If you’re craving a quick, vibrant dinner that bursts with flavor and color, this Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender strips of chicken with crisp, colorful bell peppers and a luscious garlic-infused sauce that sings with layers of savory and tangy goodness. Paired with fluffy steamed rice, this dish delivers comfort and excitement in every bite, making it perfect for a lively weeknight meal or an impressive dish to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making this Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe shine. Each component is simple but essential, adding distinct flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish as delicious as it is eye-catching.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thin strips cook quickly and absorb the sauce wonderfully.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant red color to the mix.
- 1 green bell pepper: Brings a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness of the other peppers.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: Offers a mellow sweetness with bright yellow hues for visual appeal.
- 1 medium onion: Sliced for subtle sharpness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami foundation for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds richness and a slightly sweet, briny note.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lifts the sauce with bright acidity.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a nutty aroma.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the savory and acidic elements.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient that gives the dish its irresistible, sizzling aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds gentle warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect glaze.
- Steamed white rice: The perfect neutral base to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a delightful crunch and visual pop.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken strips and let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes until they start to brown, then stir occasionally until cooked through and golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside—this keeps the meat juicy and ready to absorb that beautiful sauce later.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they reach that perfect tender-crisp texture, maintaining vibrant colors and a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Now, add the minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for about one minute until you can smell that intoxicating fresh garlic aroma. This step is crucial—it infuses the entire dish with a depth of flavor that makes the Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe so delightful.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. Pour this delicious sauce over the stir-fried veggies and bring it to a simmer. This sauce is the heart of the dish, perfectly balancing sweet, salty, and tangy notes.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you want a thicker glaze, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a tablespoon of water. Stir this slurry into the skillet and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken nicely, coating every strip of chicken and piece of pepper with irresistible shine.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together so the chicken is fully coated in that savory sauce with tender vegetables. This final step brings all the flavors together into one harmonious dish.
Step 7: Serve Hot over Steamed Rice
Serve your sizzling creation immediately over fluffy steamed white rice. The rice soaks up all the sauce, creating a luscious bite every time.
How to Serve Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For a bit of extra texture and visual appeal, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. A handful of fresh cilantro leaves adds a burst of herbal freshness that cuts through the rich garlic sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Though this stir-fry stands on its own, you can pair it with light sides like steamed or stir-fried greens such as bok choy or snap peas. A crisp cucumber salad would also add a cool crunch, nicely balancing the warm, flavorful main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry inside lettuce cups to add a refreshing crunch. Or for a casual gathering, present it in a large serving bowl with rice on the side, allowing everyone to serve themselves and customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling to room temperature, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The stir-fry will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for the best texture, freeze chicken and vegetables separately from the rice. Store in airtight freezer-safe containers, where it will keep for about 1 to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat the stir-fry gently over medium heat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, splash a little water or broth to loosen it back up. Reheat rice separately to maintain its fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat or tofu in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works wonderfully here, but you can swap it for thinly sliced beef, pork, shrimp, or even firm tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything is tender and cooked perfectly.
How spicy is the Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe?
The recipe is mildly spicy by default. You can add crushed red pepper flakes to introduce heat or omit them altogether for a milder version. It’s very easy to customize based on your spice tolerance!
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and double-check any store-bought sauces like oyster and hoisin to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without worry.
What’s the best type of rice to serve with this stir-fry?
Steamed white rice—like jasmine or basmati—works best as it’s fragrant and fluffy, perfectly balancing the rich, saucy chicken and vegetables. Brown rice is a good option too if you prefer a nuttier, heartier grain.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and swap oyster sauce for a mushroom-based vegetarian alternative. The vibrant bell peppers and garlic sauce will still shine beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe enough. It’s a perfect harmony of fresh ingredients, bold garlic flavor, and that irresistible sizzling energy when everything comes together on the plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, this dish brings warmth, color, and joy to your table—give it a go and watch it become a beloved favorite!
Print
Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This vibrant Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips sautéed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory garlic sauce. Served over steamed white rice and garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Seasonings and Others
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
To Serve
- Steamed white rice
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour this sauce mixture over the vegetables in the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the skillet and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables evenly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the sauce and the vegetables are evenly mixed.
- Serve: Serve the sizzling garlic chicken stir-fry hot over steamed white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired.
- Enjoy immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve immediately while the dish is hot and sizzling.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended for a thicker, more luscious sauce.
- Make sure to slice the chicken and vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
