Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that perfectly balances bold flavors, a little heat, and total weeknight ease, this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe is the answer! Juicy pieces of chicken are tossed in a fiery, garlicky sauce that packs an addictive punch—sweet, savory, spicy, and sticky all at once. With every bite, you get a pop of ginger, a hint of tang from rice vinegar, and just enough kick to wake up your taste buds. It’s a go-to dish that comes together in under half an hour, making it as ideal for busy nights as it is for impressing friends at a casual dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical in how these pantry staples come together for the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe. Each ingredient plays its part, creating bright flavor and craving-worthy texture without fuss or complication. Here’s why every piece matters:
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Pick your favorite! Thighs stay juicy, while breasts cook up lighter—both work beautifully in bite-sized pieces.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps brown the chicken and gives you the ideal stir-fry sizzle.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a zingy brightness that cuts through the rich sauce and elevates every bite.
- Garlic: The shining star; aromatic and bold, it infuses the whole dish with savory depth.
- Soy Sauce: Brings that classic umami and saltiness, rounding out the edges of the heat.
- Oyster Sauce: Layers in a sweet, savory, almost caramelized undertone for extra savoriness.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: Your flavor bomb—spicy, garlicky, with a touch of tang. A must for true enthusiasts!
- Rice Vinegar: A splash wakes up the whole dish, brightening up the chile and garlic elements.
- Sugar: Just a pinch; it balances the spicy, salty, and sour, creating that signature sticky glaze.
- Black Pepper: Adds warmth and a subtle, earthy kick that lingers nicely.
- Green Onions: For garnish and freshness; they make every plate look gorgeous and add a pop of crunch.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top to finish with nutty flavor and visual flair.
How to Make Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning every so often, until each piece turns golden brown and is cooked all the way through. Those crispy golden edges are where so much of this dish’s flavor comes from, so don’t rush this step. Scoop the chicken out and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Build That Aromatic Base
If your pan needs it, swirl in just a bit more oil. Toss in the minced ginger and garlic, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds, until they’re super fragrant. This jumpstarts the signature aromatic punch of the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe and sets the stage for the sauce to shine.
Step 3: Create the Signature Sauce
Now, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Turn down the heat just slightly if you need to—the sauce comes together fast! Let everything bubble and blend for 1 to 2 minutes. The mixture should get glossy and just start to thicken into a glorious, fiery glaze.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken (and any juices) to the pan, tossing well so every piece gets fully coated in that amazing sauce. Let it cook together for another minute or two, just until everything is piping hot and each piece gleams with flavor.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, top your masterpiece with sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds if you feel fancy. The vibrant garnish isn’t just for looks—it adds freshness and a little crunch to the final dish. Serve your Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe hot, ideally over a fluffy bed of steamed rice or your favorite noodles.
How to Serve Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of fresh green onions and a dusting of sesame seeds are downright irresistible. Their cool crunch cuts the sauce’s intensity beautifully, and if you like, go wild with a scatter of cilantro or even a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing like steaming jasmine rice to soak up all that incredible sauce, but don’t be afraid to branch out with stir-fried vegetables, garlicky bok choy, or a quick noodle stir-fry. Even a simple cucumber salad gives lovely contrast against the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn it into a show-stopping lettuce wrap for a lighter dinner, pile it into bao buns for street-food style fun, or serve small portions as spicy chicken skewers for a party. The Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe adapts wonderfully to whatever occasion you’re feeling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any remaining chicken cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or a quick snack.
Freezing
After cooling, portion your chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze the chicken without the garnishes, and add them fresh when serving.
Reheating
Gently reheat portions in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to help revive the sauce. The microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring often to prevent overheating. Add your garnishes after warming for the freshest taste.
FAQs
Can I make this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe with shrimp or tofu?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken for peeled shrimp or firm tofu. Both absorb the sauce beautifully, but keep in mind shrimp cooks much faster—just 2 to 3 minutes per side.
How spicy is the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is fairly moderate, but totally flexible! Add more or less chili garlic sauce to your preference, or toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper if you want an extra kick.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce (such as tamari) and check that your chili garlic sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free. Everything else in this recipe is naturally without gluten.
What type Main Course
Jasmine or basmati rice are tried-and-true favorites, but you could go with brown rice for extra fiber, or toss the chicken with rice noodles or lo mein for a big, slurpable bowl!
Can I prep parts of the recipe ahead of time?
Definitely—chop the chicken and vegetables, and even mix the sauce ingredients ahead. That way, cooking the Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe is even faster, perfect for busy nights.
Final Thoughts
You’ll be amazed how easy it is to make takeout-worthy flavor right at home with this Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe. Whether you’re a spice lover or just want an exciting new dinner, don’t miss out—gather your ingredients and give this one a try tonight!
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Chili Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chili Garlic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy Asian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a spicy, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
- sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: Sauté ginger and garlic, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Combine: Return chicken to the pan, toss in the sauce, cook for another 1–2 minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper or more chili garlic sauce.
- This recipe is also delicious with tofu or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
