Savory Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Veggies and Rice: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

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Looking for a satisfying, healthy, and flavor-rich dinner that won’t take hours in the kitchen? This Savory Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Veggies and Rice checks all the boxes. Packed with crisp-tender vegetables, juicy garlic-infused chicken, and a sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite, this stir-fry is the weeknight dinner your family will request again and again.

This recipe is perfect for busy parents, health-conscious foodies, meal preppers, and anyone who appreciates a dish that’s both nourishing and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a crowd, this vibrant stir-fry delivers big on flavor and presentation while staying budget-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
Nutritious and Balanced: Lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and your choice of rice.
Versatile: Easily customizable to suit dietary needs or what you’ve got in the fridge.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Keeps beautifully in the fridge for lunches or weeknight leftovers.

Ingredients at a Glance

For the Chicken & Stir-Fry:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for a nuttier flavor)
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp sesame oil (for finishing)

For the Vegetables:

1 cup broccoli florets
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
1 carrot, thinly sliced
½ cup snow peas
½ cup baby corn (optional)
¼ cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Rice:

1 cup jasmine rice or brown rice
1½ cups water or chicken broth

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large skillet or wok
Medium saucepan (for rice)
Cutting board and knife
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring spoons and cups
Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Rice

Rinse 1 cup of jasmine or brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.

Bring 1½ cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes (or follow package directions). Once tender, fluff with a fork and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

½ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch
Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes for a kick

This sauce is the heart of the recipe—sweet, salty, umami-packed, and thickened to perfection.

3️⃣ Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4️⃣ Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Stir-fry your veggie medley—broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, snow peas, and baby corn—for about 4–5 minutes, until vibrant and tender-crisp.

5️⃣ Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the garlic sauce over everything, stirring well to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and veggies.

Finish with a drizzle of 1 tbsp sesame oil for a final layer of rich, toasty flavor.

6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy

Plate the fluffy rice and top generously with the stir-fry. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Make it Vegetarian:

Swap chicken for extra-firm tofu or tempeh.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Low-Carb Option:

Replace rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.

Spice it Up:

Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry or the garlic sauce base.
Increase the red pepper flakes for more heat.

Add More Crunch:

Toss in water chestnuts, bean sprouts, or chopped peanuts at the end.

Tips for Best Results

Slice Ingredients Evenly: This ensures even cooking, especially with thin proteins like chicken breast.
High Heat is Key: Stir-fries cook quickly. Use medium-high to high heat and keep the food moving to avoid steaming.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches to keep ingredients crisp, not soggy.
Use Leftover Rice: Day-old rice works wonderfully if you’re in a pinch.

How to Store Leftovers

Have extras? Great! This stir-fry makes fantastic leftovers.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Meal Prep Tip: Divide into individual lunch containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Suggested Pairings

Drinks:

A cold jasmine green tea or sparkling water with lemon makes for a refreshing complement.
For a more adult option, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Asian lager pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory profile.

Side Dishes:

A side of egg drop soup or miso soup
Fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
Steamed dumplings or spring rolls if you’re going for a takeout-style spread

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess water in the stir-fry.

What type of rice is best?

Jasmine rice is wonderfully fragrant and fluffy, but brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients. Basmati works too in a pinch!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just be sure to cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Is it gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! The components can be prepped in advance. Slice the veggies, mix the sauce, and store separately until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

This Savory Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Veggies and Rice isn’t just dinner—it’s a vibrant, home-cooked experience that brings joy to your table without the stress. It’s the kind of dish that’s reliable enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Whether you’re serving it to your family or preparing lunches for the week, this stir-fry is bound to become a regular in your rotation.