Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

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Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is your answer to busy weeknights when you need something fast, filling, and full of flavor. With a balance of juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and aromatic garlic, this stir-fry comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes. The rice underneath soaks up every drop of the savory sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will ask for again.

This dish captures that perfect mix of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness in every bite. Whether you’re craving takeout but want something healthier or just need a quick dinner solution, this stir-fry checks every box. It pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice, and you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables based on the season or what you have on hand.

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

You’ll love how fast and flexible this meal is. The chicken stays tender thanks to a quick marinade, while the stir-fry method locks in the freshness of the vegetables without overcooking. Garlic takes center stage, infusing the dish with bold, warm notes that make it feel like comfort food but without the heaviness.

This recipe is also a great way to clean out your fridge—toss in bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli. Plus, the homemade sauce beats any store-bought stir-fry sauce and requires just a few pantry staples.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Thighs offer more flavor and stay juicier during high-heat cooking, but breasts are leaner if you’re aiming for a lighter option. Just make sure to cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. If you prefer a shortcut, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can work too—just add it at the end to warm it through with the sauce.

Ingredients for the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Each one plays an important role in building flavor, texture, or that signature garlicky bite we’re after.

• Chicken breast or thighs
• Garlic cloves
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Cornstarch
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Vegetable oil
• Red bell pepper
• Broccoli florets
• Carrots
• Cooked rice
• Green onions (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

The chicken brings the protein and richness to the dish. We infuse flavor by marinating it in a blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and rice vinegar. A dash of cornstarch helps create that lightly crisp texture on the chicken when stir-fried.

Garlic cloves are the main event, delivering big, bold flavor. Vegetable oil keeps the cooking light, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma that’s classic in stir-fry dishes.

Colorful veggies like red bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli provide crunch and nutrients. Served over cooked rice, this dish is satisfying and balanced.

Finish it off with green onions or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

How To Make the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Marinade

Slice the chicken into bite-sized strips. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and a teaspoon of cornstarch. Add the chicken to the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes while you prep the veggies.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in sliced bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add a splash of water if the pan seems dry. Stir everything together for 2 minutes so the flavors meld. Drizzle in sesame oil at the end.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Scoop warm cooked rice into bowls and top with the garlic chicken stir-fry. Garnish with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. One batch comfortably serves four people, especially when paired with a generous scoop of fluffy rice. You can also double the ingredients if you’re cooking for a crowd or planning leftovers.

To store, let the stir-fry cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, separate the chicken and veggies from the rice and store them in separate containers. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

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

Steamed Dumplings

Soft, savory dumplings make a perfect appetizer or side dish to round out the meal with something doughy and satisfying.

Cucumber Salad

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

Miso Soup

Light and brothy miso soup brings umami depth and makes your dinner feel like a complete Asian-inspired spread.

Egg Rolls

Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies or shrimp offer a crunchy texture that complements the tender stir-fry.

Roasted Edamame

Seasoned with sea salt and chili flakes, roasted edamame is a protein-packed side that’s simple and snackable.

Pickled Vegetables

Tangy and slightly sweet pickled radish or carrots refresh the palate between bites of garlic chicken.

Kimchi

If you love fermented flavors, kimchi’s spice and tang make it a bold pairing for this garlicky dish.

Pineapple Chunks

For a little sweetness, fresh pineapple adds a tropical balance to the savory stir-fry.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re hooked on this Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice, here are some other weeknight chicken dinners you’ll definitely want to try:

• Easy One-Pan Mozzarella Chicken is creamy, cheesy, and made for skillet lovers.
• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs deliver juicy flavor with a tangy-sweet glaze.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine is bold, buttery, and deeply comforting.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is quick and creamy with the perfect veggie balance.
• Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken is set-it-and-forget-it perfection with a barbecue twist.

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📌 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 make it spicier? Did you switch up the veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is proof that a quick meal can still be deeply satisfying. With layers of garlic flavor, juicy chicken, and a medley of colorful veggies, it’s a dinner you’ll make on repeat. Serve it up hot over rice, tweak the heat to your liking, and enjoy a homemade takeout-style dish with better ingredients and zero guilt.

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