Name: Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 carrot, thinly sliced on the diagonal; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for chicken); 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening, optional); 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut); 2 green onions, chopped; 2 cups cooked white rice

When I’m craving something bold, comforting, and quick to make, this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice never lets me down. It’s one of those dishes that delivers a restaurant-quality experience without requiring a culinary degree or hours in the kitchen. I first started making it when I wanted a vibrant stir fry that didn’t skimp on flavor but still felt light and wholesome. The aroma of garlic hitting the hot skillet is something I’ll never get tired of, and the way the sauce coats each tender chicken piece and crisp vegetable—irresistible!

What I love most about this dish is its adaptability. I’ve made it on busy weeknights, for meal prep Sundays, and even for friends coming over on a whim. Every time, it delivers the same savory, spicy, garlicky satisfaction. You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients—just a wok (or pan), fresh veggies, chicken, and a few pantry staples. If you’re ready to upgrade your stir-fry game, this recipe is it.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes.
One-pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor.
Flavorful Sauce: The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, savory, and garlicky.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this stir fry because they cook quickly and stay tender when cut thinly against the grain. However, boneless thighs also work beautifully—they’re juicier and slightly more forgiving if you tend to overcook. Make sure to slice the chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly and absorbs all that delicious garlic sauce.

If you’re looking for a shortcut, pre-sliced stir-fry chicken or even rotisserie chicken (added at the end just to warm up) can save prep time. The key is that the chicken should be lean, easy to bite, and able to soak up the spicy garlic glaze.

Options for Substitutions

When it comes to stir fry, flexibility is the name of the game. Whether you’re avoiding certain ingredients or just using what you have, here are a few great alternatives:

Chicken → Swap with shrimp, tofu, tempeh, or thinly sliced beef or pork.
Soy Sauce → Use tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Vegetables → Bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are classic, but snow peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn work great too.
Rice → Serve with brown rice, jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a twist.
Garlic → No fresh garlic? Garlic paste or garlic powder in moderation can stand in.
Spice Level → Adjust with red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste depending on your heat preference.

This stir fry is incredibly forgiving—once you have the sauce foundation, you can switch things up endlessly.

Ingredients for This Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Each ingredient in this dish plays a role in creating that bold, saucy stir fry experience you crave. Here’s what goes in and why it matters:

Chicken Breast or Thighs
Tender, lean protein that absorbs the sauce well and cooks quickly.
Broccoli Florets
Adds crunch and a slightly bitter note that balances the sweet-spicy sauce.
Red Bell Pepper
Sweet and vibrant, it brings color and contrast both in taste and appearance.
Carrots
Their natural sweetness softens the heat from the sauce while adding bite.
Garlic (fresh minced)
The aromatic backbone—rich, savory, and spicy when cooked at high heat.
Ginger (optional but recommended)
Brings warmth and depth that complements the garlic perfectly.
Soy Sauce
Adds deep umami flavor and saltiness to the stir fry base.
Hoisin Sauce
Slightly sweet and rich, it thickens the sauce while enhancing the flavor complexity.
Rice Vinegar
Provides a gentle tang that brightens and balances the dish.
Honey or Brown Sugar
Adds just enough sweetness to round out the spice and acidity.
Cornstarch
Used to coat the chicken and to thicken the sauce for that glossy finish.
Red Pepper Flakes or Chili Garlic Sauce
Brings the heat! Adjust depending on how spicy you like it.
Green Onions (scallions)
Tossed in at the end for a pop of freshness and subtle sharpness.
Cooked White Rice
The perfect base to soak up the savory sauce and make it a complete meal.

Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice2

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by slicing your chicken into thin, bite-sized strips. Toss them in a bowl with a light coating of cornstarch, salt, and pepper—this helps create that golden, lightly crisp texture when cooked. Chop your vegetables: broccoli into small florets, bell pepper into thin strips, carrots sliced on the diagonal for quicker cooking. Mince the garlic and, if using, grate the ginger.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce, and a splash of water. Set it aside—this sauce will tie everything together with sweet heat and a savory depth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, cooking undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get some browning, then stir until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then toss in the carrots and cook for about 2 minutes, followed by the broccoli and bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the sauce thickens and clings to every bite. Finish with chopped green onions for a fresh lift.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the stir fry over fluffy white rice while it’s piping hot. Garnish with more green onions or sesame seeds if you like an extra touch.

How Long to Cook the Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

This dish is a quick one, perfect for weeknights when time is short but flavor is non-negotiable. Here’s the general timing breakdown:

Chicken: About 5–6 minutes total. It should be cooked through with a light sear on the outside.
Vegetables: 5–7 minutes depending on how crisp-tender you prefer them.
Simmering with Sauce: 2 minutes to thicken and coat.

All in all, once your ingredients are prepped, cooking takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. With prep included, you’re looking at around 30 minutes total.

Tips for Perfect Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

High Heat Is Key
Stir fry thrives on high heat—cook fast to lock in flavor and color while keeping the veggies crisp.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If your pan is small, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing.
Prep Everything Before You Start Cooking
Stir fry moves fast. Having all your ingredients chopped and sauces ready keeps things smooth and stress-free.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger
Fresh aromatics are essential for that bold flavor. Pre-minced jars can work, but they lack that signature punch.
Balance the Sauce
Taste before adding to the stir fry. Want it spicier? More chili. Sweeter? A touch more honey. Saltier? A splash of soy.
Add Sauce Last
Don’t pour the sauce in too early. Let the meat and veggies cook properly before glazing them with that delicious final layer.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple stir fry like this one has a few common pitfalls that can dull its shine. Here’s what to steer clear of:

Skipping the Prep
This dish cooks fast—if you’re chopping veggies while the chicken’s in the pan, things will overcook or burn. Have everything prepped beforehand.
Cooking Over Low Heat
Stir fry needs heat! If your pan isn’t hot enough, you’ll end up with soggy vegetables and pale chicken. Use medium-high to high heat.
Overcrowding the Pan
Trying to cook everything at once in a small skillet results in steaming instead of searing. Give your ingredients room to sizzle.
Overcooking the Chicken
Thin strips cook fast. Keep an eye on them so they stay tender and juicy. If in doubt, undercook slightly—they’ll finish when you simmer with the sauce.
Using Too Much Sauce
It’s tempting, but drowning your ingredients can make the stir fry soupy. Stick to just enough to glaze everything beautifully.

What to Serve With Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry?

While this dish is already complete on a bed of rice, pairing it with some sides or extras can make it feel like a full takeout-style spread.

Steamed Dumplings

A perfect appetizer to start your meal, especially if they’re filled with veggies or chicken to match the stir fry.

Garlic Sesame Green Beans

Simple, crisp-tender beans stir-fried with garlic and sesame oil add a refreshing, slightly nutty side.

Egg Drop Soup

A light and soothing soup that balances the spiciness of the stir fry with a silky texture.

Cucumber Salad

Cool and crunchy, with rice vinegar and sesame, this salad offers a refreshing break between bites.

Lo Mein or Sesame Noodles

If you want to skip the rice, these noodles are a slurpable, satisfying option that pairs beautifully with the sauce.

Scallion Pancakes

Crispy and savory, they add a fun texture contrast and soak up extra sauce like a dream.

Spring Rolls

Crisp, light, and often veggie-packed—perfect if you want something crunchy and easy to dip.

Storage Instructions

Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry holds up incredibly well, making it a fantastic option for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerator: Let the stir fry cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but for best texture, freeze only the chicken and sauce mixture (without the vegetables and rice). Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in freshly stir-fried veggies.
Reheating: Microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain the texture of the chicken and vegetables.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for one serving (assuming 4 servings total and served with white rice):

Calories: ~410 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugars: 8g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: ~800mg (depending on the soy sauce and hoisin brand)

This stir fry strikes a good balance of macronutrients, offering a solid source of lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and a flavorful but reasonable sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this stir fry?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to the red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce. You can easily adjust it by using less (or more!) depending on your taste.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes work well in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, since soy sauce and hoisin usually contain gluten. But you can substitute with tamari and a gluten-free hoisin to make it fully gluten-free.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A quick toss in a hot skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce is ideal. The microwave works too, but be cautious not to overheat, which can dry out the chicken.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and follow the same steps. The sauce pairs beautifully with plant-based proteins.

How do I keep the veggies crisp?

Cook over high heat and don’t crowd the pan. Also, cut the vegetables evenly and avoid overcooking them—just enough for a tender crunch.

What kind of rice is best to serve with this?

Steamed jasmine rice or medium-grain white rice works great. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor, and cauliflower rice is a good low-carb alternative.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients and sauce ahead. Cook just before serving for best texture, or cook everything and store for meal prep.

Conclusion

Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice is one of those golden recipes that combines bold flavor, flexibility, and speed in one pan. It’s the kind of dish that impresses without stress—perfect for both busy weeknights and casual entertaining. Once you make it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation. With just the right amount of kick, plenty of veggies, and that addictive garlicky sauce, this is a meal that hits every note.