GARLIC CHICKEN STIR-FRY WITH PEPPERS & STEAMED RICE

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers is a quick and healthy weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and a savory garlic sauce. Served with fluffy steamed rice, it’s a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir-fry is both easy and delicious, making it ideal for busy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
Tender chicken with crisp, colorful vegetables
Rich garlic flavor without heavy sauces
Balanced and healthy meal
Perfect for meal prep or family dinners

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced thinly
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

For the Rice

2 cups uncooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
4 cups water
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes (or according to rice type) until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Season sliced chicken lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry 5–6 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add remaining oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well to coat chicken and peppers evenly. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until heated through.

5. Serve

Scoop steamed rice onto plates and top with garlic chicken stir-fry. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Slice chicken thinly for quick, even cooking
Use a hot pan or wok for the best stir-fry texture
Bell peppers should remain crisp, not soggy—cook just until tender
Adjust soy sauce and garlic to taste
Optional: add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots

Variations

Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for heat
Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip oyster sauce
Keto Version: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice
Honey Garlic Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of honey to the sauce for a subtle sweetness

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave; add a splash of water or soy sauce if needed
Rice and stir-fry can also be stored separately for meal prep

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed or stir-fried greens on the side
Pair with a light Asian-inspired salad
Drizzle with extra sesame oil or sriracha for added flavor

Final Thoughts

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice is a quick, colorful, and flavorful meal that satisfies without heavy sauces. Its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and garlicky goodness makes it a go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.