Name: Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked white rice; Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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If you’ve been craving a lightning-fast, flavor-packed dinner, Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice is about to swoop in and save your evening. Tender chicken, a trio of brightly colored bell peppers, and a glossy, garlicky sauce all come together in one pan and pair perfectly with fluffy white rice. It’s a feast for your eyes and taste buds, and it’s all on the table in about thirty minutes. Whether you’re new to stir-fries or already obsessed, this dish brings together everything you love: savory, slightly sweet, and bursting with crisp veggies in every bite.

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a short list of easy-to-find ingredients can create such vibrant, layered flavors in this Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice. Each piece plays a key role—from adding juiciness to providing a crisp bite or a splash of color.

Chicken breast: Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast soaks up all the flavor and cooks in minutes.
Soy sauce: Brings deep umami and saltiness to season both the chicken and the sauce.
Oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and richness for that classic stir-fry taste.
Hoisin sauce: Rounds everything out with a hint of tang and complex sweetness.
Cornstarch: Helps the sauce cling to every bite and keeps the chicken juicy.
Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil for high-heat cooking and a glossy finish on the vegetables.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole dish with a punchy, aromatic flavor.
Red bell pepper: Bright, sweet, and the first pop of color in your stir-fry trinity.
Yellow bell pepper: Adds sunshiney sweetness and helps balance the overall flavor.
Green bell pepper: Offers a touch of bitterness to contrast the sweeter notes.
Chicken broth or water: Makes the sauce silky and helps create just the right texture.
White rice: Serve with perfectly cooked, fluffy steamed rice to soak up every drop of sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste for the perfect balance and finish.
Sliced green onions & sesame seeds (optional): These pretty garnishes add crunch and freshness at the very end.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken slices a quick spa treatment! In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken together with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Let everything mingle for 10 to 15 minutes—this creates a deliciously glossy coating that locks in moisture and flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces in a single layer, letting them sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side. This will give them a golden crust while keeping them incredibly succulent inside. Set them aside on a plate for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Your kitchen will instantly smell amazing, and the garlic will infuse the oil just enough to permeate the entire dish.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Peppers

Add all three color-packed bell peppers to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp in the center so they keep their vibrant color and a satisfying bite.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the seared chicken back to the pan, pour in the chicken broth or water, and stir well. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly, coating the chicken and veggies perfectly.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice while it’s piping hot, spooned generously over a bed of fluffy white rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds if you like.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions delivers freshness and color, while a scattering of sesame seeds gives a subtle crunchy finish. For a little extra zing, try a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a squeeze of lime right before serving. These toppings elevate Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice from homey to truly special.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry is hearty on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light Asian-inspired sides. Consider a crisp cucumber salad, quick pickled vegetables, or even simple steamed broccoli. These options balance the warmth and richness of the main dish and turn dinner into a real spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice in individual rice bowls to make each serving feel personal and inviting. For a more festive approach, arrange everything on a platter and let family or guests build their own bowls. Or try making lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held take—with the rice nestled inside or served separately on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftovers into airtight containers within an hour of cooking to keep them moist and flavorful. The combination of chicken, peppers, and rice keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and makes a fantastic grab-and-go lunch for busy weekdays.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, portion the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice into freezer-safe containers. The chicken and peppers both freeze well, though for best results, freeze the rice separately. It’ll taste freshest within two months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through, or warm everything in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauciness. Be careful not to overcook, so the chicken stays tender and the peppers keep their bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or even extra-firm tofu make great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times as needed and enjoy a fresh spin on Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice.

What’s the secret to really tender chicken breast?

The quick marinade with cornstarch is the key—sometimes referred to as “velveting.” It keeps the chicken juicy and helps it absorb the sweet-savory sauces beautifully, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Definitely. Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce, and ensure both hoisin and oyster sauces are certified gluten-free. With these swaps, Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice is safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

Are other vegetables good in this stir-fry?

Feel free to get creative! Snap peas, broccoli florets, or baby corn work well here. The peppers are traditional but mixing in other colorful veggies keeps the dish exciting and seasonal.

Can I make the rice ahead of time?

Yes! Steamed rice is perfect for prepping in advance. In fact, day-old rice has a slightly firmer texture that’s ideal for supporting saucy dishes like Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a weeknight meal that ticks every box—fast, healthy, vibrant, and irresistible—then give Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice a try. It’s the kind of home-cooked comfort you’ll crave over and over again, so don’t be surprised if it earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make garlic chicken stir-fry with colorful bell peppers served over steamed white rice. This Asian-inspired dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided

For the Stir-Fry:

4 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

2 cups cooked white rice
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Stir-Fry the Chicken: Sear marinated chicken in oil until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Sauté garlic, then add bell peppers and stir-fry until tender.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the pan, add broth, and heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.