Quick & Tasty Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Nights

Garlic chicken stir fry enhances ordinary weeknight meals into a vibrant culinary adventure that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Fragrant garlic infuses tender chicken pieces with a bold, mouthwatering essence that elevates simple ingredients.

Quick cooking techniques preserve the natural crispness of colorful vegetables while maintaining their nutritional integrity.

Delicate seasonings dance across the palate, creating a harmonious blend of savory and aromatic flavors.

Simple ingredients come together seamlessly, proving that elegant meals don’t require complex preparation methods.

The combination of protein-rich chicken and crisp vegetables offers a balanced nutritional profile that energizes and satisfies.

You’ll appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together, making weeknight cooking both enjoyable and stress-free.

Best Flavors to Pair with Garlic Stir Fry

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: The light, slightly sweet German white wine cuts through the garlic's intensity and complements the chicken's savory profile, creating a refreshing balance on your palate.
• Serve with Jasmine Rice: This fragrant, soft rice absorbs the stir fry's rich sauce perfectly, enhancing each bite with its delicate floral undertones and providing a smooth textural contrast.
• Match with Asian Slaw: A tangy, crunchy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar and sesame seeds adds bright acidity and extra texture, elevating the entire dish's complexity and cutting through the stir fry's richness.
• Combine with Green Tea: The earthy, clean flavor of green tea cleanses the palate between bites, complementing the garlic and soy sauce while offering a light, refreshing counterpoint to the protein-packed meal.

Creative Spins on Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

• Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños and add chili powder to the chicken seasoning for a zesty Mexican-inspired version that brings heat to the classic stir fry.
• Mediterranean Garden Blend: Swap out mushrooms for zucchini and add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese after cooking, creating a Greek-style variation with fresh Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a keto-friendly adaptation that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Ginger Teriyaki Fusion: Incorporate fresh grated ginger into the sauce and use teriyaki sauce as a base, introducing a sweeter and more complex Asian-inspired profile to the original recipe.

The Magic Behind This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

• Savor Quick and Healthy Protein Packed Delight: This stir fry delivers a nutritious meal loaded with lean chicken protein and colorful vegetables in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Enjoy Flavor-Bursting Texture Adventure: The recipe combines crisp-tender vegetables, juicy chicken chunks, and a glossy garlic sauce that creates a delightful sensory experience with every single bite.
• Master Effortless Culinary Technique: Using simple one-pan stir fry method allows home cooks to create restaurant-quality dishes without complicated cooking skills, making it accessible for beginners and experienced chefs alike.

A Look at What Goes into Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that forms the main component of the dish, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a smooth, rich sauce for the stir fry.

• Broccoli Florets, Yellow Bell Pepper, Mushrooms: Colorful mix of vegetables that provide crunch, nutrition, and balanced texture to the dish.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense flavor and warmth to the stir fry.
• Soy Sauce: Salty condiment that enhances the overall umami taste of the dish.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty and rich flavor to the stir fry.
• Sugar: Balances the saltiness and helps create a slightly sweet sauce.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent that gives the sauce a smooth and glossy consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
• Olive Oil: Cooking oil used for sautéing and stir-frying the ingredients.

How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Fast

Step 1: Prepare Vibrant Vegetables

• Broccoli florets
• Sliced mushrooms
• Yellow bell pepper

Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp. Transfer to a covered plate to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook Tender Chicken Cubes

Pour olive oil into the same skillet. Add chicken breast cubes seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fully cooked and lightly browned.

Step 3: Craft Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• 1 sugar
• Chicken broth
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Unlock Garlic Aroma

Remove chicken from heat momentarily. Return sautéed vegetables to skillet, add minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds to release intense flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Pour prepared sauce over vegetables and chicken. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Allow to simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Plate your sizzling stir fry over white or brown rice. Enjoy this flavor-packed meal that brings excitement to your dinner table!

Game-Changing Tips for Stir Fry Fans

• Slice Strategically: Cut chicken and vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir fry.
• Preheat Pan Perfectly: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that signature stir-fry sear and prevent soggy vegetables.
• Cornstarch Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth, glossy coating that clings beautifully to chicken and vegetables.
• Garlic Timing Matters: Add minced garlic at the end of cooking to prevent burning and preserve its aromatic, intense flavor profile.
• Rest and Relax: Let the stir fry sit for a minute after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly, enhancing the overall taste experience.

How to Keep Leftovers Moist and Flavorful

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate the stir fry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed containers keep meals fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken and vegetables from rice to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing Method
• Wrap the stir fry tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label containers with the date and contents. Frozen stir fry maintains quality for up to 2 months when stored correctly.
• Reheating Technique
• Warm refrigerated stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Microwave as an alternative, stirring midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic chicken stir fry dances with bold Asian flavors, marrying tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a sizzling wok. Zesty garlic sauce and quick cooking techniques create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Vegetables:

• 2 to 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Sauces and Seasonings:

• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus an additional teaspoon, divided)
• 1.5 teaspoons sugar
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium-high temperature. Drizzle of olive oil across the cooking surface.
2. Toss broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, and yellow bell pepper into the heated pan. Sauté the vegetables for 5-6 minutes, ensuring they remain crisp and vibrant. Transfer the vegetables to a covered plate to retain warmth.
3. Add another teaspoon (5 milliliters) of olive oil to the same skillet. Introduce cubed chicken breast seasoned with salt and black pepper. Continuously stir and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly cooked and developing a golden-brown exterior.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine sauce ingredients: soy sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) sugar, ¾ cup (180 milliliters) chicken broth, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Whisk until the mixture reaches a smooth, consistent texture.
5. Remove chicken from direct heat momentarily. Reintroduce sautéed vegetables to the skillet and sprinkle minced garlic. Quickly sauté for approximately 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
6. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Gently stir to ensure complete coating and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, enabling the sauce to thicken and bind the ingredients.
7. Plate the garlic chicken stir fry over steamed white or brown rice, creating a harmonious and flavorful dining experience.

Notes

• Sauce whisks together soy sauce, sugar, chicken broth, sesame oil, and cornstarch for a silky, flavor-packed coating.
• Vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, and yellow bell peppers create a crisp, colorful base with perfect texture.
• Chicken gets seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then cubed and cooked until golden brown and fully tender.
• Minced garlic adds a quick burst of aromatic intensity right before the final sauce integration.
• Simmering allows the sauce to thicken and marry all ingredients into a deliciously cohesive stir fry.
• Serving over fluffy rice transforms this dish into a complete, restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 265 kcal
• Sugar: 1.5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg