Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Delight
Sizzling pans and aromatic garlic chicken stir fry recipe create magic in kitchens everywhere.
Bold flavors dance together with tender chicken pieces and crisp vegetables.
Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious and easy to prepare.
Fresh ingredients come together in minutes, promising a quick and satisfying meal.
The combination of savory garlic, juicy chicken, and colorful vegetables makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and robust seasonings.
Jump into this culinary adventure and savor every delectable moment.
Flavor Tips for Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Switch up the vegetables based on what's in your fridge. Snap peas, carrots, or zucchini work great for adding extra crunch and nutrition to this quick meal.
Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or a dash of chili oil. These small additions transform the dish from mild to wild in seconds.
Try alternative proteins like tofu, shrimp, or beef instead of chicken. Each option brings a unique flavor profile that keeps the recipe exciting and fresh.
Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version that doesn't sacrifice taste or satisfaction.
This stir fry stores beautifully in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Prepare extra sauce on the side to keep the chicken and vegetables moist when reheating, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
Ways to Serve Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Family Feast Centerpiece: Transform this delicious garlic chicken stir fry into a stunning main dish for family dinners, creating memorable moments around the table with its vibrant colors and aromatic flavors.
Rice Bowl Bliss: Layer the stir fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, allowing the savory sauce to seep into the grains, creating a rich and satisfying one-bowl meal that's perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Fresh Green Boost: Sprinkle some chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and a burst of fresh flavor, elevating the dish's visual appeal and introducing an extra layer of texture.
Quick Meal Prep Champion: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers with a separate compartment of rice for a delicious lunch option that reheats beautifully and keeps you excited about your midday meal.
Garlic Chicken Stir Fry: Storage & Prep Tips
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover stir fry in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for maximum 3-4 days.
Quick Reheating Hack: Warm portions in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain original texture.
Freezer-Friendly Method: Separate chicken and vegetables before freezing to prevent soggy texture. Place in labeled freezer bags, removing excess air. Frozen stir fry stays delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep sauce ingredients separate from cooked proteins and vegetables when meal prepping. Mix components just before serving to retain crisp vegetable texture and prevent early sauce absorption.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
For Protein Base:
Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides tender, juicy meat when cubed and quickly stir-fried, selecting fresh, high-quality chicken ensures the best texture and flavor.
For Aromatic Vegetables:
Garlic, Bell Pepper, Mushrooms, Broccoli: Vibrant vegetables that add layers of flavor, color, and nutrition, choosing crisp and bright produce enhances the overall dish's freshness and visual appeal.
For Sauce and Seasoning:
Chicken Broth, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Cornstarch, Sugar, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Carefully balanced ingredients that create a glossy, savory sauce with depth, bringing together umami, slight sweetness, and rich complexity while helping to tenderize the chicken and create a silky coating.
Tools to Cook Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Easily
Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying vegetables and chicken with high heat and even cooking.
Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and cubing chicken into uniform pieces.
Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and chicken cutting.
Measuring Spoons: Important for accurately measuring sauces, oils, and seasonings.
Measuring Cup: Helps measure chicken broth and other liquid ingredients precisely.
Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and moving ingredients around in the skillet.
Bowl: Used for mixing sauce ingredients before adding to the skillet.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Stir Fry at Home
Veggie Warm-Up The skillet comes alive with a splash of olive oil, dancing with broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers. These colorful friends get tossed around until they're tender but still have a playful crunch. Once ready, they take a cozy timeout on a warm plate.
Chicken Dance Cubed chicken enters the stage, seasoned with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It sizzles and browns, transforming into golden nuggets of deliciousness over 5-7 minutes of constant attention.
Secret Sauce Magic A bowl becomes the mixing playground for soy sauce, sugar, chicken broth, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Whisked together, they create a silky smooth sauce that promises flavor explosions.
Flavor Fusion Garlic joins the party, releasing its aromatic magic for a quick 30-second performance. Chicken and veggies reunite in the skillet, ready for their final act.
Sauce Celebration The secret sauce cascades over the ingredients, coating every morsel in its glossy embrace. Everything bubbles and thickens, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.
Delicious Destination Serve this masterpiece atop a bed of steaming rice, transforming a simple meal into a culinary adventure that'll make taste buds dance with joy.
Classic garlic chicken stir fry delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors in minutes. Home cooks can quickly prepare this simple protein-packed meal with fresh ingredients and minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2–3 cups broccoli florets
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
¾ cup (180 ml) chicken broth
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsps sesame oil
2 tsps cornstarch
1 tbsp olive oil (plus an additional tsp, divided)
1.5 tsps sugar
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Preparation: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high flame, coating the surface with olive oil for optimal cooking conditions.
Vegetable Sauté: Introduce broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, and yellow bell pepper to the heated pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant color. Transfer to a covered plate to preserve warmth.
Chicken Cooking: Add additional olive oil to the skillet. Incorporate seasoned chicken cubes, stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and achieving a golden-brown exterior.
Sauce Creation: Whisk together soy sauce, sugar, chicken broth, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
Flavor Infusion: Remove chicken from heat momentarily. Reunite sautéed vegetables in the skillet, sprinkling minced garlic and quickly sautéing for 30 seconds to release aromatic essence.
Final Combination: Pour prepared sauce over chicken and vegetables, gently stirring to ensure complete coating. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and bind ingredients harmoniously.
Serving: Present the garlic chicken stir fry atop steamed rice, creating a delectable and satisfying meal ready to be enjoyed.
Notes
Sizzle Temperature Control: Keep your skillet at medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken without burning vegetables.
Vegetable Crunch Preservation: Quick sauté vegetables for 5-6 minutes to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color, preventing soggy results.
Sauce Whisking Technique: Thoroughly whisk cornstarch mixture to eliminate lumps, ensuring a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to chicken and vegetables.
Garlic Timing Matters: Add minced garlic in the final 30 seconds of cooking to maximize its aromatic flavor without risking bitter, burned notes.
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.
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
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
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.