Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice

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This Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice is a weeknight hero in my kitchen. After a long day, when the craving for something bold and comforting hits, this dish saves the evening. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s on constant rotation in our house. The aroma alone gets everyone hovering around the stove before dinner is even served.

What I love most is how this dish balances everything so perfectly: the heat from the chili flakes, the depth of garlic, the umami-rich soy sauce, and the fresh bite of stir-fried vegetables all nestled into fluffy white rice. It’s a flavor explosion with every bite. The chicken turns out juicy and tender, coated in a spicy glaze that clings to every piece.

It’s also a clean-out-the-fridge kind of meal. I’ve tossed in everything from leftover carrots to that last bell pepper and it never fails. If you enjoy dishes like Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts or Marry Me Chicken, this stir fry will feel like a fiery cousin that wakes up your palate. I also recommend trying it alongside a lighter option like Broccoli Salad to cool things down.

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

This dish is a celebration of contrast: it’s quick to prepare yet tastes like it simmered for hours. The spice level is easily adjustable so you can turn up the heat or keep it mild for kids. It’s naturally gluten-free if you use tamari, and works wonderfully for meal prep. Not to mention, it’s a complete meal in one skillet — protein, vegetables, carbs, and flavor all in harmony.

Ingredients

Chicken breast or thighs: The base of the dish, they absorb flavor well and stay juicy when stir-fried quickly.

Garlic: No holding back here—garlic is what gives this stir fry its deep, savory backbone. Freshly minced is best.

Soy sauce: Adds that salty umami depth; you can use low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free.

Rice vinegar: A splash balances the richness and adds tang.

Chili flakes: The spice kick. Adjust to your preference or skip entirely for a mild version.

Brown sugar: Just a hint to mellow the spice and round out the sauce.

Cornstarch: Helps the sauce thicken and cling beautifully to the chicken.

Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas—whatever you have on hand will work. Adds texture and color.

Cooked white rice: The perfect canvas to soak up all that flavorful sauce.

Sesame oil: A drizzle at the end gives a toasty, nutty finish.

How to Make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Slice your chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with a bit of soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice vinegar. Let it sit while you prep the other ingredients—this gives it a head start in soaking up flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together more soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili flakes, and a touch of water. Set this aside for when it’s time to bring everything together.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for a couple minutes before stirring. Cook until golden and nearly cooked through.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

Toss in your chopped vegetables and stir fry for about 3–5 minutes until they’re just tender but still vibrant.

Step 5: Pour in the Sauce

Add the prepared sauce to the pan and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it bubble and thicken slightly, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in a splash of sesame oil. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you like.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

The beauty of this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice is how easily it can bend to your needs. If you’re short on chicken, swap it out for shrimp or tofu — both soak up the spicy garlic sauce beautifully. Want to keep it vegetarian? Tofu or tempeh with extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini works wonders. And for those avoiding soy, coconut aminos make an excellent alternative to soy sauce.

You can also play with the spice level: replace chili flakes with fresh red chilies for more intense heat, or stir in a dollop of chili garlic paste for complexity. As for the vegetables, nearly any stir-fry-friendly option goes — bok choy, snow peas, or thinly sliced carrots add crunch and color. If you’re out of rice, try serving this over noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this dish hot, right off the skillet, spooned generously over a bowl of fluffy white rice or jasmine rice for extra fragrance. I like to garnish it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions for color and bite. A side of cooling cucumber salad or Broccoli Salad makes an excellent contrast to the spicy heat.

If you’re feeling indulgent, a fried egg on top adds richness and an extra layer of texture. For drinks, a crisp lager or iced green tea pairs nicely and balances the heat in the dish. You could even wrap leftovers into lettuce cups for a crunchy, refreshing lunch the next day.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making reheated portions even more delicious. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works in a pinch — just cover the dish to retain moisture and prevent splatters.

If you want to prep in advance, you can chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken a day ahead. Cooked rice also keeps well in the fridge, ready to be reheated or stir-fried for added texture.

FAQs

What makes Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice different from other stir fry recipes?

This stir fry stands out because of its balance between bold garlic flavor and adjustable spice. It’s also very versatile, letting you adapt the protein and veggies to what you have on hand, while still delivering an intense, satisfying flavor.

Can I make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables a day before. The cooked stir fry also keeps well for several days and reheats beautifully.

What rice should I use for Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice?

I prefer long grain white rice or jasmine rice for their neutral flavor and fluffy texture, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice are great alternatives.

How spicy is Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice?

That depends on how much chili you add! The base recipe has a mild to medium heat level, but you can easily scale it up or down to suit your taste.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice lit up your taste buds, you’ll definitely enjoy Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich and mellow take on garlic, or the ultra-comforting Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta that’s packed with sun-dried tomato and herby flavor. For a veggie-focused option, the vibrant Giant Zucchini Parmesan is another reader favorite.

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Don’t let this one slip by! Save this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice on your favorite Pinterest board so it’s always within easy reach when those spicy cravings hit. Sharing is caring, so send it to a friend who loves a good stir fry or post it on your social feed to spread the flavor. Your kitchen will thank you!

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