Sizzling Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice: A Tasty Dinner

Garlic chicken stir-fry is a tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken and colorful veggies.

People who love to cook enjoy this meal for its bold flavors and the ease with which it comes together.

The aroma of garlic mixes with the chicken, giving it a deep flavor that makes every bite special.

You’ll find tender pieces of meat mixed with crunchy vegetables, creating a meal that’s both filling and refreshing.

Served over rice, this dish allows you to savor every bit of its flavorful sauce alongside the savory ingredients.

The quick cooking method keeps everything fresh and full of taste while delivering an unforgettable dining experience.

New Ways To Make Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate the protein in garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper before cooking to enhance flavor and maintain the dish's original taste profile.
  • Spicy Kick Edition: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking. Incorporate sliced jalapeños with vegetables for an extra heat boost that transforms the stir-fry into a zesty meal.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos. Include more herbs like fresh ginger and cilantro to compensate for reduced salt, maintaining a robust and satisfying flavor without excess sodium.

Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice FAQs

  • What kind of protein works best for this stir-fry?

Chicken breast is ideal because it’s lean, tender, and absorbs flavors quickly. You can also use chicken thighs for a slightly more rich taste.

  • How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Cook the chicken on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Seasoning with garlic powder and soy sauce helps lock in moisture and adds extra flavor to keep the meat juicy.

  • Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or chopped fresh chili during the cooking process to increase the heat level according to your preference.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make the recipe completely gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Why Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice Is A Winner

  • Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this entire meal in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a quick, nutritious dinner.
  • Nutrition-Packed Performance: Loaded with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from rice, this stir-fry delivers a balanced, wholesome meal in one skillet.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like chicken, basic vegetables, and rice, this recipe provides a cost-effective dinner solution that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables based on what's in your fridge, adjust spice levels, or add extra protein to make this versatile stir-fry match your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients For Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein source with a tender texture, best when boneless and skinless.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and complements chicken flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing chicken's natural taste.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides umami flavor and helps caramelize chicken.
Vegetables:
  • Carrots: Adds sweet crunch and vibrant orange color to the stir-fry.
  • Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable with a hearty texture.
  • Red Onion: Brings sharp flavor and beautiful purple color to the dish.
Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat for sautéing chicken and vegetables.
  • Rice: Soft, fluffy base that absorbs the stir-fry's delicious sauce.

How To Make Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice

How To Make Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
  • Add chicken pieces with: garlic powder, salt, black pepper
  • Cook until chicken turns golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes
  • Splash soy sauce over chicken
  • Stir and cook for an additional minute

Step 2: Transform Vegetables

  • In the same skillet, drizzle extra olive oil
  • Toss in carrots
  • Sauté carrots for 3 minutes
  • Add broccoli and red onion
  • Stir vegetables occasionally
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes
  • Sprinkle black pepper
  • Pour soy sauce
  • Mix everything thoroughly

Step 3: Create Mouthwatering Plate

  • Spread freshly cooked rice on serving plates
  • Layer golden chicken on top of rice
  • Arrange colorful vegetables around chicken
  • Garnish with optional green onions or sesame seeds
  • Serve hot and enjoy the delectable combination

Tips For Cooking Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select vibrant, crisp vegetables and high-quality chicken for the most flavorful stir-fry experience.
  • Control Heat Levels: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken and crisp-tender vegetables without burning.
  • Prevent Overcrowding: Use a large pan or wok to ensure ingredients cook evenly and develop a nice caramelization.
  • Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add garlic powder and soy sauce at different stages to build depth of flavor throughout the cooking process.
  • Quick Cooking Technique: Stir-fry vegetables in stages based on their cooking times to preserve texture and prevent mushiness.

How To Store Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice Properly

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and vegetables separate from rice to maintain texture.
  • Cooling: Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerator Storage: Consume refrigerated stir-fry within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety, placing the container in the coldest part of the fridge.
  • Reheating: Warm the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, adding a splash of soy sauce to restore moisture, and separately microwave rice for 30-45 seconds until steaming hot.

Tasty Matches For Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich garlic and soy flavors, refreshing your palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • Complement with Ginger Beer: A spicy, effervescent ginger beer enhances the stir-fry's garlic and soy profile while adding a zesty, warming kick to each bite.
  • Balance with Jasmine Green Tea: A light, aromatic green tea cleanses the palate, balancing the savory chicken and vegetable flavors with its delicate, slightly grassy undertones.
  • Boost with Craft Lager: A clean, crisp craft lager provides a subtle maltiness that harmonizes with the stir-fry's umami elements and cuts through the dish's richness.
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Sizzling Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sizzling “Garlic Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry” delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors in one delightful pan. Quick and nutritious, this recipe brings restaurant-quality goodness directly to kitchen tables with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, minced)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Oils and Vegetables:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) olive oil
  • ½ cup broccoli florets
  • ½ cup carrots, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, chopped

Rice:

  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
  2. Place chicken pieces into the hot pan, generously seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for robust flavor development.
  3. Sear chicken until achieving a golden-brown exterior, continuously moving the pieces to ensure even caramelization, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  4. Splash soy sauce across the chicken, allowing the liquid to coat and enhance the meat’s flavor profile, stirring for an additional minute to integrate the seasoning.
  5. Without cleaning the pan, introduce a fresh drizzle of olive oil to maintain heat and cooking momentum.
  6. Introduce carrots first, allowing them to soften and develop slight caramelization around the edges for approximately 3 minutes.
  7. Incorporate broccoli and red onion into the skillet, gently tossing to distribute heat evenly and preserve vegetable crispness.
  8. Sprinkle additional black pepper and drizzle soy sauce across the vegetables, creating a harmonious glaze that connects all ingredients.
  9. Transfer warm, fluffy rice to serving plates, creating a delectable foundation for the stir-fried protein and vegetables.
  10. Artfully arrange the golden chicken and vibrant vegetables atop the rice, presenting a colorful and nutritious meal ready to be savored.

Notes

  • Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and quick searing.
  • Use high heat for stir-frying to maintain vegetable crispness and develop delicious caramelization on chicken.
  • Customize the recipe by swapping protein: try tofu for vegetarian version or shrimp for seafood lovers.
  • Reduce
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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