Quick note
This simple stir-fry cooks fast. It has bold garlic, spicy chili flakes, bright bell peppers, and warm jasmine rice. Try it on a weeknight when you want a tasty dinner fast. You can also check a simple chicken-and-rice idea like cheesy chicken and rice for other easy meals.
introduction
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Jasmine Rice is quick and full of flavor. The garlic and soy sauce make the dish savory. The honey adds a little sweet. The chili flakes give heat if you like spice. It cooks in one pan and pairs well with plain jasmine rice.
why make this recipe
- It cooks fast in about 20–30 minutes.
- It uses few, common ingredients.
- It makes a full meal with protein, veggies, and rice.
- You can change the spice and sweetness to your taste.
how to make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Jasmine Rice
Follow the steps below. Read them first, then cook.
Ingredients :
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 green bell pepper, julienned
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g. canola or sunflower)
- 1 tsp crushed chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Dash of white pepper or black pepper
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Directions :
- Cook the Rice: Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly. Bring 2 cups water to boil with a pinch of salt. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 mins. Let rest 5 mins, then fluff.
- Prep Sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, pepper, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high. Sauté garlic and onions for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken slices, stir-fry 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add Veggies: Toss in red and green bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but crisp.
- Add Sauce & Simmer: Pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well and let it thicken for 2–3 minutes, coating the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Plate with jasmine rice on the side. Optionally garnish with extra chili flakes or sesame seeds.
For a different chicken-and-rice idea, see this creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe.
how to serve Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Jasmine Rice
- Serve hot with a scoop of jasmine rice.
- Place the rice on one side of the plate and the stir-fry on the other.
- Add a slice of lime or sprinkle sesame seeds if you like.
- Offer extra chili flakes on the side for more heat.
- For a light meal, serve with a small green salad.
Try pairing it with a sweet side like honey garlic chicken flavors if you want a milder sweet note.
how to store Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Jasmine Rice
- Cool the stir-fry and rice to room temperature (no more than 2 hours).
- Put them in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
tips to make Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Jasmine Rice
- Slice the chicken thin so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Do not overcook bell peppers; keep them slightly crisp.
- Taste the sauce before adding; adjust soy or honey to your liking.
- Use a hot pan and keep the food moving for even stir-frying.
- If you like more sauce, double the sauce ingredients and simmer to thicken.
variation (if any)
- Make it milder: skip the chili flakes.
- Make it sweeter: add more honey or a splash of orange juice.
- Add more veg: snap peas, carrots, or broccoli work well.
- Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Serve over brown rice or noodles instead of jasmine rice.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bell peppers?
A: Yes. Use them straight from frozen, but cook a little longer so they soften.
Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Mix the sauce and keep it in the fridge for a day. Stir before using.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It is mild by default. Add or skip the crushed chili flakes to change the heat.
Q: Can I use dark soy sauce?
A: You can, but dark soy is saltier and thicker. Use less or add a splash of water.
Q: How do I make the chicken extra tender?
A: Marinate the chicken in a bit of oil and a pinch of baking soda for 10–15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before cooking.
Conclusion
If you like bold, quick stir-fries, you may enjoy a related spicy chicken dish like Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) Recipe.
Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Jasmine Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly.
- Bring 2 cups water to boil with a pinch of salt.
- Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, pepper, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high.
- Sauté garlic and onions for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken slices, stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Toss in red and green bell peppers.
- Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but crisp.
- Pour in the prepared sauce.
- Stir well and let it thicken for 2-3 minutes, coating the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Plate with jasmine rice on the side.
- Optionally garnish with extra chili flakes or sesame seeds.