Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

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If you’re looking for a dinner that packs flavor, speed, and satisfaction into one skillet, Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice might just become your go-to favorite. This meal delivers bold, garlicky chicken pieces tossed with crisp-tender vegetables and silky soy sauce glaze, all resting on a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s a harmony of tastes and textures in every bite, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re simply craving comfort food with a kick.

The beauty of this stir-fry lies in its adaptability. Whether you keep it classic or load it up with colorful veggies from your fridge, the garlic chicken base is always the star. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s quicker than takeout and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your family’s dinner rotation without compromising on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

You’ll love this dish for its lightning-fast prep and the way it satisfies even the hungriest appetites without feeling heavy. The garlic adds a punch of savory flavor that elevates the tender chicken, while the stir-fry sauce delivers a perfectly balanced sweet-salty finish. It’s ideal for meal prepping too, staying just as tasty when reheated.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically the top choice for this stir-fry, as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. However, chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and richness if you prefer a darker meat. Either way, thinly slicing the chicken ensures faster cooking and better flavor distribution throughout the dish.

Ingredients for the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

A great stir-fry starts with fresh, vibrant ingredients. For Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice, simplicity is key. Each element plays a vital role in creating the bold flavor and balanced texture of this dish.

• Chicken breast or thighs
• Garlic cloves
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Vegetable oil
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli florets
• Carrot
• Green onions
• Cooked white rice

The chicken serves as the protein-packed centerpiece, while garlic sets the tone with its intense aroma and flavor. Soy sauce and brown sugar combine to create a savory-sweet glaze, with cornstarch thickening the sauce just right. A splash of vegetable oil helps everything cook up evenly in the skillet. For vegetables, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots add color, crunch, and nutrition, while green onions brighten the dish with a sharp bite. Cooked rice rounds it out, soaking up all those delicious juices.

How To Make the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the chicken thinly, mince the garlic, and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Having everything prepped and ready is key to stir-fry success.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and a bit of cornstarch. Toss the sliced chicken into the marinade and let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the rice and vegetables.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed, and toss in the carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the green onions. Pour in any remaining marinade or extra sauce if you prefer it saucier. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until everything is hot and well-coated.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Spoon the stir-fry over a bed of hot, fluffy rice and serve immediately. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if you like.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One of the most common slip-ups in stir-frying is overcrowding the pan. If you pile in too much chicken or vegetables at once, they steam instead of sear, which affects texture and flavor. Cook in batches if needed.

Another mistake is skipping the prep. Stir-frying happens fast, so chopping and measuring beforehand keeps things moving smoothly. Also, avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should be vibrant and still have a bit of crunch.

Lastly, don’t skimp on the garlic. It’s the star of the show here, and underusing it means missing out on that deep, rich aroma that makes this dish irresistible.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

This recipe yields enough to feed 4 people generously. Serve it fresh and hot, right after stir-frying, for the best flavor and texture. It also makes a fantastic meal prep option. Simply divide into containers with a serving of rice and refrigerate.

Stored properly in an airtight container, this garlic chicken stir-fry will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water to bring back the sauciness.

What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice?

Steamed Dumplings

Soft, savory dumplings make a great appetizer to round out this meal.

Miso Soup

A light bowl of miso soup adds a comforting touch and helps balance the garlic.

Cucumber Salad

Fresh cucumber with rice vinegar dressing offers a crisp, cooling contrast.

Spring Rolls

Crispy spring rolls bring extra texture and a little indulgence on the side.

Spicy Kimchi

Fermented kimchi adds a spicy kick and probiotic benefits.

Edamame

Steamed edamame with sea salt is a protein-rich, fun-to-eat side dish.

Stir-Fried Noodles

Swap the rice for lo mein or chow mein if you’re feeling extra carb-hungry.

Pickled Radish

A small side of pickled radish offers sweet-and-sour crunch to balance the savory stir-fry.

Want More Chicken Ideas?

If this Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice has you craving more chicken favorites, here are some other must-try dishes from the blog:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a dreamy creamy combo that’s date-night worthy.

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re all about bold garlic and luscious sauce.

• Marry Me Chicken for a skillet classic that feels fancy but cooks up fast.

• Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken when you want set-it-and-forget-it comfort food.

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini with parmesan sauce for a hearty and cheesy dinner option.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic or toss in extra veggies? Did you spice it up with chili flakes?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and feel-good dishes on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites!

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is one of those recipes that proves delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a dinner that’s brimming with flavor, texture, and warmth. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this is one dish that satisfies every single time.

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