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
Scale
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.
