Stir-Fried Chicken with Crispy Garlic and Chili Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with aromatic garlic and spicy chili sauce for a quick and flavorful meal. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends grams boneless chicken thighs, tablespoons vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 400 grams of boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until evenly coated to help achieve a tender texture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced red chili peppers, stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic edges turn golden but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the wok, spreading them in a single layer. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and edges start to crisp.
  4. Step 4: Mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper in a small bowl. Pour this sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 chopped spring onions for freshness and color. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Crispy Garlic and Chili Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Chicken with Crispy Garlic and Chili Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Crispy Garlic and Chili Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Chicken with Crispy Garlic and Chili Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Chicken with Crispy Garlic and Chili Sauce?

Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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