A vibrant, aromatic, and quick weeknight dish that balances tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and bold garlic flavor — all served over perfectly steamed rice. This Asian-inspired stir-fry is simple enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress anyone at the table.
🛒 Ingredients Breakdown & What They Do
- Chicken Breasts (2, diced)
Lean, tender, and quick-cooking. Dicing ensures fast, even sautéing. Chicken breasts absorb flavors well, especially marinades and high-heat stir-fry sauces.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, thinly sliced)
Provides crunch and a slightly bitter, earthy taste that balances sweet and savory flavors. Green peppers stay firmer during cooking, adding texture.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, thinly sliced)
Sweeter than green peppers, lending natural caramelization and vibrant color. Makes the dish visually appealing and well-rounded in flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
The star aromatic ingredient. When briefly stir-fried, garlic infuses the oil and chicken with a deep, irresistible fragrance.
Additional Recommended Ingredients for Best Flavor
While your base list is perfect, these add-ons elevate the dish:
2 tbsp soy sauce – savory umami body
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional) – richness and mild sweetness
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice – acidity to brighten the dish
1 tsp cornstarch (optional) – helps thicken sauce and coat chicken
1 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil – prevents sticking and adds flavor
Salt and pepper – to season
For the Steamed Rice
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
2 cups water
Pinch of salt
🍳 Method of Preparation (Step-by-Step)
- Prep the Ingredients
Dice the chicken breasts into bite-size cubes.
Slice the peppers into thin strips.
Mince the garlic finely.
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
- Cook the Rice
- Combine 1 cup rice + 2 cups water + pinch of salt in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and steam for 12–15 minutes until fluffy.
- Let it rest 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Optional Marinade for Extra Flavor
In a small bowl, mix:
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
½ tsp garlic
Dash of pepper
Toss the chicken and let it sit 10 minutes.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear until lightly golden and cooked through (5–7 minutes).
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add a splash of oil if needed.
- Add garlic and stir quickly (10–15 seconds until fragrant).
- Add the peppers and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Combine & Finish
- Return the chicken to the pan.
- Add soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, and a splash of water or broth to create a light glaze.
- Toss everything together, allowing flavors to combine for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve
Spoon the sizzling garlic chicken and peppers over a bed of hot steamed rice.
Optionally garnish with:
Sesame seeds
Green onions
Chili flakes
A squeeze of lime
⭐ Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
Cook over high heat to keep vegetables crisp.
Slice ingredients evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
Avoid overcooking garlic — it becomes bitter quickly.
Do not overcrowd the pan or chicken will steam instead of brown.
Add a bit of honey or brown sugar if you like sweet-savory balance.
🍽️ Variations You Can Try
- Spicy Version
Add fresh chili, chili paste, or sriracha.
- Veggie-Packed Stir-Fry
Include mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, carrots, or corn.
- Protein Swaps
Beef strips
Shrimp
Tofu (pressed and pan-fried)
- Low-Carb Version
Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes — just thaw and drain excess water to avoid sogginess.
- How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water at the end.
- Can chicken thighs be used instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving in stir-fries.
- How long does it keep?
Storage guidelines:
Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months (store chicken and veggies separate from rice for best texture)
- What oil is best for stir-frying?
High-smoke-point oils:
Vegetable oil
Peanut oil
Canola oil
Sesame oil (adds flavor but burns quickly—use in combination)
📌 Final Thoughts
This Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice is the perfect blend of color, texture, and bold flavor. It’s fast enough for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve guests. With a simple ingredients list and almost endless customization options, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.