This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is all about quick and tasty! Juicy chicken slices mingle with colorful veggies, all tossed in a yummy garlic sauce.
It’s super easy to whip up on a busy night. I love serving it over rice for a filling meal that’s ready in no time. Plus, who can resist that garlicky goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is great for this recipe, but thighs can be juicier and more flavorful. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh work well!
Vegetable Oil: Using vegetable oil keeps this stir fry light, but sesame oil adds a deeper flavor. You can also use olive oil, though it has a different taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong, aromatic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, just use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. Fresh is always my favorite!
Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match veggies based on what you have! Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can easily take the place of broccoli and snap peas. Use what you enjoy!
Sauces: Oyster sauce adds richness, but you can substitute with hoisin sauce for a vegetarian option. If you want to skip specialty sauces, soy sauce alone can work, though it might lack some depth.
How Do You Prevent Overcooking the Chicken?
To ensure your chicken stays tender, it’s important to cook it just until it’s no longer pink. Here’s how:
- Use bite-sized strips for even cooking. Smaller pieces cook faster!
- Watch the heat; medium-high is perfect. It helps brown the chicken without drying it out.
- Remove the chicken from the pan right before it’s done. It’ll continue cooking while you stir-fry the vegetables!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have juicy chicken in your stir fry every time!
Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas or sugar snap peas
- 3 green onions, sliced thinly, for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal that comes together in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set it aside; this will be your flavorful sauce!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until they begin to brown and are almost cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion. Stir fry for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is fragrant and the onions start to soften.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas to the pan. Stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and still vibrant in color.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, stirring well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This step is key to getting that perfect coating!
7. Final Touches:
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes over the stir fry, along with the black sesame seeds if using. This adds nice flavor and crunch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the stir fry from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your delicious, colorful Garlic Chicken Stir Fry!
This recipe is a quick and efficient way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! This stir fry is versatile. You can use shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.
How Can I Make This Stir Fry Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and replace the oyster sauce with a vegan alternative like hoisin sauce or just stick with soy sauce. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. However, it’s best to cook the chicken and vegetables fresh for the best texture and flavor. If you need to prep veggies ahead, cut them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.