Name: Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 bell pepper (thinly sliced); 1 medium carrot (julienned); 1 zucchini (sliced); 1/2 cup broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 cups cooked rice (preferably jasmine or basmati); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional); Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Craving a quick, delicious dinner? Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is a Flavorful Stir-Fry Meal that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a fragrant garlic-soy sauce, all served over fluffy rice. This one-pan dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice, you’ll enjoy a nutritious, customizable meal that’s bursting with savory goodness!

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

I’m hooked on Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice because it’s a Flavorful Stir-Fry Meal that delivers bold, savory flavors with every bite. The tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and aromatic garlic sauce create a perfect balance, while the rice makes it hearty and satisfying. This quick, versatile recipe is ideal for family dinners or weekly meal prep, letting you tweak the veggies or sauce to suit your taste!

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Here’s what you’ll need for Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice (serves 4):

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
2 tbsp olive oil
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
1 medium carrot, julienned
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, sliced
½ cup broccoli florets
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tsp sesame oil
2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or tongs

Ingredient Tips

Chicken: Slice thinly for quick cooking; chicken thighs work for a juicier option.
Soy Sauce: Use tamari for gluten-free; low-sodium soy sauce reduces saltiness.
Rice: Jasmine or basmati adds fragrance; brown rice boosts fiber.
Veggies: Swap or add veggies like mushrooms or snap peas based on preference.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic maximizes flavor; avoid pre-minced for best results.

Directions for Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Let’s cook up this vibrant Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice!

Prep and Cook Chicken

I heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. I add 1 lb sliced chicken breast and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.

Sauté Garlic and Veggies

In the same skillet, I add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 4 cloves minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. I toss in 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 julienned carrot, 1 sliced zucchini, and ½ cup broccoli florets, stir-frying for 5–6 minutes until tender but crisp.

Combine and Sauce

I return the chicken to the skillet, adding 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce (if using), 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp sesame oil. I stir to coat everything evenly, ensuring the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is packed with flavor.

Add Rice and Season

I add 2 cups cooked rice to the skillet, tossing until well combined with the chicken and veggies. I season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, if desired.

Serve

I divide the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice into 4 bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the savory, aromatic goodness.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~400 kcal per serving (1 bowl)
Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 28g protein, 12g fat, 3g fiber

Variations

Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy for a different Flavorful Stir-Fry Meal.
Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken for variety.
Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or 1 tsp Sriracha for a fiery Flavorful Stir-Fry Meal.
Grain Swap: Swap rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a new texture.
Citrus Twist: Add 1 tsp orange zest or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh zing.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls for a seafood-inspired twist.
Serve with a side of cucumber salad or steamed edamame to complement the Flavorful Stir-Fry Meal.
Offer at a family dinner with iced green tea or a light soup for balance.

Storage

I store Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes with a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent drying out, or microwave in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring occasionally. For meal prep, I store components (chicken, veggies, rice) separately to maintain texture, assembling just before serving.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice in wide bowls for a colorful, inviting look.
Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, cilantro, or sliced green onions for extra flair.
Pairing: Enjoy with a light salad or jasmine tea to enhance Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice.
Utensils: Provide chopsticks for an authentic feel, with forks as an option.
Portion Size: One bowl per person for a balanced, satisfying meal.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce (or use a gluten-free alternative), and this dish will be entirely gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! I can substitute brown rice for a more wholesome, fiber-rich option. However, keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to cook.

What other vegetables can I add to the stir-fry?
I can easily add other vegetables such as snow peas, bok choy, or baby corn. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender but still crisp for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I can prep everything in advance. Slice the chicken and chop the vegetables, and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just stir-fry and add the rice to complete the meal.

Is this dish spicy?
This recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but I can add some chili flakes or a spicy sauce like Sriracha if I enjoy a little heat.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie) can save time. Add it to the skillet with the sauce and veggies, heating through for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.

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Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is an easy and flavorful meal that I can whip up in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and rice, making it both satisfying and nutritious. With its customizable ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a great go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Whether I’m in the mood for something light or want to pack in extra veggies, this stir-fry can be tailored to suit my tastes.