If there’s one dish I can never get enough of, it’s Chicken in Garlic Sauce. I still remember the first time I tried it at a cozy Chinese restaurant. The aroma of garlic, the tender chicken, and the savoury sauce blew my mind.
I knew I had to recreate it at home, and after a few tweaks and experiments, I finally nailed the recipe. This is the recipe I turn to whenever I want to impress guests or treat myself to something comforting yet flavorful. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be making it on repeat!
If you’re into southern classics and spicy one-pot meals too, don’t miss Chicken Fried Chicken and this flavorful One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/9288742976318396/
Cooking Time
Creating this tasty dish surprisingly doesn’t take much time. Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need to prepare and cook this recipe effortlessly:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (cutting chicken, chopping veggies, measuring ingredients)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Time-Saving Tip: To speed things up, you can prep the veggies and marinate the chicken the night before. Store everything in sealed containers in the fridge, and you’ll be all set for cooking the next day!
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Before you start, make sure your kitchen is equipped with the right tools. These gadgets will save time and make things easier while ensuring the dish comes out perfect.
- Wok or Non-Stick Pan
A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet works just as well. - Sharp Chef’s Knife
This will help you cut chicken and vegetables effortlessly. - Cutting Board
Reserve a separate one for raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination. - Mixing Bowls
Handy for marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce. - Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Perfect for stirring without damaging your cookware.
Optional but helpful gadgets include a garlic press if you want to save time mincing garlic and a food scale for precise measuring!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the magic behind this recipe. You’ll need fresh, easy ingredients that pack a punch in flavor.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into small pieces)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 green bell pepper, julienned
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional but healthy!)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Ingredient Variations:
If you love spicy food, add 1-2 dried red chilies or a dash of chili flakes. For a healthier twist, swap sugar with honey or use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Recipe Instructions
Follow these steps to create a flavorful and well-balanced dish. Proper marination and high-heat cooking ensure the best texture and taste.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken pieces. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a large bowl. Add the chicken and coat it evenly. This simple step makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Leave it to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes while you prep the veggies.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
It’s time to prepare the star of the dish—the garlic sauce! Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sugar, and the cornstarch slurry in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything until smooth, and set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Heat the Wok
Place a wok or skillet on medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic & Veggies
Add the remaining oil to the same wok, along with the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic). Then, toss in the onions, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry everything for about 3-4 minutes to retain the crunch of the veggies.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Add the chicken back to the wok. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and soak into the chicken and veggies. Once the sauce is glossy, your dish is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken in Garlic Sauce pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some mouth-watering ideas to elevate your meal experience:
- Steamed Rice: The classic and easiest pairing option.
- Noodles: Serve it over stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
- Cucumber Salad: The fresh crunch of cucumbers balances the savory sauce perfectly.
- Top it with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a professional finish.
Tips for a Tastier Recipe
Want to take your dish from great to amazing? Try these tips!
- Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic adds a punchier flavor compared to pre-minced garlic in jars. - Don’t Overcrowd the Wok
Stir-fry in batches if needed. Crowding the pan can make the chicken soggy instead of crispy. - Add a Smoky Touch
If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a little sesame oil at the end for a nutty aroma. - Experiment with Add-ins
Love mushrooms or snap peas? Add them to the stir-fry for more variety.
Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/8585055534478620/
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming four servings):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Want to cut calories? Use a non-stick pan and reduce the oil by half without sacrificing taste.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Made extra? No problem! This dish stores beautifully.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over low heat for the freshest taste. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freeze: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If you’re a fan of bold, sweet-and-savory flavors, you’ll also love this General Tso’s Chicken—crispy, sticky, and just as easy to make at home!
Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese
Ingredients
Method
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Make the Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Stir Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Veggies:
- In the same pan, add a splash of oil if needed. Stir-fry bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
- Combine and Sauce:
- Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the garlic sauce and toss to coat. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until sauce thickens and everything is well coated.
- Serve:
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute vegetables with snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms.
- To make gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin is GF.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days — perfect for meal prep.
