Looking for a quick, tasty meal? Try my Garlic Chili Chicken Stir Fry! This dish is packed with flavors and takes just minutes to prepare. With juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a kick of spice, you’ll love every bite. I’ll walk you through simple steps and share tips to make it perfect. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 500g boneless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
– 2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Seasonings and Garnishes
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
– Optional: salt, pepper, chopped green onions for garnish
Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking easy and fun. First, get your chicken. I like using boneless chicken breast because it cooks quickly. Slice it into thin strips for even cooking. Next, gather colorful vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots add crunch and nutrition.
Chili peppers give the dish a nice kick. You can adjust the number based on your taste. For sauces, soy sauce adds saltiness, while hoisin sauce brings a sweet touch. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that ties everything together.
Don’t forget the garlic and ginger! They add depth and warmth to the dish. You can garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. With these ingredients, you will create a tasty, colorful meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
First, heat a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil is hot. Then, add the sliced chicken breast to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes. You want it browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Stir-Frying Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Next, add the minced garlic, sliced red chilies, and freshly grated ginger. Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds. You want the aromas to fill your kitchen. After that, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and thin rounds of carrots. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes. They should be tender but still crisp.
Combining Ingredients
Now, return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine everything. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until all is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sauce if needed. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Stir Fry
The heat of your stove is very important. A high heat gives you nice sear marks and cooks the chicken fast. If the heat is too low, the food will steam instead of fry. This can make your chicken tough and your veggies mushy.
To avoid soggy vegetables, cook each type of veggie separately. Start with the hardest ones first, like carrots and broccoli. Add softer ones later. This way, everything stays crisp and bright.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding a dash of chili flakes or a splash of lime juice. These small changes can make your dish pop! You can also use a bit of fish sauce for extra umami.
Balancing heat is key. If the dish gets too spicy, add a pinch of sugar or honey. This will help mellow the heat, letting the flavors shine through.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can switch the chicken for tofu or shrimp. Tofu absorbs flavors well and is great for a vegetarian option. Just press it to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. For shrimp, use peeled and deveined shrimp. It cooks fast, making your meal quick.
You can also use different cuts of chicken. Thighs add moisture and flavor. They can make your stir fry even tastier. Just remember to cook them a bit longer than breasts to ensure they are done.
Vegetable Substitutions
Seasonal vegetables can brighten your stir fry. Try snap peas, zucchini, or asparagus. These veggies add color and crunch to your dish. Use what you can find fresh at your local market.
If you’d like a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more veggies. You can use mushrooms for a savory taste. Adding extra bell peppers or greens like spinach can make it more filling and delicious.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your garlic chili chicken stir fry fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. Just be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing your stir fry is a great option for longer storage. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags, but remove as much air as you can. Label the container with the date. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you are ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a quick method, you can microwave it on low power until warm. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. This helps keep the chicken and veggies tender.
FAQs
Common Questions
What can I serve with garlic chili chicken stir fry?
You can serve garlic chili chicken stir fry with cooked rice or noodles. The rice soaks up the sauce well. You might also add a side salad for freshness. Steamed veggies work great too.
How spicy is this dish with two red chilies?
Using two red chilies adds a nice heat. It’s spicy but not too hot. If you like less heat, use one chili or remove the seeds. Adjust the spice to fit your taste.
Cooking Techniques
Can I make this in a non-stick pan?
Yes, a non-stick pan works well for this dish. It helps prevent sticking. You can use less oil, which is great for health. Just keep the heat at medium-high to cook well.
What is the best way to cut chicken for stir fry?
Cut the chicken breast into thin strips. This helps it cook quickly and evenly. Aim for pieces about half an inch wide. This size makes for a tender bite in each forkful.
This blog post covered garlic chili chicken stir fry, from key ingredients to cooking techniques. You learned about the main items needed, including chicken, colorful veggies, and tasty sauces. We also discussed cooking steps, helpful tips, and easy variations.
Enjoy your stir fry adventures! Remember, cooking is all about fun and creativity in the kitchen. Explore your ingredients and make it your own!
