Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

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Bright, colorful, and bursting with bold flavors, Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is the perfect weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender pieces of chicken are tossed with fresh vegetables and a savory garlic sauce, then served over a bed of fluffy white rice for a meal that feels like takeout—but better and healthier.

This dish isn’t just quick and easy—it’s also incredibly customizable. You can swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the level of garlic and spice to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers both satisfaction and simplicity.

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

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is a lifesaver for busy nights. It’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Plus, it packs in a variety of colorful veggies, making it both nutritious and visually appealing. You’ll love how the garlic-infused sauce clings to the chicken and vegetables, creating mouthwatering bites every time.

Another reason to love this stir-fry? It’s budget-friendly and great for meal prep. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the most common choice for stir-fry thanks to its lean texture and quick cooking time. However, chicken thighs are also a great option if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Be sure to slice the chicken into even-sized strips or cubes to ensure quick and uniform cooking.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in delivering flavor, texture, and balance:

• Chicken breast – Lean and protein-rich, it cooks quickly and absorbs the garlic sauce beautifully.
• Garlic – The hero of the dish, garlic adds a punchy aroma and signature taste that makes the stir-fry pop.
• Bell peppers (red and yellow) – These sweet, crisp peppers add color and a natural sweetness.
• Carrots – Slightly sweet and crunchy, they give the dish body and earthiness.
• Broccoli florets – A healthy green addition that soaks up the stir-fry sauce while adding fiber.
• Onion – Provides depth and a mellow sweetness when cooked.
• Soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness that balances the garlic and enhances the overall flavor.
• Sesame oil – A finishing oil that gives a nutty, toasted aroma to the final dish.
• Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce to coat every bite perfectly.
• Cooked white rice – A soft, fluffy base that soaks up all the sauce and brings the dish together.

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How To Make the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Slice the chicken into thin strips and chop all your vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic finely.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, a splash of water, minced garlic, and a teaspoon of cornstarch. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil and toss in the onions, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until they’re just tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the garlic-soy sauce mixture over everything. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.

Step 6: Serve with Rice

Spoon the stir-fry over bowls of warm white rice. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and freshly chopped herbs if desired.

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Serving and Storing Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is ideal for serving fresh and hot straight from the skillet. It comfortably feeds 4 people, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. The combination of fluffy rice, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied.

For storing leftovers, let the stir-fry cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

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

Steamed Dumplings

Add an Asian-inspired starter to complement your stir-fry with savory dumplings, either veggie-filled or pork-based.

Cucumber Salad

A crisp cucumber salad with vinegar and sesame seeds adds a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm stir-fry.

Miso Soup

Serve a light miso soup on the side to round out the meal with a comforting, savory broth.

Spring Rolls

Crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls make for a delightful crunchy side dish.

Kimchi

Fermented and slightly spicy, kimchi brings a bold and tangy edge to balance the richness of the stir-fry.

Pickled Radishes

A quick pickle of radishes or daikon adds acidity and a pop of color.

Mango Sticky Rice

For dessert, mango sticky rice provides a sweet finish with tropical flair.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Frozen stir-fry veggie blends work great in this dish and are a convenient alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

2. What can I use instead of soy sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari (for a gluten-free option), coconut aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your dietary needs.

3. How do I keep the chicken tender?
Slice the chicken evenly and avoid overcooking. Marinating it briefly in a little soy sauce and cornstarch before cooking can also help retain moisture.

4. Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but you can easily add heat with red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce according to your preference.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra garlic or switch up the veggies?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better!

Find more recipes on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is a vibrant, nourishing meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. Packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and full of flavor, it comes together in one pan and feeds a crowd without fuss. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a reliable meal prep option, this stir-fry deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

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