If you love dishes bursting with vibrant flavors and an irresistible aroma, you are going to adore this Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe. Tender strips of chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of soy and oyster sauces meet the fresh crunch of colorful bell peppers and the unmistakable punch of garlic and ginger. This is a quick, yet impressive dish that turns any weeknight dinner into a delightful feast. Every bite offers a harmonious balance of savory, fragrant, and slightly sweet notes that make this recipe a true crowd-pleaser and a staple for those who crave authentic Chinese flavors right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in the Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe. Fresh aromatics, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of sauces come together to create an unforgettable dish.
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thin strips cook quickly and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides a classic salty backbone to the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a rich and slightly sweet depth to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps achieve a silky texture by coating the chicken when cooked.
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for stir-frying at high heat.
- 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Packs an essential punch of aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced: Adds fresh zest and warmth to balance the garlic.
- 1 large onion, sliced: Offers sweetness and crunch, softening during stir-fry.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brings vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to the plate.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a contrasting earthiness and crunch.
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce: Enhances the sauce’s complexity with a lighter salty note.
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Deepens the color and adds a slight caramel flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry: Infuses subtle sweetness and tenderizes the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A finishing touch that delivers a nutty aroma and richness.
- 3 spring onions, chopped: Adds freshness and a mild oniony crunch as garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
How to Make Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing those thin chicken strips in a bowl with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. This quick marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also creates a light coating that promotes luscious browning during cooking. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Wok and Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and minced ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until you can smell that intoxicating fragrance filling your kitchen. This is where the magic begins; be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Turn the heat up to high and add your marinated chicken strips to the wok. Stir-fry them until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. The cornstarch in the marinade helps give this dish that silky texture that clings to the chicken perfectly. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced onions along with the red and green bell peppers. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for about 3 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch. This gives the dish an irresistible texture and adds a burst of color that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Step 5: Combine and Build the Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the wok and mix it in with the vegetables. Pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and rice wine or dry sherry, stirring continuously to coat everything in a glossy, flavorful sauce. Let the mixture cook together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens just slightly, ensuring every bite is a delightful burst of taste.
Step 6: Final Touches
Drizzle the dish with a teaspoon of fragrant sesame oil to finish. Sprinkle the chopped spring onions over the top, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This final layering brings freshness, color, and a subtle nutty note that makes this Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe absolutely unforgettable.
How to Serve Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra chopped spring onions or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds makes the dish pop with flavor and texture. You can also toss in a handful of fresh cilantro leaves for a bright herbal contrast that complements the savory sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant noodles, as they soak up the savory garlicky sauce perfectly. Steamed bok choy or sautéed snap peas make ideal vegetable sides that maintain the meal’s light and fresh profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken wrapped in lettuce cups or use it as a flavorful topping for fried rice bowls. This not only enhances presentation but also adds an interactive and hands-on element to your meal that everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, this dish freezes nicely. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months without losing too much flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as stir-fried dishes reheat better on the stove, allowing the sauce to loosen and the chicken to warm evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe because they are juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Just slice them thinly as you would the breast to ensure quick and even cooking.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, this Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe is not spicy by default. If you love heat, feel free to add fresh chili slices or a splash of chili sauce to the dish for an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free versions. Also, double-check the rice wine or sherry to ensure it’s gluten-free or use a gluten-free cooking wine alternative.
What can I use if I don’t have a wok?
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan works perfectly in place of a wok. Just make sure it gets hot enough for a quick stir-fry, and keep the ingredients moving in the pan to avoid sticking.
Is it okay to prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely. Marinating the chicken for up to 12 hours in the fridge will only deepen the flavors. Just avoid marinating too long with the cornstarch, as it can sometimes make the texture a bit mushy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe enough. It’s a beautiful marriage of simple yet bold ingredients that come together quickly to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining loved ones, this dish brings fantastic flavor, great texture, and that comforting feeling of homemade goodness to your table. Go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delicious adventure of making this vibrant Chinese classic at home!
Print
Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Stir-Fried Chinese Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and quick dish featuring tender chicken strips marinated in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend, then stir-fried with aromatic garlic, ginger, and vibrant bell peppers. This classic Chinese stir-fry is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
Sauces and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 spring onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Heat Oil for Stir-Frying: Place a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped garlic and minced ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant without letting them brown to avoid bitterness.
- Cook the Chicken: Increase the heat to high. Add the marinated chicken strips to the wok and stir-fry until they are well-browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour in 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes to combine all flavors and heat through thoroughly.
- Finish the Dish: Drizzle 1 teaspoon sesame oil over the stir-fry, sprinkle with chopped spring onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give a final toss to evenly distribute.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fried Chinese garlic chicken hot, ideally accompanied by steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken improves tenderness and infuses it with deeper flavor.
- Do not overcook garlic and ginger to keep their aroma fresh and prevent bitterness.
- Use high heat and a well-heated wok to achieve a good stir-fry texture.
- Adjust salt and soy sauce according to your taste and dietary preferences.
- This dish can be customized by adding other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms.
- For gluten-free adaptation, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce substitutes.
