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Looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy weeknight dinner recipe that will delight your taste buds? This Chinese Garlic Chicken stir-fry combines tender pieces of chicken with a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy honey garlic sauce. It’s packed with crispy vegetables and served alongside fried rice, making it the ultimate comfort meal for lovers of Chinese food with chicken garlic sauce.
Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow. It uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and it comes together in under 30 minutes! Let’s get cooking and make this delicious soy garlic chicken stir-fry with an irresistible homemade sauce.
Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients for Chinese Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
For the Chicken and Fried Rice:
- 600 g (about 1.3 lbs) boneless, diced chicken breast
- 1 ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 70 ml (about ¼ cup + 1 tbsp) soy sauce (35 ml for marinating, 35 ml for fried rice)
- 300 g (about 2 cups) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 eggs
- 30 g (about ¼ cup) green onions, chopped
- 560 g (about 4 cups) cooked white rice (preferably a day old)
- 10 ml (about 2 tsp) sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with a little water for thickening)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 65 g (about ¼ cup) honey
- 50 ml (about ¼ cup) soy sauce
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 50 g (about ¼ cup) ketchup (or tomato sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare the Ultimate Chinese Garlic Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
To start, take your diced chicken breast and place it in a large bowl. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add 35 ml of soy sauce and thoroughly mix to ensure the chicken is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is infused with flavor and stays juicy during cooking.
Pro tip: If you want your soy garlic chicken to have a deeper flavor, marinate it for up to 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge!
2. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
once the chicken has finished marinating, it’s ready to cook. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, until it’s thoroughly cooked and nicely browned on all sides. Take the chicken out of the skillet and put it aside.
In the same pan, toss in your frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) and stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to still have a bit of crunch, adding a lovely texture to your Chinese garlic chicken stir-fry. Once the vegetables are cooked but crisp, remove them from the pan and set them aside with the chicken.
3. Prepare the Fried Rice
Now, it’s time to whip up some fried rice! In the same pan (no need to wash it), add a little more oil if necessary. Crack the two eggs into the pan and scramble them until they’re fluffy and fully cooked. Once the eggs are ready, add your day-old white rice. Stir-fry the rice for a couple of minutes, breaking it up and mixing it well with the eggs.
Add 35 ml of soy sauce and 2 tsp of sesame oil to the rice, stirring to combine all the flavors. Return the cooked chicken and vegetables to the pan and mix everything together. For a thickened texture, pour in the cornstarch mixture and stir well.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Now for the best part—the honey garlic sauce! This sauce is what makes this dish truly stand out among other chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food recipes.
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ketchup. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently. Let it come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. The result is a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce with a bold garlic kick.
5. Bring It All Together
With the sauce ready, it’s time to finish your stir-fry. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, vegetables, and fried rice in the pan. Stir everything well so that each bite is coated in that delicious, sticky sauce. Add the chopped green onions at the end for a fresh burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Soy Garlic Chicken
This Chinese garlic chicken stir-fry is best served hot and fresh. Scoop it into bowls, sprinkle some extra green onions or sesame seeds on top, and enjoy this flavorful dish with your family or friends.
For a complete meal, pair this dish with some simple side options like:
- Steamed broccoli
- A fresh green salad with a light sesame dressing
- Crispy egg rolls or spring rolls
- Chinese steamed buns or dumplings for a fun and interactive dinner!
Why This Soy Garlic Chicken Recipe Stands Out
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and balance of flavors. The honey garlic sauce creates a delicious contrast between sweet and savory, while the crispy veggies add a satisfying texture. Plus, the ease of making fried rice directly in the same pan ensures minimal cleanup—ideal for a busy weeknight.
Incorporating classic Chinese flavors with the versatility of everyday ingredients, this dish is a fantastic introduction to chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food. Whether you’re a fan of takeout or trying to recreate authentic flavors at home, this recipe brings restaurant-quality food right to your kitchen.
Final Tips for the Perfect Garlic Chicken Chinese Recipe
- Cook rice in advance: Using day-old rice is key for the best fried rice texture. Freshly cooked rice is often too wet, causing it to stick together.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a more savory sauce, reduce the amount of honey. You can also swap honey for maple syrup or brown sugar for a different twist.
- Experiment with vegetables: While frozen mixed vegetables are quick and easy, feel free to use fresh broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to add more color and variety to your stir-fry.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout. This soy garlic chicken stir-fry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition. Enjoy it on a cozy weeknight or impress your dinner guests with this fun and tasty dish.