Name: Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 large carrot, julienned; 2 green onions, chopped; 3 cups cooked white rice; 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

Juicy strips of chicken tossed with vibrant bell peppers, tender broccoli, and a savory garlic-infused sauce—this Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is everything you want in a weekday dinner. It’s bold, balanced, and cooked in a flash. Whether you’re a meal-prep pro or cooking after a long day, this stir-fry is a dependable favorite that won’t disappoint.

What makes this dish a standout is the harmony between its garlicky base, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. You get that crisp-tender bite in the veggies, the seared, flavorful chicken, and the luscious sauce that pulls it all together. Pair it with a steamy bowl of white rice, and you’ve got a plate full of comfort and color.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice seamless and efficient, you’ll want to gather a few kitchen essentials:

Wok or Large Skillet: The wide surface and high heat retention allow for quick searing and even cooking, essential for stir-frying.
Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes prepping your vegetables and chicken faster and safer.
Cutting Board: Designate one for meat and another for vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.

Tongs or Wooden Spoon: For tossing the chicken and veggies with ease and control.
Rice Cooker or Pot with Lid: To ensure fluffy, perfectly cooked rice.

Ingredients for the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Each ingredient in this dish has a specific role in creating bold flavor and great texture:

Chicken Breast: Lean, protein-rich, and soaks up the garlic sauce beautifully.
Garlic: The aromatic backbone that brings depth and warmth.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the stir-fry.

Bell Peppers (red, yellow, green): Sweet and slightly crunchy, they bring both flavor and color.
Carrots: For sweetness and crunch that pairs well with the savory notes.
Broccoli Florets: Adds green goodness and a slight earthy bitterness that balances the sauce.

Green Onions: Offers a burst of freshness and color.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to coat the chicken and veggies.
Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that blends with the garlic and soy sauce.

Cooked White Rice: The perfect foundation to soak up all the stir-fry flavor.
Sesame Oil (optional): Adds a nutty finish if desired.

How To Make the Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice chicken into thin strips, chop all vegetables, and mince the garlic. Set them aside in separate bowls.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, and cornstarch in a bowl. This mixture will thicken as it cooks, giving the stir-fry that silky finish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a drizzle of oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add a bit more oil and toss in the carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they’re crisp-tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

Step 6: Serve with Rice

Scoop the hot, garlicky stir-fry over a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a light drizzle of sesame oil if using.

How to Serve and Store This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Serve the stir-fry hot right after cooking for the freshest taste and texture. Spoon it generously over warm white rice and garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds.

To store leftovers, transfer the stir-fry and rice into separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs offer more moisture and richness, which work wonderfully in stir-fry.

What other vegetables can I add?

Snow peas, snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn are great additions. Use what you have on hand!

Is it okay to make this ahead?

Yes. You can prep all the ingredients and even pre-cook the chicken. Store everything separately and stir-fry fresh when ready.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.

What kind of rice works best?

Long grain white rice is ideal, but jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice are all great choices.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze the stir-fry portion (not the rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Want More Chicken Recipes Packed with Flavor?

If you enjoyed this Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice, you might love exploring these other delicious chicken creations from Life With Olivia:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crispy, cheesy indulgence.

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a slow-cooked, comforting meal.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet to recreate that steakhouse magic at home.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a creamy, weeknight pasta favorite.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini when you crave something saucy and comforting.

And for even more weeknight inspiration, check out my daily recipe pins over on Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up? Add extra veggies? Maybe even try it with noodles instead of rice?

I love seeing your creations and how you bring your own twist to the table. Let’s keep the flavor flowing!

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory garlic sauce come together in under 30 minutes. Served over fluffy rice, it’s a healthy, colorful, and family-friendly meal that delivers on comfort and taste.