Garlic Chicken Stir Fry: Delicious 30 Min Meal

Name: Garlic Chicken Stir Fry: Delicious 30 Min Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cooking oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 2 carrots, thinly sliced or julienned; 1 cup broccoli florets; 3 green onions, chopped; Cooked rice, for serving

by Jannet Lisa

16 de August de 2025

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Garlic chicken stir fry has become my go-to weeknight meal for so many reasons, and I think you’re going to absolutely love it too! I still remember the first time I nailed this easy garlic chicken stir fry; the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma of sizzling garlic and tender chicken, and the colorful vegetables looked so vibrant. It’s incredibly satisfying to create something so delicious and healthy right at home. This dish is packed with savory flavors and satisfying textures, making it a winner for busy evenings. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

It’s incredibly fast, making it a perfect quick garlic chicken stir fry for busy weeknights.

The combination of tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables is so satisfying.
It’s a genuinely healthy garlic chicken stir fry, packed with lean protein and fresh produce.
The simple, savory garlic sauce is incredibly flavorful without being overpowering.

You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
It’s a fantastic way to get your daily dose of garlic!
The entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Garlic Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delicious garlic chicken stir fry with vegetables. I’ve found that having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Marinade Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced – I like to slice it against the grain for tenderness.
2 tablespoons soy sauce – This adds that essential savory, umami flavor.

1 tablespoon oyster sauce – It gives a wonderful depth and slight sweetness to the marinade.
1 teaspoon cornstarch – This helps the chicken brown nicely and keeps it tender.

Stir-Fry Vegetables

2 tablespoons cooking oil – A neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best.

5 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s the star of this dish!
1 red bell pepper, sliced – For a touch of sweetness and color.
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced – Adds more vibrant color and a mild flavor.

1 green bell pepper, sliced – Provides a slightly more bitter note to balance the sweetness.
2 carrots, thinly sliced or julienned – I prefer julienned for a more delicate texture.
1 cup broccoli florets – For that lovely green crunch.

3 green onions, chopped – The white parts go in during cooking, the green tops for garnish.

Garlic Sauce Components

For this recipe, the sauce is built right into the stir-fry process, with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch from the marinade creating the perfect garlicky coating for everything.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Learning how to make garlic chicken stir fry at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Marinating the Chicken

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Toss everything gently with your hands or a spoon until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep your vegetables. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.

Stir-Frying the Aromatics and Chicken

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Step 3: Add the 5 cloves of minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it’s wonderfully fragrant – be careful not to burn it!

Step 4: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Let it sear for a minute or two without moving it to get a nice brown crust. Then, stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This is a key part of how to make garlic chicken stir fry that’s perfectly cooked.

Garlic Chicken Stir Fry: Delicious 30 Min Meal - Garlic Chicken Stir Fry - main visual representation

Cooking the Vegetables

Step 5: Add the sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), julienned carrots, and broccoli florets to the same skillet. If the pan looks dry, add another teaspoon of oil. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes. You want them to be bright and crisp-tender, not mushy. This ensures a great texture.

Combining and Finishing

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
Step 7: Add the chopped green onions (save some for garnish if you like!).
Step 8: Toss everything together to combine well, allowing the flavors to meld for another minute. This is the final stage of how to make garlic chicken stir fry at home.

Step 9: Serve your delicious Garlic Chicken Stir Fry immediately over fluffy cooked rice. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that elevate this dish from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these tips for the most delicious garlic chicken stir fry!

Always use high heat for stir-frying to get that perfect sear on the chicken and crisp-tender vegetables.

Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook ingredients in batches if necessary to ensure everything cooks properly and doesn’t steam.
Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens fast, and you won’t have time to chop once you begin.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A little more soy sauce or a pinch of salt can make a big difference.

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Chicken Stir Fry?

The real secret is high heat and not overcrowding the pan! This allows the chicken to sear and the vegetables to stay crisp-tender. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider making a simple homemade garlic chicken stir fry sauce by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, a touch of honey, and cornstarch together before adding it to the pan.

Can I make Garlic Chicken Stir Fry ahead of time?

You can definitely prep components ahead of time! Slice your chicken and vegetables and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can even whisk together the marinade ingredients. However, I recommend stir-frying everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Storing pre-cooked stir-fries can lead to soggy vegetables.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Chicken Stir Fry?

The most common mistake is soggy vegetables – this happens when the heat is too low or the pan is too crowded. Another pitfall is bland flavor, often solved by ensuring you properly marinate the chicken and don’t skimp on fragrant garlic. Always taste and adjust your sauce before serving!

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

This amazing garlic chicken stir fry is so versatile! My absolute favorite way to enjoy it is served piping hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all that incredible garlicky sauce, making every bite perfectly balanced. It’s a classic pairing for a reason! If you’re looking for other ideas on what to serve with garlic chicken stir fry, you could also try it over brown rice for a healthier option, or even with lo mein noodles for a heartier meal. A side of steamed edamame or a light cucumber salad also makes a lovely accompaniment to this flavorful dish.

Garlic Chicken Stir Fry: Delicious 30 Min Meal - Garlic Chicken Stir Fry - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

This garlic chicken stir fry is a balanced and flavorful meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 450
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g

Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 700mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Don’t let those delicious garlic chicken stir fry leftovers go to waste! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this flavorful dish later. Once cooked, let the stir-fry cool down completely at room temperature, which usually takes about an hour. Then, transfer the cooled stir-fry into airtight containers. I find that dividing it into individual portions makes reheating super convenient. You can store your garlic chicken stir fry in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months!

Reheating is a breeze. For the best results, gently reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring halfway through, until heated through. This method works great for both refrigerated and thawed frozen portions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

What is in garlic chicken stir fry?

This classic stir fry features tender pieces of chicken marinated in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch, then stir-fried with a generous amount of fresh garlic. It’s loaded with colorful, crisp-tender vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, all tossed together for a flavorful meal. It’s a great option for garlic chicken stir fry for beginners because the ingredients are straightforward and the process is quick.

Why is my garlic chicken stir fry watery?

A watery stir fry usually happens when the heat is too low, causing the ingredients to steam instead of sear, or if you overcrowd the pan. To avoid this, make sure your wok or skillet is nice and hot before adding ingredients, and cook in batches if necessary. Also, ensure your vegetables aren’t too wet when you add them.

What is the best sauce for garlic chicken stir fry?

The sauce for this dish is built right into the stir-fry process! The marinade of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch creates a delicious coating as it cooks with the chicken and vegetables. Some people like to add a little sesame oil at the end for extra aroma, or a touch of honey for sweetness, but the basic combination is incredibly satisfying on its own.

Is garlic chicken stir fry healthy?

Yes, this garlic chicken stir fry is generally considered quite healthy! It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and a good amount of vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables. The sauce is savory but not overly heavy, especially when you control the amount of oil and sodium. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Variations of Garlic Chicken Stir Fry You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, there are so many fun ways to mix things up! I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to keep things exciting. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry: For a kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or toss them in with the garlic. It adds a wonderful warmth that complements the savory flavors.
Garlic Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry Upgrade: Feel free to load up on even more veggies! Snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or water chestnuts are fantastic additions. Just make sure to add them in stages based on their cooking time to keep everything perfectly crisp-tender.

Vegetarian Garlic Stir Fry: Swap the chicken for firm or extra-firm tofu, or even tempeh. Press the tofu well before cubing and marinating to ensure it absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Ginger Garlic Chicken Stir Fry: Add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger along with the minced garlic in Step 3 of the instructions. The ginger adds a zesty, aromatic layer that pairs beautifully with garlic.