Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chili Sauce
A spicy and aromatic stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast in a vibrant garlic and chili sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired thanksgiving (gluten-free option) ready in about 27 minutes pairs finely minced garlic cloves, red chili flakes, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 450 grams, sliced into thin strips chicken breast
- 4 cloves, finely minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, sliced diagonally green onions
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 450 grams of sliced chicken breast with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce until evenly coated; set aside for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add 4 cloves finely minced garlic and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add the marinated chicken strips to the wok, stir-frying for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown at the edges.
- Step 4: Mix 2 tbsp water with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sesame oil, then pour into the wok, stirring continuously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 sliced green onions for freshness, then serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chili 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 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 finely minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with 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 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.
Is Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chili Sauce gluten-free option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A must-try for any Asian-inspired holiday meal.
- ★★★★★
Loved the authentic flavor, made my family ask for seconds!
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit at our Thanksgiving dinner! The garlic and chili sauce was perfect.