When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes check as many boxes as a spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice. It’s quick, healthy, customizable, and packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, aromatic garlic, and a perfectly balanced sauce come together in under 30 minutes — making it the ultimate one-pan meal.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or craving a takeout-style dinner at home, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
🕒 Quick Facts (Recipe Card)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories (per serving): ~420
- Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this spicy garlic chicken stir fry.
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized strips
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for richer flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- ½ cup snap peas (optional, for crunch)
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old rice works best)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin for a sweeter flavor)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili paste or sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tbsp honey (balances the spice with a touch of sweetness)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Garnish (Optional):
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro or scallions, chopped
- Lime wedges
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Slice chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
💡 Pro Tip: Use day-old rice for the perfect stir fry texture — fresh rice tends to clump.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and nearly cooked through (5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic & Vegetables
- Add remaining oil to the same pan.
- Toss in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it).
- Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Combine & Stir Fry
- Return chicken to the pan.
- Pour in sauce mixture and toss everything together until coated.
- Stir in cooked rice and continue tossing for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
- Serve hot with lime wedges for a fresh finish.
📊 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)
🌱 Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh; swap oyster sauce for mushroom-based sauce.
- Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.
- Extra Spicy: Add Thai bird’s eye chilies or increase chili paste.
- Nutty Twist: Toss in cashews or peanuts for crunch.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your spicy garlic chicken stir fry with:
- A light cucumber salad for balance
- Miso soup or egg drop soup for a cozy touch
- Fresh spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal
❄️ Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
- Meal Prep: Divide into 4 meal-prep boxes with rice and vegetables for easy grab-and-go lunches.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes — just thaw completely before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture.
2. What’s the best rice for stir fry?
Jasmine or basmati rice works best. Day-old rice prevents clumping.
3. How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook! Browning on high heat seals in juices. Chicken thighs also stay moister than breasts.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute tamari for soy sauce and use a gluten-free oyster or hoisin sauce.
🥢 Final Thoughts
This spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice is everything a great dinner should be: fast, flavorful, healthy, and customizable. With its perfect balance of heat, garlic, and savory sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes just like your favorite takeout — only fresher and better for you.
Next time you’re craving bold flavors in a hurry, grab your wok and whip this up in under 30 minutes. Your taste buds will thank you!
