This garlic chicken stir fry is a quick and tasty meal! Tender chicken and colorful veggies come together in a savory garlic sauce that you’ll love.
It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies too. Plus, it comes together in just about 20 minutes! You’re just a stir away from a delicious dinner! 🥡
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to. You can use thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Vegetable Oil: I usually go for vegetable oil, but sesame oil adds a nice touch. If you’re looking for a different taste, try olive oil or even coconut oil for a hint of sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that bold flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder works in a pinch; use about 1/8 tsp per clove.
Veggies: This recipe is flexible! Swap sugar snap peas with snap peas or green beans. Use any veggies you love or need to use up, like carrots or bell peppers!
Sauces: Soy sauce adds saltiness, while oyster sauce gives a deeper flavor. If avoiding shellfish, replace it with hoisin sauce or a bit more soy sauce with a pinch of sugar.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right. Thinly slicing the chicken ensures even cooking. Here are some tips:
- Start with room temperature chicken for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Stir-fry over medium-high heat to get that nice browned finish.
Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy. You’ll end up with tender chicken that’s not dry!
Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for sauce thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 20 minutes from start to finish—a quick and tasty dish for any weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken until it is cooked through and lightly browned, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onions, stir-frying for about 1 minute until they become fragrant. This is where all that delicious flavor starts!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the colorful veggies! Throw in the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, sugar snap peas, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to retain that nice crunch!
4. Combine Chicken and Sauces:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), stirring everything together so that the chicken and veggies are evenly coated in that yummy sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Next, pour in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Stir everything together while cooking for another minute, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and vegetables. This step really brings all the flavors together!
6. Adjust and Serve:
Give the stir fry a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once you’re happy with the flavors, it’s time to serve!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if you like. Enjoy it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your colorful and flavorful Garlic Chicken Stir Fry!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the submersion method in cold water. Pat it dry before slicing to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
You can definitely adjust the vegetables to your liking! Zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, or even snap peas can replace or complement the original veggies. Use what you have on hand for a delicious twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water can help retain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
For best flavor and texture, it’s ideal to make it fresh. However, you can prep the ingredients in advance! Chop the veggies and slice the chicken, then store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
