If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful meal that brings the heat, let me introduce you to my spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice! This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have all night to cook. I remember the first time I made this—my friends were over, and I wanted to impress them. The aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan was just irresistible! It’s so easy to whip up, and the combination of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and crunchy broccoli tossed in a spicy sauce makes every bite a delight. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
- 2 cups sliced chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color you like!)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown, whatever you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious spicy garlic chicken stir fry! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a master chef in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- First, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking—about 2 minutes should do it.
- Once the oil’s shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh, that smell is just heavenly!
- Next, toss in the sliced chicken breast. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You want it juicy but not overdone!
- Now, it’s time to add in those colorful bell peppers and crunchy broccoli florets. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still crisp—yum!
- Finally, stir in the soy sauce and chili paste, mixing well to coat all the ingredients. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes so those flavors can mingle.
- Serve this glorious stir fry over your cooked rice, and dig in! Enjoy every spicy, garlicky bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stir fry comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic, chili paste, and soy sauce creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and colorful veggies, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Versatile: Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand—carrots, snap peas, or even zucchini work beautifully!
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax after a long day.
Tips for Success
To make your spicy garlic chicken stir fry truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, if you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more chili paste or even some red pepper flakes. Just remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away! When it comes to veggies, don’t hesitate to mix it up—snap peas, carrots, or even baby corn can add great texture and flavor.
Also, make sure not to overcrowd the pan; this keeps everything cooking evenly and prevents steaming. Lastly, keep an eye on your chicken—once it’s browned and no longer pink, you’re good to go. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following information is just an estimate, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect when enjoying my spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 15g of fat (2g saturated), 30g of protein, 45g of carbohydrates, and 3g of fiber. With a bit of sodium (around 700mg) and sugar (2g), this dish offers a satisfying meal without sacrificing flavor. Remember, you can always tweak ingredients to better fit your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! One of the best things about my spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice is its versatility. You can swap in whatever veggies you have on hand—carrots, snap peas, or even asparagus work wonderfully!
How can I make it less spicy? If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of chili paste you use. You might also try adding a bit of honey or sugar to balance the heat with sweetness.
What can I serve with this dish? This stir fry is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed dumplings, a fresh cucumber salad, or even some crispy spring rolls for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen veggies are a great option! Just toss them in frozen and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re heated through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance and quickly stir fry them when you’re ready to eat. Just add the sauce at the end for that fresh flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my spicy garlic chicken stir fry is super easy! Just place any extra stir fry in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave—just cover it and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This way, you can savor that delicious flavor all over again without any fuss!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of chicken, visit this NCBI study.
Print
Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice in 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and spicy garlic chicken stir fry served with rice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of chili paste
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add bell peppers and broccoli, stirring for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and chili paste.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili paste.
- Use any vegetables you prefer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice
