Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chili in Black Bean Sauce
A savory and spicy chicken stir-fry featuring fermented black bean sauce, fresh garlic, and red chili peppers for an authentic Chinese flavor. This Chinese-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, fermented black beans, fresh garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp, rinsed and mashed fermented black beans
- 4 minced fresh garlic cloves
- 2 thinly sliced red chili peppers
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 sliced green onions
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 1 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice wine. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced red chili peppers, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp rinsed and mashed fermented black beans and continue cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry, and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chili in Black Bean Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chili in Black Bean Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chili in Black Bean 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 Garlic and Chili in Black Bean Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Garlic and Chili in Black Bean 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.
