Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and a savory garlic-infused sauce. This quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. With a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, this dish delivers an umami-packed punch, making it a favorite for those who love Asian-inspired flavors. Served over fluffy jasmine rice, this meal is both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 1 cup steamed jasmine rice
- Garnish: sesame seeds & sliced green onions
Preparation:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breasts and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the sliced red and green bell peppers. Stir-fry the peppers for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they remain tender-crisp while absorbing the garlic’s flavor.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the pan and stir continuously for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients beautifully.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Serve the stir-fry over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Try using shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken for a different taste.
- Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, carrots, or baby corn to increase the variety of flavors and textures.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the chili flakes or add a dash of Sriracha for an extra spicy version.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a healthier alternative.
Cooking Notes
- Use a high-heat cooking method to keep the vegetables crisp and the chicken tender.
- Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well mixed before adding to the pan to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Stir constantly to avoid burning and to evenly distribute the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of miso soup or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a refreshing iced green tea or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Top with a fried egg for an extra layer of richness.
Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and a dash of ginger for added flavor.
- Use a wok for a more authentic stir-fry experience, as it evenly distributes heat.
- Prepare all ingredients before starting the cooking process for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Sodium: ~800mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the stir-fry ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce.
Q: Can I freeze this stir-fry?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Q: What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
A: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey for a similar taste.
Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce.
Conclusion
Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice is a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With its bold flavors, colorful vegetables, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or add your own variations, this meal is a delightful way to enjoy a homemade Asian-inspired feast. Try it today and enjoy the harmony of flavors in every bite!
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Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 1 cup steamed jasmine rice
- Garnish: sesame seeds & sliced green onions
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breasts and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the sliced red and green bell peppers. Stir-fry the peppers for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they remain tender-crisp while absorbing the garlic’s flavor.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the pan and stir continuously for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients beautifully.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Serve the stir-fry over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
Notes
Cooking Notes
- Use a high-heat cooking method to keep the vegetables crisp and the chicken tender.
- Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well mixed before adding to the pan to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Stir constantly to avoid burning and to evenly distribute the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Protein: ~30g