Name: Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1/2 cup broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 cups cooked rice (preferably jasmine or basmati); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional); Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is a quick and delicious meal that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a fragrant garlic sauce, all served over fluffy rice. It’s an easy one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balance of protein, veggies, and carbs to keep you satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry because it’s the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and fragrant flavors. The combination of tender chicken and crisp vegetables stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce is mouthwatering. It’s quick to make, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish, and is full of deliciousness in every bite. Plus, I can customize it by adding my favorite veggies or adjusting the sauce to my taste.

The versatility of this recipe means it’s great for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. It’s light but filling, and it pairs beautifully with rice for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 medium carrot, julienned

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 zucchini, sliced

1/2 cup broccoli florets

1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 cups cooked rice (preferably jasmine or basmati)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Add the bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), honey, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Add the cooked rice to the skillet and toss everything together until the rice is well combined with the chicken and vegetables.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Veggie options: I can add or swap out vegetables depending on what I have on hand. Mushrooms, snap peas, or spinach are great additions to this stir-fry.

Protein swap: If I prefer, I can replace the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a different protein source.

Sauce adjustments: For a spicier version, I can add chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce. I could also increase the honey for a sweeter touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce while reheating helps to keep the rice from drying out.

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FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce (or use a gluten-free alternative), and this dish will be entirely gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! I can substitute brown rice for a more wholesome, fiber-rich option. However, keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to cook.

What other vegetables can I add to the stir-fry?

I can easily add other vegetables such as snow peas, bok choy, or baby corn. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender but still crisp for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I can prep everything in advance. Slice the chicken and chop the vegetables, and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just stir-fry and add the rice to complete the meal.

Is this dish spicy?

This recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but I can add some chili flakes or a spicy sauce like sriracha if I enjoy a little heat.

Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is an easy and flavorful meal that I can whip up in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and rice, making it both satisfying and nutritious. With its customizable ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a great go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Whether I’m in the mood for something light or want to pack in extra veggies, this stir-fry can be tailored to suit my tastes.

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