Easy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry – Dinner in 20 Minutes!
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Busy weeknights don’t have to mean boring meals. This Easy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is here to save your dinner game! It’s loaded with flavor, comes together in just 20 minutes, and uses simple pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding your family or cooking for one, this recipe delivers big taste with little effort.
You’ll love how customizable it is—toss in your favorite veggies, spice it up, or serve it over noodles or rice. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s hard to mess up and easy to crave.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Quick & Easy – Done in 20 minutes start to finish
This meal comes together fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re just too hungry to wait.
Budget-Friendly – Uses everyday ingredients
No fancy stuff here. Just simple, affordable items you probably already have in your kitchen—chicken, garlic, veggies, and a few sauces.
One Pan – Less mess, less cleanup
Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is super easy. More time eating, less time washing dishes.
Customizable – Swap in your favorite veggies or protein
Use what you have—like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or even tofu instead of chicken. It’s easy to make it your own.
Flavorful – Garlicky, savory, and satisfying
Loaded with garlic and just the right amount of sauce, each bite is packed with flavor. It’s tasty, filling, and hits the spot every time.
Ingredients Breakdown (Serves 2)
For the Chicken:
- 250–300g chicken breast or thigh – Thighs are juicier, breasts are leaner
- 1 tbsp cooking wine – Helps tenderize the meat
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce – Savory umami boost
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – Creates a light crispy coating
For the Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – The star of the show
- ½ tsp ground black pepper – Just the right kick
- 1 tsp sugar – Balances the salty flavors
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder – For extra depth
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce – Savory and aromatic
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce – Adds richness and sweetness
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cooking oil – For stir-frying
- Mixed vegetables – Bell peppers, onions, carrots, snap peas—use what you have!
Prep everything before cooking – stir-fries move fast
Let’s Cook This!
1. Prepare Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chopped chicken with cooking wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 5 minutes—this keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Velvet the chicken by marinating in cornstarch—it helps seal in moisture
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix garlic, black pepper, sugar, bouillon powder, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir well. Smell that? You’re already halfway to delicious.
Use a wok or wide pan for better heat distribution
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until just golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
High heat stir-fry keeps veggies crisp and vibrant
4. Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, toss in your chosen veggies. Stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until they’re slightly softened but still crisp.
5. Combine & Sauce It Up
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce. Stir everything together over high heat for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats everything.
6. Serve Hot
Serve it immediately over a bowl of steaming rice or twirl it into noodles. Your quick, cozy dinner is ready!
Recommended Equipment
- Carbon Steel Wok – Authentic stir-fry experience
- Nonstick Fry Pan – Great for everyday cooking
- Garlic Press – Speeds up prep
- Silicone Spatula – Gentle on your cookware
How to Serve This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Serve over hot steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice
Scoop the stir-fry right onto a bowl of warm rice. The sauce soaks in, and every bite is full of flavor. It’s a classic and super comforting way to enjoy it.
Toss into cooked noodles for a garlic chicken noodle bowl
Love noodles? Mix this stir-fry into any cooked noodles—ramen, rice noodles, or even spaghetti—for a tasty garlic noodle bowl.
Pair with kimchi, pickled veggies, or a light salad for contrast
Add something cool and crunchy on the side. Kimchi, pickled cucumbers, or a fresh salad help balance the rich, garlicky flavor of the chicken.
Diet-Friendly Options
- Low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice
- Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip bouillon
- Vegetarian: Sub chicken with tofu and use mushroom sauce instead of oyster
Best Ways to Store
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Microwave or stir-fry with a splash of water
- Meal Prep: Cook double and portion into containers for easy lunches
Recipe Variations
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add gochujang or sriracha.
Teriyaki-style: Add 1 tsp mirin and ½ tsp ginger
Crispy Option: Coat chicken in more cornstarch and deep-fry before causing.
Vegetable Boost: Add bok choy, mushrooms, or green beans
You can also pair this recipe to simple snacks.
Easy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
Equipment
- Frying pan or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 250–300g chicken breast or thigh, chopped
- 1 tbsp cooking wine
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder (or seasoning powder)
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (for frying)
- Mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, onions, etc.)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:In a bowl, mix the chopped chicken with cooking wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce:In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic, black pepper, sugar, chicken powder, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Cook the Chicken:Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, stir, and cook for about 2 minutes or until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies:In the same pan, add a small amount of oil. Stir-fry your chosen vegetables until slightly softened (about 2–3 minutes).
- Combine Everything:Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir-fry on high heat for 1 minute until the sauce is thickened and coats everything evenly.
- Serve Hot:Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- 🔥 For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer (up to 15 minutes).
- 🌶️ Add chili flakes or fresh chili if you like a little heat.
- 🥦 Stir-fry with vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
- 🍚 Best served with freshly cooked rice or tossed into noodles.
Common Questions Answered
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
2. What’s a good veggie combo?
Bell peppers, onions, carrots, and snap peas work great—colorful and crunchy!
3. Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Cook and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
4. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce + sugar.
5. Is cornstarch necessary?
It helps tenderize and coat the chicken, but you can skip it if needed—the texture will be slightly different.
This Easy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is your new go-to for a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal. It’s fuss-free, packed with garlicky goodness, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, you’ll find this dish checks all the boxes: fast, tasty, and family-approved.
Ready in under 20 minutes—you’ve got dinner sorted!
