Description
This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a quick, colorful, and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken breast and a vibrant mix of vegetables, all coated in a savory soy and garlic sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and served best over steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Seasoning and Thickeners
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (optional for thickening sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure to cut the chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This helps everything cook evenly and quickly during stir-frying.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your chicken pieces. Cook them until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, carefully take them out of the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté these for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onions are slightly translucent, building a lovely flavor base.
- Add the Vegetables: Toss in your broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas. Stir fry these colorful vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender and vibrant, keeping that fresh crunch.
- Combine and Season: Return your cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything well so the sauce coats all the chicken and veggies evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch mixture prepared earlier. Stir quickly until the sauce thickens and clings nicely to your stir-fry.
- Final Touches: Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Add most of your sliced green onions, reserving a few for garnish later.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Garlic Chicken Stir Fry hot over a bed of cooked white rice, garnishing with the remaining green onions for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Oyster sauce adds extra umami but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use cornstarch mixture to thicken sauce if you like a more clingy texture.
- Peanut oil can be used instead of vegetable oil to enhance flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
