Name: Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 cup bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1/2 cup carrots, sliced; 2 green onions, sliced; 3 cups cooked white rice; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

A well-made garlic chicken stir-fry is like a love letter to your taste buds. It’s simple, comforting, and brings an instant sense of home to the dinner table. With tender pieces of chicken coated in a savory garlic sauce and tossed with crisp, colorful vegetables, this dish comes together in less time than it takes to wait for takeout. Plus, when served over a warm bed of fluffy rice, it becomes a complete meal that hits every craving: salty, sweet, and garlicky in just the right ways.

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or just need something flavorful without a whole lot of effort, this stir-fry delivers. It’s one of those recipes you can make once and quickly commit to memory, and it’s easily adjustable to whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s fresh, filling, and a surefire way to impress anyone sitting at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

This garlic chicken stir-fry isn’t just fast and easy—it’s also bursting with flavor. The garlic sauce has the perfect balance of savory and sweet, thanks to a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar. The veggies stay crisp-tender, and the chicken is juicy and satisfying. You don’t need a wok or anything fancy, just a good pan and a craving for something delicious. It’s also great for meal prep since it reheats beautifully.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here. Breasts will give you a leaner bite, while thighs offer more flavor and stay especially tender during cooking. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before slicing. Cut the chicken into even-sized thin strips or bite-sized cubes so everything cooks quickly and evenly. Want to try something different? Shrimp or tofu also work wonderfully with this recipe if you’re in the mood to switch it up.

Ingredients for the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

To make this dish just right, you need ingredients that balance out savory, sweet, and aromatic elements. While stir-fry is always flexible, these ingredients provide the perfect foundation for flavor and texture.

Chicken breast or thighs
Soy sauce
Garlic cloves
Brown sugar
Cornstarch
Vegetable oil
Bell peppers
Broccoli florets
Carrots
Green onions
Cooked white rice
Sesame oil
Ginger (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)

How To Make the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken into thin slices or small chunks. Toss it with a bit of cornstarch and soy sauce. Let it sit while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, and a splash of water. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk it until everything blends together.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and just cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Add another splash of oil if needed. Toss in the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp and bright in color.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the garlic sauce, and toss to coat everything evenly. Let it bubble for a minute or two until it thickens slightly and clings to the chicken and veggies.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Serve the stir-fry hot over a bed of warm white rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch right at the end.

Serving and Storing This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

This garlic chicken stir-fry with rice serves about four hungry people, but it can easily stretch to six if you serve it with extra rice or another side dish. It makes a satisfying main dish for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead.

If you have leftovers, they keep beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. The flavors tend to deepen after a day, making it just as good, if not better, the next time around.

What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice?

Steamed Dumplings

A few dumplings on the side add a fun, bite-sized appetizer to your plate. They can be store-bought or homemade, and either way, they go perfectly with the garlic soy flavor of the stir-fry.

Egg Drop Soup

This light and velvety soup offers a gentle contrast to the stir-fry’s bold taste and makes a well-rounded meal.

Asian Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and slightly tangy, cucumber salad refreshes the palate and balances the heat if you added any spice to your stir-fry.

Spring Rolls

Crunchy on the outside with a savory veggie filling, spring rolls pair nicely with garlic chicken and rice. Serve them with a sweet chili or soy dipping sauce.

Fried Rice

Double down on the rice! A scoop of egg fried rice on the side adds even more flavor, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers.

Kimchi

If you enjoy fermented foods, kimchi brings a spicy, tangy element that livens up the meal in a surprising but delicious way.

Roasted Edamame

Quick to make and fun to eat, roasted edamame adds a salty, nutty crunch to your meal with a boost of plant-based protein.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If garlic chicken stir-fry is right up your alley, here are more comforting and flavorful dishes you should definitely try:

Try the ultra-cozy Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you’re craving rich, saucy goodness.
This Easy Crock Pot Orange Chicken is the ultimate hands-off meal for citrusy, sweet-savory flavor.
Want something filling and cheesy? The Cheesy Chicken Fritters are great for picky eaters and game nights.
Go all in with One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles if you’re into comfort food that’s ready in minutes.
For a restaurant-style plate, the Chicken Parmesan is a must-make with its crispy breading and melty cheese.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

And don’t forget to leave a comment if you made it—did you switch up the veggies? Try it with noodles instead of rice? I’d love to hear your take on it.

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