This Chili Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken, stir-fried with a medley of vegetables and coated in a savory sauce with a hint of spice, it’s a delicious and versatile recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Aromatic: This dish is packed with a delicious combination of savory, spicy, and umami flavors, thanks to the blend of sauces, spices, and fresh ingredients.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is a breeze to prepare.
- Quick and Healthy: This recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also a healthier option, as it uses lean chicken and incorporates plenty of vegetables.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Chili Garlic Chicken:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, thinly sliced for quick cooking.
- Egg white: Helps to tenderize the chicken and create a light coating.
- Cornstarch: Helps to create a crispy coating for the chicken.
- Shaoxing wine: Or rice wine or sherry, adds a depth of flavor to the marinade.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
For the Sauce:
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a rich and savory flavor.
- Fish sauce: Adds another layer of umami.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the savory flavors.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
- Water: Used to make a slurry with the cornstarch.
For the Stir Fry:
- Vegetable oil: For stir-frying the ingredients.
- Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
- Red chilies: Seeded and finely chopped, adds a kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced, for color, sweetness, and crunch.
- Green onions: Chopped, for garnish and a mild onion flavor.
- Asian-style noodles: Cooked according to package instructions, for serving.
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh herb flavor.
- Lime wedges: For serving, adds a bright citrusy flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Chili Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the egg white, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine (or substitute), salt, and pepper. Add the sliced chicken and marinate for 5-10 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess marinade from the chicken. Add the chicken to the pan and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan, along with the minced garlic, chopped chilies, and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry until the pepper has softened and the garlic is aromatic.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked chicken and cooked noodles to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken helps it become more tender and flavorful.
- Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of red chilies to your spice preference.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and ginger will give you the best flavor.
How to Serve Chili Garlic Chicken
- Main Course: Serve this Chili Garlic Chicken with a side of rice or noodles for a complete and balanced meal.
- Appetizer: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers.
- Salad: Slice the chicken and add it to your favorite salad for a protein boost and a flavorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu or tempeh to remove excess moisture before marinating and cooking.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, chopped broccoli florets, or snap peas.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or use a spicier chili garlic sauce.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Chili Garlic Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintChili Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Chili Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make stir-fry dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce are tossed with noodles for a satisfying and complete dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or rice wine or dry sherry)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 7 ounces Asian-style noodles, cooked according to package directions
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken with egg white, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Marinate for 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the pan, along with garlic, chilies, and bell pepper. Stir-fry until vegetables are softened.
- Combine and Finish: Add cooked chicken, noodles, and sauce to the pan. Toss until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in green onions.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Marination: Marinating the chicken enhances flavor absorption.
- Shaoxing Wine: Substitute with dry sherry or dry white wine if unavailable.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilies to control heat.
- Bell Peppers: Use different colored bell peppers for visual appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 500kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg