If you are craving a dish that delivers bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a satisfying blend of textures, the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe is the perfect answer. This lively meal combines tender chicken infused with savory garlic and a trio of brightly colored bell peppers, all tossed in a luscious, tangy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Paired with fluffy steamed rice, it makes an effortless weeknight dinner that feels special yet comes together in just about thirty minutes. Once you try this Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each element contributes uniquely—whether it’s the umami-packed sauces, fresh crunchy peppers, or juicy chicken—that work harmoniously to create a dish bursting with flavor and color.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb): Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a salty depth and classic Asian flavor base.
- Oyster sauce (1 tbsp): Brings a rich, slightly sweet umami boost to the stir-fry.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tbsp): Contributes a hint of sweetness and savory complexity.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a glossy finish.
- Vegetable oil (3 tbsp, divided): For stir-frying at high heat without burning.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): The aromatic star that infuses the dish with warmth and punch.
- Red, yellow, and green bell peppers (1 each, sliced): Adds crisp, fresh texture and a rainbow of colors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth or water (1/4 cup): Creates a light sauce that ties everything together.
- Cooked white rice (2 cups): The perfect fluffy base to soak up the flavorful stir-fry.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, enhancing and balancing the overall flavors.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): For a fresh, nutty garnish that elevates presentation and taste.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your thinly sliced chicken breast with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. This marinade will infuse the chicken with savory depth and help create a velvety sauce later. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the rest—this little wait is the secret to tender, flavor-packed chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Lay the marinated chicken pieces out in a single layer and let them sear untouched for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This step forms a beautiful golden crust that locks in juices. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Garlic and Peppers
Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick burst of aroma builds the flavor foundation. Then toss in your colorful bell peppers and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften just enough to retain a delightful crunch—this keeps the dish lively and fresh.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the chicken to the skillet along with any juices collected during resting. Pour in the chicken broth or water to create a light sauce, and stir everything together for 1 to 2 minutes. This brief simmer melds all the flavors, slightly thickening the sauce and coating every ingredient with glossy goodness. Taste and then season with salt and black pepper as needed.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your dish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These simple garnishes not only add a fresh, oniony snap and nutty crunch but also make the presentation pop beautifully, inviting you to dig right in.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or a miso soup. These options keep things balanced without overshadowing the vibrant stir-fry flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir-fry in hollowed-out bell pepper halves or over a bed of fragrant jasmine or brown rice instead of plain white rice. You can even top it with chopped fresh cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil for a hint of heat and herbaceous freshness that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient meal to enjoy again with minimal effort.
Freezing
While fresh stir-fry tastes best, you can freeze leftovers by packing the chicken and pepper mixture separately from the steamed rice in freezer-safe containers. This avoids soggy rice. Frozen portions maintain good quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too but can sometimes make the peppers softer, so keep an eye on timing to preserve that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs lend a bit more richness due to their higher fat content and stay juicy during stir-frying, making them a great alternative. Just slice them thinly as you would with breast meat.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Adjust cooking times slightly to avoid overcooking and consider using vegetarian oyster sauce or tamari for an equally delicious sauce.
Can I prepare components of this recipe in advance?
You can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead or even the night before to deepen the flavor. The peppers and garlic are best added fresh right before stir-frying to retain their texture and aroma.
What are some good variations of the sauce?
Feel free to add a splash of rice vinegar or a few drops of toasted sesame oil at the end for a zingy, nutty note. A pinch of red pepper flakes also works wonders if you like a little heat.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender?
Coating the chicken with cornstarch and letting it marinate helps lock in moisture. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when searing so the chicken browns nicely instead of steaming.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures that comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s a perfect weekday meal when you want something quick but still crave exciting tastes and beautiful colors on your plate. So, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a whirl — it might just become your new favorite dinner to share with family and friends.
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Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers served over Steamed Rice is a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired main course perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breast slices are marinated in a savory sauce, stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and garlic, then finished with a light savory broth to create a delicious, healthy meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Vegetables & Stir-Fry
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Serving & Garnish
- 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly and let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Peppers: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers and stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes, until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the peppers. Pour in 1/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth or water to create a light sauce. Stir everything together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the garlic chicken stir-fry hot over steamed white rice. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a few drops of sesame oil just before serving.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat or use firm tofu as a vegetarian alternative.
- Be sure not to overcook the bell peppers to keep their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content of the dish.
