This Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Rice is a fast, one-pan meal bursting with garlicky heat, juicy chicken, and tender-crisp bell peppers—all tossed in a fiery, sticky sauce and served over fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or satisfying takeout-style cravings at home, this dish is ready in 30 minutes or less and guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
Skip the delivery. This homemade stir-fry is healthier, fresher, and easily adjustable to your spice tolerance.
Introduction: Your Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Stir-Fry
Spicy stir-fry dishes are staples across many Asian cuisines, and this version channels classic Chinese takeout flavor with a modern, wholesome twist. With no deep frying, minimal oil, and loads of fresh veggies, this stir-fry is as nutritious as it is satisfying.
What makes this dish special? It’s all in the spicy garlic sauce—a bold blend of garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red chili flakes with just the right amount of sweetness. You’ll get crisp-tender bell peppers, golden seared chicken, and sticky, garlicky flavor in every bite.
Ingredients Overview: Key Players in a Fiery Stir-Fry
1. Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts
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Thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, but breasts work for a leaner option.
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Sliced thinly for quick, even cooking.
2. Bell Peppers (Red & Green)
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Add crunch, color, and natural sweetness to balance the heat.
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Stir-fry beautifully without getting soggy.
3. Fresh Garlic (Lots of It)
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The base of the sauce. Don’t skimp—it’s the hero of the flavor.
4. Soy Sauce
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Adds deep umami and saltiness.
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Use low-sodium if preferred.
5. Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice
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Adds acidity and brightness to cut through the richness.
6. Honey or Brown Sugar
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Balances spice with subtle sweetness.
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Helps create that signature sticky glaze.
7. Red Chili Flakes or Fresh Chili
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Adjust to your preferred heat level.
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Add more for intense fire, or reduce for a milder stir-fry.
8. Cornstarch
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Used to lightly coat the chicken and thicken the sauce.
9. Cooked White or Jasmine Rice
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The perfect fluffy base to soak up all the spicy garlic goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
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1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oil (for stir-frying)
Vegetables:
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 small onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
Spicy Garlic Sauce:
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
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1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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½ tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp sesame oil
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2 tbsp water
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1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
For Serving:
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3–4 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
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Optional: green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges
1. Prep the Chicken
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In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
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Let marinate while prepping vegetables and sauce (5–10 minutes).
2. Mix the Spicy Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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½ tsp red chili flakes
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 tsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp water
Taste and adjust sweetness or spice before cooking.
3. Cook the Chicken
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Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil.
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Add chicken in a single layer. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
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Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Sauté Veggies
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In the same pan, add a drizzle more oil if needed.
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Stir-fry onion and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until slightly charred but still crisp.
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Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add Sauce & Chicken
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Return chicken to the pan.
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Pour in the spicy garlic sauce. Stir well.
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Cook for 1–2 minutes, tossing until sauce thickens and everything is coated and glossy.
6. Serve
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Spoon stir-fry over bowls of steamed rice.
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Garnish with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
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Slice everything thin and evenly for fast cooking.
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Use high heat and work quickly to keep veggies crisp.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary.
Flavor Variations
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Add broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots for more veggies.
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Use pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-spicy combo.
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Add 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for added depth.
Protein Swaps
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Try this with shrimp, tofu, or tempeh.
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For beef lovers, use thinly sliced flank steak instead of chicken.
Diet Substitutions
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Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage stir-fry.
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Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check all labels.
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Dairy-free & egg-free: Naturally compliant—no adjustments needed.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Serve this stir-fry:
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In meal prep containers with rice and steamed veggies
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In lettuce cups for a low-carb wrap
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With Asian cucumber salad or kimchi on the side
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For weeknight dinners when time is short but flavor matters
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As part of a takeout-at-home feast with dumplings or spring rolls
Nutritional & Health Notes
This dish is:
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High in lean protein from chicken
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Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants from peppers and garlic
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Easy to make gluten-free, low-carb, or low-sugar
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Made with real, whole ingredients and no MSG
Estimated Nutrition (per serving with rice):
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Calories: ~480
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Protein: 35g
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Carbs: 40g
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Fat: 18g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 7g
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Sodium: ~900mg (use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce)
FAQ: Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
1. Can I make this less spicy?
Yes! Reduce or omit the chili flakes, and you’ll still have a flavorful garlic stir-fry with just a hint of heat.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Just add it in Step 5 with the sauce. Make sure it’s sliced and heated through.
3. What’s the best rice to serve with this?
Jasmine or white rice is ideal for absorbing the sauce. Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles also work.
4. Can I use bottled stir-fry sauce?
Sure, but the homemade spicy garlic sauce is quick and fresher. Bottled sauces often contain extra sugar or preservatives.
5. How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
6. Can I freeze it?
Yes, but the texture of the peppers may soften. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
7. What’s a good side dish for this?
Try it with steamed edamame, cucumber salad, Asian slaw, or even egg drop soup.
