If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, irresistible aroma, and flavors that dance on your taste buds, look no further than the Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Colorful Peppers and Steamed Rice Recipe. This meal is the perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp bell peppers in red, green, and yellow varieties, and a garlicky sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or aiming to impress friends with a home-cooked meal, this recipe delivers unbeatable satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect stir-fry starts with a handful of simple but key ingredients, each playing a vital role. The fresh colorful peppers add crunch and sweetness, the chicken offers that hearty protein punch, and the mix of sauces creates a flavorful, glossy coating that brings the dish to life.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds a sweet, vibrant red color and crisp texture.
- 1 green bell pepper: Provides a slight bitterness for balance and bright green hue.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: Offers gentle sweetness and sunny color to the medley.
- 1 medium onion: Brings a subtle natural sweetness and tender crispness when stir-fried.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salty richness and umami depth.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Gains a complex, savory kick that’s essential for that restaurant taste.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Sweet and tangy layer that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lifts the taste with a subtle tangy brightness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A small amount to give that warm, nutty aroma.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the salty and spicy notes seamlessly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient that fills the kitchen with an intoxicating fragrance.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to tickle the palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious glaze.
- Steamed white rice: The classic, fluffy base that soaks up every drop of sauce.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A lovely nutty garnish that adds texture and visual appeal.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal finish.
How to Make Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Colorful Peppers and Steamed Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced chicken breast strips, allowing them to brown beautifully and cook through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest while you work on the veggies. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy and develops a nice sear for extra flavor.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Peppers and Onion
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the vibrant sliced bell peppers and sweet onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender-crisp, maintaining a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken. The colors will be popping by now, promising an enticing meal ahead.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. This step releases the essential oils from the garlic to infuse the entire dish with that signature sizzling garlic goodness. Trust me; your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Pour this rich sauce mixture over the stir-fried vegetables and bring it to a gentle simmer. This flavorful sauce is what unites the ingredients into a harmonious, mouthwatering dish.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce that clings to every piece, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the skillet and simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce achieves a glossy, luscious consistency. This little trick gives the dish that polished, restaurant-quality finish.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Toss
Bring the cooked chicken back into the skillet and gently toss everything together. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce and evenly mixed with the colorful vegetables. This final toss melds the flavors beautifully, creating a sizzling feast.
Step 7: Serve Over Steamed Rice
Load up bowls or plates with fluffy steamed white rice, and spoon the sizzling stir-fry on top. This classic combination absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly, making each bite fulfilling and comforting.
Step 8: Enjoy Immediately
Serve your Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Colorful Peppers and Steamed Rice Recipe piping hot, garnished if you like, and enjoy every vibrant, garlicky mouthful right away.
How to Serve Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Colorful Peppers and Steamed Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over your stir-fry for that subtle nutty crunch, and add fresh cilantro leaves to lighten and brighten the dish. Together, they provide texture and a pop of color that completes the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, consider serving a simple cucumber salad to add a cool, crisp contrast or steamed dumplings for a heartier spread. A light miso soup also pairs well, complementing the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the stir-fry family-style in a large colorful bowl, or arrange portions in individual shallow bowls for an elegant look. A bed of jasmine or basmati rice instead of plain steamed rice adds fragrant warmth, while edible flowers or microgreens make the dish visually stunning and party-ready.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors develop even more after resting overnight, making your next meal just as delicious. Use within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
If you want to save the stir-fry for longer, freezing is an option. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers and keep for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the vegetables may soften upon thawing, so it’s best to enjoy within a reasonable timeframe.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to restore some crispness to the peppers, or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce can help revive the sauciness and keep the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a bit more richness to the dish. Just slice them thinly and adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked but still tender.
What if I don’t have hoisin or oyster sauce?
You can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a little honey or brown sugar for sweetness. While it won’t be exactly the same, you’ll still get a tasty balance of flavors.
How spicy is this stir-fry with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that warms without overwhelming. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra or include sliced fresh chili peppers. To keep it mild, skip the flakes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free or replaced accordingly. This keeps the flavors intact while accommodating dietary needs.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom stir-fry sauce instead. The colorful peppers and bold sauce will still shine deliciously.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Colorful Peppers and Steamed Rice Recipe that makes it a go-to for any occasion. It’s vibrant, quick to prepare, and undeniably satisfying with every sizzling bite. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a cherished favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Colorful Peppers and Steamed Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast strips stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory garlic sauce. Enhanced with soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces, along with a hint of sesame oil and a touch of sweetness, this quick and easy meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Served over steamed white rice and garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, it delivers a satisfying combination of textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
To Serve
- Steamed white rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining a slight crunch.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
- Prepare and add the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce and to distribute the vegetables uniformly.
- Serve: Serve the sizzling garlic chicken stir-fry hot over steamed white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy immediately: Serve immediately while the dish is hot and sizzling to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices.
- Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative to white rice.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while stir-frying to ensure even cooking and proper searing of the chicken.
- If cornstarch is not available, you can omit thickening the sauce or use arrowroot powder as an alternative.
