Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Rice is a quick meal you can make on a busy night.
introduction
This stir-fry cooks fast and tastes bright and spicy. It uses simple ingredients and finishes in one pan. If you like chicken and rice, try this cheesy chicken and rice recipe next time for a change.
why make this recipe
- It is quick to cook.
- It uses common pantry sauces.
- It has bright peppers and garlic for fresh flavor.
- It pairs well with rice for a full meal.
how to make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Rice
- Cook rice first so it stays warm and fluffy.
- Cut chicken into bite-size cubes. Slice the peppers and onion.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken. Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and done.
- Add garlic, onion, and peppers. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until they soften but stay bright.
- Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin (or ketchup), chili flakes, and the cornstarch slurry in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce into the pan. Stir and cook 2–3 minutes until sauce is thick and glossy.
- Serve the stir-fry next to warm rice. Sprinkle extra chili flakes if you like more heat.
If you like a creamier style, see this creamy smothered chicken and rice for ideas.
Ingredients :
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced thinly
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or ketchup as a sub)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked jasmine or long-grain rice
Directions :
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Keep warm and fluffy.
- Cut chicken into bite-size cubes. Slice both bell peppers and onion into strips.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Toss in garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili flakes, and cornstarch slurry.
- Pour sauce into the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Plate the stir-fry alongside rice. Sprinkle extra chili flakes on top if desired.
how to serve Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Rice
Serve hot with the cooked rice on the side or under the stir-fry. Garnish with extra chili flakes or a few sliced green onions. A simple salad or steamed greens go well with it.
how to store Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Rice
Cool the stir-fry to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Do not leave it at room temperature for long.
tips to make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Rice
- Cut the chicken into even pieces for even cooking.
- Keep the pan hot so the chicken gets a light sear.
- Do not overcook the peppers; keep them crisp for color and bite.
- Use the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce quickly.
- For a different sweet-savory twist, try a honey-garlic glaze like in this honey garlic chicken.
variation (if any)
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a change.
- Add sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for more veggies.
- Use chili paste or fresh chopped chilies for more heat.
- Replace hoisin with extra ketchup or a mix of honey and ketchup if you want a milder sweet note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw it fully, pat dry, and then cut into cubes before cooking.
Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Yes. Cut the chili flakes in half or skip them. You can add them later at the table.
Q: Can I prepare parts ahead of time?
A: Yes. Slice the vegetables and cube the chicken ahead. Keep them in the fridge and cook when ready.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes. Brown rice works. Cook it first and keep warm.
Q: How do I make more sauce?
A: Double the sauce ingredients. Add a little water if it gets too thick.
Conclusion
If you want another easy pepper-and-chicken idea, check out this Easy Pepper Chicken Stir Fry. (https://www.spendwithpennies.com/easy-pepper-chicken-stir-fry/)
Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Keep warm and fluffy.
- Cut chicken into bite-size cubes. Slice both bell peppers and onion into strips.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Toss in garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili flakes, and cornstarch slurry.
- Pour the sauce into the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Plate the stir-fry alongside rice. Sprinkle extra chili flakes on top if desired.