If you are craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that comes together in a flash, then this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tantalizingly spicy garlic sauce, it strikes the perfect balance between heat and savory goodness. The aromatic garlic and chili blend with the sweetness of honey to create a sauce that coats every bite, while the fluffy rice acts as the ideal base to soak up all the delicious flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends with your stir-fry skills, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients make this dish exciting and approachable. Each one plays a key role in delivering the colorful texture, balanced flavor profile, and irresistible aroma you’ll love from this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe.
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Using thin slices ensures quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet crunch and bright color that makes the dish pop visually and texturally.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Brings a fresh, slightly bitter green note and satisfying bite.
- 1 carrot, julienned: Offers a natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue while keeping a pleasant crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s pungent aroma forms the backbone of the dish’s signature flavor.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth and salty balance.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that lifts the flavor and keeps it bright.
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce: The star of the heat and spice, you can adjust this to your preferred spice level.
- 1 tbsp honey: Sweetness that softens the spice and caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like an extra punch of heat.
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine): Provides a comforting, neutral base that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a lovely nutty crunch and a pretty finishing touch.
- Green onions for garnish (optional): Brings fresh color and a mild oniony brightness.
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 and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, letting the edges get a beautiful golden brown while ensuring the chicken cooks all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This step locks in juices while giving you a clean pan to build your stir-fry sauce and vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then quickly sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, toss in the red bell pepper slices, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, keeping the veggies tender-crisp so they stay vibrant, crunchy, and full of fresh flavor. This combination keeps your dish colorful and exciting to eat.
Step 3: Whisk the Flavorful Sauce
While the vegetables cook, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce is where all the magic happens—it ties together sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy into one irresistible glaze that will coat every bit of chicken and vegetable beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed veggies. Pour your carefully mixed sauce over the top and stir everything together thoroughly. Make sure every juicy piece of chicken and every crisp vegetable is nicely covered. Continue cooking everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through evenly. This finishing touch ensures that every bite bursts with the signature taste of this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe.
Step 5: Serve Over Rice and Garnish
Finally, plate the stir-fry over generous scoops of cooked rice. To elevate the presentation and add a little textural contrast, sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top if you like. These simple garnishes add a subtle crunch and fresh pop of color that takes this dish from great to unforgettable.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions bring a delightful crunch and refreshing taste that perfectly complements the spicy, garlicky chicken. They add visual appeal and a hint of nuttiness without overshadowing the bold flavors of the stir-fry.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry shines as a standalone meal but pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even some simple miso soup. These sides round out the meal nicely without competing with the bold flavors of the chicken and glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe inside lettuce cups to add some cool crunch, or pack it into a wrap with fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables for a delicious hand-held version. You can also sprinkle chili oil on top if you’re feeling extra adventurous and want to dial up the spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce holds up well, and the chicken remains tender, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe, separate the rice and the stir-fry in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze the stir-fry for up to 2 months. Rice can be frozen as well, though it’s best reheated gently to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently to heat evenly without drying out the chicken. Microwave reheating works fine too—cover it to keep moisture in, and stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with shrimp, pork, or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything stays tender and flavorful.
Is the chili garlic sauce very spicy?
The heat level depends on the brand you use and your tolerance. You can always reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to control spiciness. The honey balances the heat nicely, making it approachable for most palates.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
You can use whatever rice you prefer—white jasmine, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb twist all work well. Jasmines add a fragrant floral note while brown rice offers a nuttier, chewier texture.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. This makes the cooking process even quicker because you just need to stir-fry and combine everything.
How do I keep vegetables crunchy in a stir-fry?
Don’t overcook the vegetables. High heat and short cooking times ensure they stay crisp-tender. Make sure to slice veggies evenly so they cook at the same rate and retain their vibrant color and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and exciting about this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe that it’s bound to win a permanent place in your recipe collection. Quick to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that tastes like a special treat. So gather your ingredients, turn up the heat, and enjoy every delicious bite of this vibrant stir-fry—you’ll be so glad you did!
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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and spicy garlic chicken stir-fry packed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce, served over your choice of rice. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy dish delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami with a delightful crunch from fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces & Condiments
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 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)
Carbohydrates
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, then sauté the minced garlic, sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Prepare the sauce: While veggies cook, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl to create a flavorful stir-fry sauce.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well, coating everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Spoon the spicy garlic chicken stir-fry over cooked rice of your choice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy a hot, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Adjust the chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for more juiciness.
- Use any type of rice you prefer, such as jasmine, brown, or white rice.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms as desired.
- This dish can be doubled easily to serve more people.
