Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice

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A sizzling skillet of Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. Juicy chicken pieces are tossed in a glossy, garlicky sauce with a punch of heat, then paired with a rainbow of crisp-tender vegetables. The result? A vibrant, takeout-style dish that comes together faster than delivery.

This recipe hits that perfect spot between comforting and exciting. You get the tender, savory chicken, the fresh crunch from bell peppers and broccoli, and a sauce that’s equal parts spicy, sticky, and utterly addictive. Served over fluffy white rice, it’s a full meal with unbeatable flavor and texture balance.

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What Kind of Chicken Works Best in a Stir Fry?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs are both excellent for stir fries. Thighs offer richer flavor and stay tender even if slightly overcooked, while breasts cook quickly and absorb sauces beautifully. The key is slicing them thin and marinating briefly in cornstarch and soy sauce for that signature velvety texture.

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Ingredients for the Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

• Chicken breast or thighs – The protein backbone of the dish. Sliced thinly, it cooks fast and soaks up the spicy garlic sauce.
• Garlic – This isn’t just a hint of garlic. It’s a star ingredient bringing bold, savory aroma and flavor.
• Fresh ginger – Adds sharpness and warmth to balance the richness.
• Red bell pepper – Brings sweetness and color contrast.
• Broccoli florets – Offers crunch and absorbs the sauce well.
• Carrots – For a touch of sweetness and extra crunch.
• Soy sauce – Salty umami base that forms the core of the stir fry sauce.
• Chili garlic sauce or sriracha – The source of heat and deep chili flavor.
• Brown sugar – Balances the spice and adds a caramelized edge.
• Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce and coats the chicken for better browning.
• Sesame oil – Adds a nutty, toasty finish to the dish.
• Green onions – For fresh bite and garnish.

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How To Make the Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breast or thighs into thin strips. Toss them in a bowl with soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch. Let them marinate while you prep the veggies—just 10-15 minutes makes a difference in texture.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Cut the broccoli into small florets, julienne the carrots, and slice the bell peppers. Mince your garlic and ginger. Keep everything prepped and ready to go for quick cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear it until it’s golden and cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Stir fry the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then add the broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are vibrant but still crisp.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, chili garlic sauce (or sriracha), brown sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of water. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir quickly as it thickens.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated in the sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil and give a final stir.

Step 7: Serve Over Rice

Spoon the stir fry over a bed of steamed white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

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Serving and Storing Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice

Serve this stir fry piping hot, right after tossing everything together. The flavors are boldest when freshly cooked, and the veggies retain their best texture. Pair it with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, or even noodles if you’re switching it up.

For storing, let the stir fry cool completely and place it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. Just reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or swap it for a milder hot sauce. You can even omit it entirely and still have a delicious garlic-forward stir fry.

What other vegetables can I use?

Snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or zucchini would all work well here. Use what you have or prefer.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry before adding to the pan to avoid excess moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and check your chili garlic sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Press and cube the tofu, then pan-fry until golden before combining it with the sauce and veggies.

Can I meal prep this?

Definitely. Portion into containers with rice for grab-and-go lunches. It reheats well and keeps its flavor.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into bold and comforting chicken dinners, you might also love the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta—a fusion of creamy, garlicky flavor with satisfying pasta textures. Or try the Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli for a creamy-spicy combo that balances heat with richness.

Craving more easy stir fry variations? The Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites give you crunch and heat in a bite-sized version. And for something saucy and loaded, the One Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta is a fun twist that packs in flavor.

You could also explore the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta if you’re leaning toward comfort and spice in a creamy sauce format.

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If you try this recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you add extra veggies? Tone down the heat? Leave a comment below and share your tweaks. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

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