This recipe came together on a busy weeknight when I needed something fast but full of flavor. I grabbed chicken, fresh bell peppers, garlic, and soy sauce, tossed them into a hot pan, and within minutes, the kitchen smelled incredible. Tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy garlic sauce with colorful peppers became an instant favorite at my table. Paired with fluffy steamed rice, this one hits every craving in the best way possible.
The moment the sizzling chicken hits the pan, the garlic perfumes the air, and the peppers soften just enough to stay crisp and sweet. Every bite brings layers of flavor – juicy chicken, bold garlic, tangy soy, and the perfect kick from the sauce. It’s vibrant, quick, and ridiculously satisfying. Make it once, and you’ll want it in your weekly dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stir fry is fast, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The garlicky sauce is rich and savory, coating every piece perfectly, while the bell peppers add crunch and color. It’s a complete meal when served over steamed rice and comes together in under 30 minutes.
It’s also super customizable. Swap in different veggies, use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or add chili flakes for heat. You can make it saucier, spicier, or sweeter depending on your taste. Perfect for weeknights when you need something quick but still want big flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stir Fry
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (optional for sweetness)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
For Serving
- 2 cups steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
- Lime wedges (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken strips with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Toss well and set aside for 10 minutes to marinate lightly.
2. Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
3. Stir Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir fry for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden and just cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Cook the Veggies
In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp oil. Toss in garlic, ginger, and onions, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers and stir fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Combine & Sizzle
Return chicken to the pan and pour in the garlic sauce. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.
6. Serve & Garnish
Spoon the stir fry over steamed rice, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, and add lime wedges on the side for brightness. Serve immediately while sizzling hot.
Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stir Fry
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey optional for sweetness
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
For Serving
- 2 cups steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
- Lime wedges optional
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Whisk together garlic sauce ingredients.
- Stir fry chicken until golden; remove and set aside.
- Cook onions, garlic, ginger, and peppers until crisp-tender.
- Return chicken, pour sauce, and stir until glossy and thick.
- Serve hot over steamed rice and garnish with herbs.
Tips & Variations
- Sauce balance: Add extra honey if you like it sweeter, or more vinegar for tang.
- Veggie swap: Use broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini instead of peppers.
- Protein twist: Try shrimp, beef, or tofu with the same sauce.
- Meal prep hack: Chop veggies and marinate chicken earlier in the day for a 15-minute dinner.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of sesame oil or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sizzling stir fry over jasmine rice, fried rice, or even noodles. Pair it with a light cucumber salad or steamed edamame for a full Asian-inspired dinner.
Final Thoughts
This sizzling garlic chicken stir fry is bold, colorful, and full of flavor without being complicated. The glossy sauce clings to every bite, and the crisp-tender veggies make it both hearty and refreshing. Once you make it, it’ll quickly become your go-to quick dinner recipe.
