Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this chicken in garlic sauce! It’s one of those dishes that makes my heart sing every time I whip it up. Seriously, it’s such a classic in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason! The tender chicken, perfectly coated in a rich, savory garlic sauce, is just irresistible. Plus, it’s super quick to make, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you’ve made this dish, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation. The aroma of garlic sautéing fills the air, and your family will be rushing to the table! Let’s dive into how to make this delightful meal together.
Ingredients List
Alright, here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering chicken in garlic sauce! I promise, it’s super simple, and you might already have some of these ingredients in your kitchen!
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (you can never have too much garlic, right?)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this is key for that nice, glossy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for that perfect sizzle)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (adds a fabulous umami kick)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance out the savory flavors)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for a rich base)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (just a touch for warmth)
- 1 green onion, chopped (for that fresh garnish)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be all set to make a delicious meal that your taste buds will thank you for!
How to Prepare Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
Let’s get cooking! Making this chicken in garlic sauce is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. First things first, we need to marinate our chicken to infuse it with flavor and tenderize it. In a bowl, combine your diced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a dash of black pepper. Mix it all up and let it marinate for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it!
While that’s happening, grab a large pan and heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn, or it can turn bitter. Now, add in your marinated chicken to the pan, spreading it out so it cooks evenly. You want to cook it until it’s nicely browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Next, stir in the chicken broth, oyster sauce, and sugar, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up beautifully. It’s important to keep an eye on it during this time to avoid any sticking or burning. Once you see that glorious glossy sauce, you’re ready to garnish with chopped green onions and serve it hot!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate chicken: In a bowl, mix diced chicken, soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let it sit for 30 minutes to soak up all those lovely flavors.
- Heat oil: In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch it closely, as burnt garlic isn’t tasty!
- Cook chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned all over.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken. This is where it becomes irresistibly delicious!
- Garnish: Once done, remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken in garlic sauce is an absolute winner for so many reasons! Here are just a few that I can’t help but rave about:
- Flavor Explosion: The rich, savory garlic sauce is a flavor bomb that elevates the tender chicken to new heights!
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap in different proteins to make it your own!
- Perfect for Busy Nights: It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for weekend entertaining.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chicken in garlic sauce turns out absolutely perfect! First, don’t skimp on the marinating time—30 minutes is just right to let those flavors really seep into the chicken. If you can, marinate it longer for even more depth of flavor!
When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it. It can go from fragrant to burnt in a flash, and nobody wants that bitter taste in their dish. Also, make sure your pan is hot enough when you add the chicken; this helps it get that lovely golden brown color and keeps it juicy.
Lastly, taste your sauce before serving! If it needs a little more sweetness or saltiness, adjust it with a pinch of sugar or a splash of soy sauce. And remember, garnishing with those fresh green onions not only adds a pop of color but a burst of freshness, too!
Variations
One of the best things about this chicken in garlic sauce is how easy it is to switch things up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor and juicier texture. You could also experiment with other proteins like shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist.
Want to add some veggies? Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a colorful and nutritious boost. If you’re a fan of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to give it a spicy kick. The beauty of this dish is that it’s super versatile, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this chicken in garlic sauce, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packs a protein punch, making it a great option for a satisfying meal. Enjoy without any guilt!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your chicken in garlic sauce ready to go, let’s talk about the perfect accompaniments to make it a complete meal! I love serving this dish over a bed of fluffy steamed rice—there’s just something magical about the way the rice soaks up that savory sauce. You can absolutely use jasmine or basmati rice for an aromatic touch.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try serving it with stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables. The combination of flavors will take your meal to the next level! And don’t forget about a fresh side salad—crunchy greens with a light vinaigrette can add a nice contrast and keep things refreshing.
Finally, a side of steamed or sautéed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas can bring in some vibrant colors and nutrients. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your chicken in garlic sauce experience and leave everyone at the table feeling satisfied!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this delicious chicken in garlic sauce? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. This helps the flavors really sink in.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce? You can substitute it with more soy sauce or a bit of hoisin sauce if you have that on hand. It’ll still be tasty!
Can I make this dish spicy? Yes! If you love a kick, add some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers while cooking. It’ll give your chicken in garlic sauce a nice heat!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in a pan or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Definitely! Veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli work wonderfully. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for that perfect crunch!
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions—I love helping fellow cooks!
Print
Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful chicken dish cooked in a savory garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until browned.
- Stir in chicken broth, oyster sauce, and sugar.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Garnish with green onion before serving.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice.
- Adjust garlic quantity to taste.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken in garlic sauce, Chinese chicken recipe, garlic chicken
