zesty twist. This playful presentation invites everyone to mix and match flavors, adding a personal touch to this classic Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish on hand for longer, freezing is an excellent choice. Portion the stir-fry into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. Just remember some vegetables like broccoli may soften slightly upon thawing, so you might prefer to freeze without them and add fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge or defrost gently in the microwave. Warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to heat evenly and prevent the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce helps rejuvenate the sauce and textures.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to swap or add vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to customize the stir-fry to your taste and seasonal availability.
How spicy is the Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe?
The heat level can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes you use. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and start with a smaller amount of chili garlic sauce, adding more to taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy switch for those with dietary restrictions.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine rice is a popular choice thanks to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, but white or brown rice also work wonderfully depending on your preference for nuttiness and fiber content.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! This Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe reheats beautifully and maintains its flavors well, allowing for quick and delicious meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It combines vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and an easy cooking process that makes it a staple you’ll want in your rotation. I truly hope you give it a try and share the joy of this simple yet extraordinary meal with those you love.
Print
Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry served over rice, featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh vegetables and a zesty, sweet-spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that packs a punch of flavor.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 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)
Other
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 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 prepare for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook the chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary. Sauté the minced garlic, sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables turn tender-crisp.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey, and optional red pepper flakes, creating a flavorful and balanced sauce.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to evenly coat everything. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the spicy garlic chicken stir-fry over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on seasonality or preference, such as snap peas or mushrooms.
- Use brown rice or jasmine rice for a different flavor and texture profile.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
