If you love the bold, vibrant flavors of authentic Asian cuisine, then you are absolutely going to adore this Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe. It brings together tender chicken strips marinated to perfection, aromatic garlic and ginger, and colorful bell peppers all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also quick enough for a weeknight dinner, proving that a delightful Asian meal doesn’t need hours in the kitchen. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of textures and tastes that make this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each brings its own contribution to the taste, texture, or color, turning an everyday chicken dish into something truly special.
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thin strips make for quick cooking and juicy bites.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a foundational salty, umami flavor to the chicken marinade.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Brings a rich and slightly sweet depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to thicken sauces and keeps the chicken tender.
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying with high heat and preventing sticking.
- 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped: The star ingredient that delivers mouthwatering aroma and punch.
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced: Adds warmth and a touch of spicy freshness.
- 1 large onion, sliced: Contributes sweetness and texture to the mix.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: For vibrant color and a sweet, crisp bite.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Balances the flavors with slight bitterness and crunch.
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce: Enhances the savory notes in the finishing stir-fry.
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Adds deep color and extra richness.
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry: Gives a subtle fruity acidity and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant drizzle to elevate aroma and flavor right before serving.
- 3 spring onions, chopped: Fresh garnish offering a mild onion crunch and visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly balance and season every bite.
How to Make Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken strips in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. This simple marinade not only infuses flavor but helps create a smooth coating that locks in juiciness while stir-frying. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 20 minutes so the seasonings sink in deeply.
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Quickly stir-fry the chopped garlic and minced ginger for about 30 seconds until they release their irresistible fragrance — careful not to burn them, as that would turn the dish bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Crank the heat up to high and add the marinated chicken strips. Stir-fry for 5 to 6 minutes to achieve a gorgeous golden brown outside and fully cooked, tender inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but still retain a lively crunch, ensuring your dish has a perfect balance of texture.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and rice wine or dry sherry. Stir everything for 2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to coat every piece of chicken and vegetable with a glossy, flavorful sheen.
Step 6: Finish with Flavor and Freshness
Finally, drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and sprinkle on the chopped spring onions. Give it one last gentle toss, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This final step brightens and balances the dish perfectly before plating.
How to Serve Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The chopped spring onions sprinkled over the finished dish add not only a splash of vivid green but also a pleasant mild crunch that elevates each forkful. For an extra touch, you can add a few toasted sesame seeds or a handful of fresh cilantro leaves to brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This stir-fried chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up all those glorious garlicky sauces. Alternatively, serve it over stir-fried noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option that keeps all the taste intact.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, spoon the chicken and vegetable stir-fry into individual lettuce cups to create handheld bites perfect for sharing. You can also serve it family-style on a large platter, garnished with extra spring onions and fresh chili slices to add a pop of heat and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe tastes just as delightful if refrigerated promptly in an airtight container. It should keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for packing into lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to preserve this flavorful dish for longer, freeze the cooled chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a hot wok or skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce can help refresh the sauce and prevent drying out. Microwave heating works, too, but stir halfway to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just slice them thinly and adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If oyster sauce is unavailable, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar to mimic its sweet-savory profile. Just be mindful of the sweetness level when adjusting.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe is not inherently spicy, making it ideal for all palates. However, you can easily add sliced fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes during cooking if you like a kick of heat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and use vegetarian oyster sauce or tamari for a similar umami punch.
What type of rice pairs best with this chicken dish?
Jasmine rice is a classic partner due to its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. However, brown rice or even sticky rice also complements the dish nicely if you prefer a nuttier or chewier side.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing this Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe as much as I do. It’s a brilliant way to bring restaurant-quality bold flavors into your own kitchen with ingredients you can easily find. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for friends, this recipe never fails to deliver comfort, satisfaction, and that unbeatable garlic goodness we all crave.
Print
Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful and aromatic stir-fried Chinese garlic chicken dish featuring tender chicken strips marinated in soy and oyster sauce, quickly cooked with fresh garlic, ginger, and colorful bell peppers. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, finished with a touch of sesame oil and spring onions for an authentic Chinese takeout experience at home.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cooking Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 spring onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to infuse flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Pan: Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook Garlic and Ginger: Add the finely chopped garlic and minced ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, ensuring they become fragrant without browning, which releases their essential oils and flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Increase the heat to high. Add the marinated chicken strips to the wok. Stir-fry continuously, allowing the chicken to brown evenly and cook through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until vegetables become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and rice wine or dry sherry. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors and ensure the ingredients are heated through.
- Finish with Aromatics: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and sprinkle chopped spring onions on top. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste. Give it a final gentle toss.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fried garlic chicken hot, ideally paired with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize it and intensify the flavors.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with peanut or canola oil for a different flavor profile.
- If rice wine or dry sherry is unavailable, a small splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste preference, keeping in mind the sodium content.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- To add heat, consider tossing in some sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes during the vegetable stir-fry step.
