why make this recipe
This dish is quick, fresh, and full of garlic heat. It gives you protein from chicken and veggies from broccoli and cauliflower rice. You get a low-carb meal that still tastes bold and satisfying.
introduction
This recipe cooks fast and uses simple ingredients. You can make it on weeknights. If you like dishes with rice and chicken, try this easy option or check another simple combo like Cheesy Chicken and Rice for a different take.
how to make Spicy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli & Cauliflower Rice
Work in this order: steam broccoli, cook cauliflower rice, sear chicken, add garlic and chili, stir in sauce, then serve. Keep things hot and move quickly so the chicken stays juicy and the veggies stay tender. For an alternate method with rotisserie chicken, see this idea: creamy rotisserie chicken and broccoli.
Ingredients :
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cauliflower rice (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or low-carb sweetener (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder + 1 tbsp water (for slurry)
Directions :
- Steam the broccoli until crisp-tender, about 4–5 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
- Prepare cauliflower rice by sautéing in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or water for 4–5 minutes until tender. Season lightly with salt.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and fully cooked.
- Lower heat to medium, add garlic and chopped chili to the pan with the chicken. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, honey (if using), and chopped herbs. Mix the cornstarch slurry and pour in. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Serve chicken over cauliflower rice with steamed broccoli. Spoon extra sauce over the top.
how to serve Spicy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli & Cauliflower Rice
Place cauliflower rice on the plate. Add steamed broccoli on one side. Spoon the chicken and sauce over the rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.
how to store Spicy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli & Cauliflower Rice
Cool the food to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Do not freeze the steamed broccoli; it loses texture. You can freeze the chicken and cauliflower rice for up to 2 months, but texture may change.
tips to make Spicy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli & Cauliflower Rice
- Cut chicken into even pieces so they cook the same time.
- Dry the chicken well before searing to get a good brown.
- Use a hot pan for a quick sear and juicy meat.
- Taste the sauce before adding cornstarch; add more soy or vinegar to balance.
- For a faster weeknight meal, swap in cooked rotisserie chicken. See a simple creamy version here: creamy rotisserie chicken and broccoli.
variation (if any)
- Make it milder by removing the red chili.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for more color.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw and steam or microwave until just tender. Do not overcook.
Q: Is cauliflower rice okay raw?
A: You can eat it raw, but sautéing softens it and improves flavor.
Q: Can I skip the cornstarch?
A: Yes. The sauce will be thinner but still tasty. Or use arrowroot for a clearer sauce.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It depends on the chili you use. Remove seeds to lower heat, or add more for extra kick.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
Conclusion
For another take with a chili-garlic flavor and air fryer method, check this Chili Garlic Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli recipe for ideas and high-protein options.
Spicy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli & Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Steam the broccoli until crisp-tender, about 4–5 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
- Prepare cauliflower rice by sautéing in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or water for 4–5 minutes until tender. Season lightly with salt.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and fully cooked.
- Lower heat to medium, add garlic and chopped chili to the pan with the chicken. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, honey (if using), and chopped herbs. Mix the cornstarch slurry and pour in. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Serve chicken over cauliflower rice with steamed broccoli. Spoon extra sauce over the top.