Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and is ready in a flash, you’ve got to try my spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice! This dish is a total game changer—it’s packed with protein from the chicken and loaded with colorful veggies like bell peppers and broccoli. Not only does it come together in about 30 minutes, but it’s also gluten-free and super satisfying! The spicy kick from the garlic and chili paste wakes up your taste buds, while the tender chicken and crunchy vegetables create a delightful texture. Plus, you can whip it up on a busy weeknight or serve it to impress friends at a casual dinner. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients for Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your delicious spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (feel free to use bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a pop of color!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for that umami goodness)
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying up all that goodness)
- 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown, your choice!)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (to drizzle on top for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget this final touch!)
How to Prepare Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
Now, let’s dive into making this fabulous dish! Follow these easy steps to get the most out of your spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice. You won’t believe how quick and delicious it is!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, grab a large pan and heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. This is key! You want that oil hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken, but not so hot that it smokes. Trust me, medium heat is your best friend here!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, toss in your sliced chicken breast. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You’ll want to see those beautiful golden edges—yum! This step is crucial for building flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Vegetables
Now, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Add in the minced garlic and your mixed vegetables. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are vibrant and just tender. The aroma will be heavenly, and you’ll see the colors pop!
Step 4: Incorporate Sauces
Pour in the soy sauce and chili paste. Stir it all together, letting it cook for another 2 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The sauce will coat everything beautifully, making each bite packed with flavor.
Step 5: Combine with Rice
Now, add your cooked rice to the pan. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the rice gets well-coated with that delicious sauce. I love using a spatula to keep things fluffy and evenly combined—no clumping allowed!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Once you’re happy with the flavor, it’s time to serve! Dish out your spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice while it’s hot, and watch everyone dig in eagerly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with Protein: With tender chicken and nutritious veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that keeps you satisfied.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious meal!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and chili paste creates a mouthwatering flavor you won’t forget.
Tips for Success
To make your spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, keep an eye on your heat—medium is essential for perfectly cooked chicken without burning the garlic. If you love extra crunch, toss in some snap peas or baby corn during the last minute of cooking. Don’t hesitate to adjust the chili paste to match your spice tolerance; even a little can make a big difference! And remember, a splash of lime juice just before serving can brighten everything up beautifully—it’s a simple step that elevates the whole dish!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and essential nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation!
FAQ About Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the chicken for tofu. Just cut firm tofu into cubes and sauté it until golden brown. It absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a fantastic substitute. You can also use tempeh for a bit more texture!
How can I adjust the spice level?
Adjusting the spice level is super simple! If you prefer it milder, just use less chili paste or even skip it altogether. On the flip side, if you’re a spice lover, feel free to add extra chili paste, or even toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Trust me, it’s all about your taste!
What vegetables can I use?
The beauty of stir fry is its versatility! You can use any vegetables you like or have on hand. Try snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms for a fun twist. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Get creative and enjoy those vibrant colors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Just a splash of water can help revive the moisture so it doesn’t dry out. Enjoy those flavors all over again!
For more delicious recipes, check out this quick chicken stir fry recipe or this creamy garlic pasta recipe!
Print
Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice is a quick and flavorful dish packed with protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and mixed vegetables, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and chili paste, cook for another 2 minutes.
- Combine with cooked rice and drizzle sesame oil on top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili paste.
- Use any vegetables you prefer.
- You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice
