Savory Chicken Stir-Fry with Garlic Veggies & Steamed Rice
If you’re looking for a delicious, quick meal that combines bold flavors with fresh vegetables, you’ve found it with this Savory Chicken Stir-Fry with Garlic Veggies & Steamed Rice. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that balances tender chicken, crisp veggies, and aromatic garlic, all tossed in a savory sauce and served alongside fluffy steamed rice. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, making meal time both satisfying and stress-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules without compromising on taste.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Combines lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome rice for a well-rounded meal.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The garlic-infused veggies and savory sauce make every bite bursting with delightful taste.
- Customizable: Easily swap veggies or adjust seasoning to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking chicken and veggies together in one skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Savory Chicken Stir-Fry with Garlic Veggies & Steamed Rice lies in its simple, fresh ingredients, each playing a key role in taste, texture, or color to bring everything together seamlessly.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds aromatic intensity and enhances the overall flavor.
- Bell peppers: Offer a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- Broccoli florets: Bring a healthy, slightly crisp vegetable element with rich green hues.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and bright orange color for visual appeal.
- Soy sauce: The main umami factor that delivers the signature savory depth.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a nutty fragrance that complements the other ingredients.
- Steamed white or brown rice: A neutral, fluffy base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Green onions: Provide fresh, mild onion flavor as a garnishing touch.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
Variations for Savory Chicken Stir-Fry with Garlic Veggies & Steamed Rice
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and flexible, so feel free to tailor it to your taste buds or pantry supplies. Whether you need it gluten-free, spicier, or loaded with extra veggies, it adapts beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to amp up the heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein option.
- Different Veggies: Substitute snow peas, zucchini, or mushrooms to vary texture and flavor.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce salt to keep it heart-healthy.
- Whole Grain Boost: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for alternative nutritious bases.
How to Make Savory Chicken Stir-Fry with Garlic Veggies & Steamed Rice
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by slicing the chicken into thin strips and chopping your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it evenly flavors the dish. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then start cooking it according to package instructions so it’s ready when the stir-fry finishes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep it juicy and tender.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Veggies
In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, keeping the veggies crisp yet tender.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken strips to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in soy sauce and stir to combine everything evenly. Let it cook together for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Serve with Steamed Rice
Fluff the steamed rice with a fork and divide it onto plates. Top with the savory chicken stir-fry and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finishing touch. Enjoy your warm, satisfying meal!
Pro Tips for Making Savory Chicken Stir-Fry with Garlic Veggies & Steamed Rice
- Cut Evenly: Make sure chicken and veggies are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- High Heat: Use high heat for stir-frying to keep veggies crisp and chicken juicy.
- Prep Ahead: Have all ingredients ready before cooking to maintain a smooth workflow.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Fresh Garlic: Always use fresh garlic instead of powder for maximum flavor.
How to Serve Savory Chicken Stir-Fry with Garlic Veggies & Steamed Rice
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the dish to add a burst of color, texture, and an extra layer of flavor that complements the savory stir-fry perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a simple cucumber salad or a light miso soup to round out the meal without overpowering the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stir-fry in colorful bowls or over a bed of fluffy rice arranged in a bowl with the veggies and chicken artfully on top for a restaurant-style touch at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stir-fry and rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the food before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Warm the rice separately for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, and they work wonderfully in this dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by choosing tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I make this stir-fry spicy?
Yes, add chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a spicy sauce like sriracha according to your preferred heat level.
What vegetables work best in this stir-fry?
Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms are great options, but feel free to use your favorites or what’s in season.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Cook them quickly over high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of stir-frying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that is full of flavor, fresh ingredients, and quick to make, this Savory Chicken Stir-Fry with Garlic Veggies & Steamed Rice will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It combines simplicity with deliciousness effortlessly and always leaves you feeling nourished and satisfied. Give it a try tonight and see how easily satisfying dinner can be!
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Savory Chicken Stir-Fry with Garlic Veggies & Steamed Rice
Savory Chicken Stir-Fry with Garlic Veggies & Steamed Rice is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, all infused with aromatic garlic and tossed in a savory soy-based sauce. Served alongside fluffy steamed rice, this dish offers a balanced, nutritious, and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and customizable for various dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced into thin strips
Vegetables
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sauces & Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Grains
- 2 cups steamed white or brown rice
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin strips and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then cook it according to package instructions so it’s ready when the stir-fry finishes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to keep it juicy.
- Sauté the Garlic and Veggies: In the same skillet, add more sesame oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in soy sauce and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Serve with Steamed Rice: Fluff the steamed rice with a fork and divide onto plates. Top with the chicken stir-fry and garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy while warm!
Notes
- Cut chicken and vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use high heat to keep vegetables crisp and chicken tender.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking to ensure a smooth process.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Always use fresh garlic for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1 cup stir-fry with 1/2 cup rice)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chicken stir-fry, garlic veggies, steamed rice, quick dinner, healthy meal, gluten-free, easy recipe, weeknight meal
