Need dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is your new go-to. It’s loaded with tender strips of chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a savory sauce that clings to every bite. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, and you’ve got a wholesome, satisfying meal without the fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
Stir-fries are the weeknight warrior’s best friend. They’re fast, endlessly customizable, and pack in protein and veggies in a single pan. This garlic chicken version delivers bold flavor with pantry staples like soy sauce and oyster sauce, and it comes together in just about 25 minutes. No takeout menu required.
If you love easy family dinners, try our Instant Pot Lasagna or these Sheet Pan Quesadillas—both are great complements to your meal planning lineup.
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
For the Vegetables:
- ½ cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- ¼ cup baby corn, sliced
- ¼ green bell pepper, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- ½ tsp sesame oil (optional)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
🥄 Ingredient Notes & Tips
- Chicken: You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Veggies: Use what you have! Snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini are all great additions.
- Sauce swaps: Tamari works in place of soy sauce for gluten-free. No oyster sauce? Hoisin is a sweeter alternative.
- Rice: Jasmine is fragrant and fluffy, but basmati or brown rice also work.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, stir in the rice, reduce heat, and simmer covered until fluffy (about 15 minutes). Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add chicken strips, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Stir-fry for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add carrots, broccoli, baby corn, and green bell pepper.
Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until vegetables are vibrant and slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Add Sauce & Chicken Back
Return the chicken to the pan.
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Toss everything to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2 minutes to bring it all together.
5. Plate & Serve
Spoon the fluffy jasmine rice into bowls.
Top with a generous serving of the garlic chicken stir-fry.
Serve hot and enjoy!
💡 Tips for Success
- High heat = best stir-fry texture: Don’t crowd the pan, and keep things moving.
- Meal prep win: Chop veggies and marinate chicken the night before for an even quicker dinner.
- Double the sauce if you like your stir-fry extra saucy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
- A crisp cucumber salad
- Steamed dumplings or spring rolls
- Or a side of Beer Cheese Dip for a fun East-meets-West appetizer
Also consider serving with Dorito Casserole or Easy Turkey Wings for a casual family feast.
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Stir-fry (without rice) can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave.
🍲 More Easy Weeknight Meals You’ll Love
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – Quick, cheesy, and customizable.
- Instant Pot Lasagna – Comfort food in a fraction of the time.
- Dorito Casserole – Cheesy, crunchy, totally craveable.
- Easy Turkey Wings – Cozy and oven-roasted to perfection.
- Beer Cheese Dip – Bold and creamy, perfect for dipping.
🔚 Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: fast, flavorful, and full of wholesome ingredients. It’s proof that great meals don’t have to be complicated—and you’ll feel good feeding it to your family.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac with your stir-fry creations and let us know what veggies you added or swapped in!
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