Chicken in Garlic Sauce is a delightful dish, renowned for its rich flavors and the perfect balance of garlic and spices. This comforting meal captures the essence of home cooking, making it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also offers a burst of flavors that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. The blend of fresh vegetables and tender chicken, all enveloped in a savory garlic sauce, ensures that every bite is a delicious experience.
Why We Love This Chicken in Garlic Sauce Recipe
One of the main reasons people adore this Chicken in Garlic Sauce is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your palate, whether you enjoy it spicy or prefer a milder flavor. The dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want to prepare something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The mouthwatering aroma that fills your home while cooking will have everyone eagerly awaiting mealtime. Whether served with rice or noodles, this dish offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients about Chicken in Garlic Sauce
To bring this scrumptious Chicken in Garlic Sauce to life, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions, for garnishing
How to Make Chicken in Garlic Sauce Directions
To create this mouthwatering dish, follow these step-by-step directions:
- Start by slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the marinade. In a bowl, mix the chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes. This not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your garlic sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well until all ingredients are incorporated. This sauce will become the star of the dish, providing that unique garlic flavor you crave.
- Next, heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Make sure to keep the chicken moving to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
- In the same wok, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry these aromatics for about 30 seconds, allowing their fragrances to bloom. After that, add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers and diced onion to the wok. Cook the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they start to soften. You want them to retain some crispness for a delightful texture contrast.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok and pour in your prepared garlic sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. Continue stir-frying until everything is well combined and heated through, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Once thoroughly cooked, carefully transfer your Chicken in Garlic Sauce to a serving dish. For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness, making your meal visually appealing. Serve it with a side of steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your culinary creation!
How to Serve Chicken in Garlic Sauce
When it comes to serving Chicken in Garlic Sauce, presentation can elevate your dining experience. Here are a few suggestions to help you serve this dish in style:
- On a Bed of Rice: Serve the chicken atop a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious garlic sauce, enhancing every bite.
- With Noodles: For a heartier option, serve the Chicken in Garlic Sauce with stir-fried noodles. Toss the noodles with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavor before layering the chicken on top.
- Vegetable Sides: Pair your dish with steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy. This adds color to your plate and enhances the meal’s nutritional value.
- Garnish: Don’t forget the green onions! This not only adds flavor but also makes your dish look more enticing. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Expert Tips: Chicken in Garlic Sauce
Creating a perfect Chicken in Garlic Sauce involves some essential tips for success. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and ginger. Their flavors are far superior to powdered versions and will make a noticeable difference in your sauce.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying over high heat is crucial for achieving that signature wok char and ensuring your chicken remains tender. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to avoid steaming it.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: If you are making a large batch, consider cooking the chicken in batches. Overcrowding will steam the chicken rather than sear it, leading to less flavor.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients to your taste. If you love a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or sliced chili to the stir-fry.
- Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Double the recipe, and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How to Store Chicken in Garlic Sauce
Storing your Chicken in Garlic Sauce properly will help maintain its flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken in Garlic Sauce. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Store it for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave it, though be cautious to not overcook.
Variation of Chicken in Garlic Sauce
While the classic Chicken in Garlic Sauce recipe is delicious on its own, consider these variations to switch things up:
- Add More Veggies: Increase the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. They will add both color and texture to your dish.
- Protein Alternatives: Swap out chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef. Each protein will bring a unique flavor and texture to the sauce, allowing for a whole new experience.
- Spicy Garlic Sauce: If you enjoy heat, add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the garlic sauce mixture. This will give your dish an exciting kick and richness.
- Citrus Twist: A splash of fresh lime or lemon juice added just before serving can brighten the flavors and give the dish a refreshing twist.
FAQ
What is Chicken in Garlic Sauce?
Chicken in Garlic Sauce is a flavorful dish made from chicken pieces stir-fried with garlic and ginger, mixed with vibrant vegetables and a savory sauce that includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
How do I make Chicken in Garlic Sauce spicier?
To make your Chicken in Garlic Sauce spicier, you can add some red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry. Alternatively, include sriracha or another hot sauce in the garlic sauce mixture for an extra kick.
Can I use different vegetables in Chicken in Garlic Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables. Some great options include broccoli, bok choy, snap peas, or carrots. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.
How do I store leftovers of Chicken in Garlic Sauce?
Let your Chicken in Garlic Sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Chicken in Garlic Sauce?
Chicken in Garlic Sauce pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or additional steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Chicken in Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- 6 cloves garlic, minced fresh
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated fresh
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- to taste Green onions, for garnishing
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, marinate with cornstarch and soy sauce for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create the garlic sauce.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat, add marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and in the same wok, stir-fry minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onion, cook for 3-4 minutes until softened but still crisp.
- Return the chicken to the wok alongside the garlic sauce, stir until well combined and heated through for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!