This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal that combines tender chicken with crunchy veggies and a punch of garlic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
I love how easy this dish is to whip up. Just toss everything in the pan, and in no time, you’re enjoying a warm, flavorful dinner. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great in this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast is a good substitute. For a vegetarian version, try tofu or tempeh, which will soak up all the flavors!
Vegetables: Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch, but feel free to switch them with broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. I love using whatever veggies I have on hand; frozen mixed vegetables also work well!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used (1/8 teaspoon per clove). I find that more garlic is better, as it really enhances the dish!
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for flavor. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari instead. The oyster sauce adds richness but can be skipped if you want a lighter option. A dash of fish sauce can be a tasty alternative.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken properly without drying it out is essential. Here’s how to do it well:
- Slice the chicken thinly for even cooking. Thin pieces cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you add too much, it steams instead of sears. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Keep an eye on the heat. Medium-high works best to seal in the juices; flipping too often can lead to dryness. Let it sear for a bit before turning.
- Remove the chicken from the pan as soon as it’s cooked to prevent it from overcooking while you add the veggies.
Enjoy your delicious and colorful Garlic Chicken Stir Fry!
Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper or sugar snap peas, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by thinly slicing your chicken breasts and tossing them in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to shimmer.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken slices to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onions, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until they become fragrant. This is the best part!
5. Add the Veggies:
Now, add the sliced red and green bell peppers (or snap peas). Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes, just until they start to soften but still stay crisp. This adds a lovely crunch to your stir fry!
6. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Now stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), honey or brown sugar, black pepper, and any red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes glossy and coats everything beautifully.
8. Finish and Serve:
Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds on top. Serve your garlic chicken stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious meal!
Enjoy a vibrant, garlicky chicken stir fry full of fresh color and flavor!
Can I Use Other Proteins in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just remember that cook times may vary; shrimp cooks quickly, while beef may need a little longer to get tender. For tofu, press it first to remove excess moisture for the best texture!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh and ensuring that your sauces are vegetarian-friendly. Skip the oyster sauce and use vegetarian stir fry sauce or more soy sauce for flavor!
What Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to mix in any veggies you have on hand! Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or even baby corn work well in stir fries. Just ensure that any vegetables added have similar cooking times so everything cooks evenly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat or pop it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.