Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry -

Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it a popular choice for busy weeknight dinners. This dish combines tender chicken strips, vibrant bell peppers, savory garlic, and a spicy kick from chili flakes—all served over fluffy steamed rice. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour. Ideal for those who love a balance of spicy and savory, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry is not only packed with flavor but is also quick and easy to make. The bright colors of the bell peppers make it visually appealing, while the aromatic garlic and spice create a mouth-watering aroma that fills your kitchen. Each bite brings a satisfying crunch from the vegetables paired with tender chicken pieces, and the soy sauce ties everything together beautifully. Plus, the dish is versatile—feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist. It’s a wholesome meal that’s nutritious, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry

To ensure that your stir-fry comes out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

Preparation is Key: Before you start cooking, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This ensures you won’t be scrambling to chop vegetables while your chicken cooks.
High Heat Cooking: Stir-fries benefit from high heat, which helps to quickly sear the chicken and keep the vegetables slightly crisp. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the sesame oil.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches is better than overcrowding the pan. If you put too much chicken in the skillet at once, it will steam instead of fry.
Add Vegetables Last: To maintain the crunchiness, add your vegetables after the chicken has started to cook through. This will ensure they stay vibrant and slightly crunchy.
Customize the Heat: If you want it spicier, feel free to add fresh chilies or a good splash of Sriracha at the end.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this dish are simple and can be found at any grocery store:

For the Chicken Stir-Fry:

1 lb chicken breast strips
1 cup green bell peppers, sliced
1 cup red bell peppers, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons sesame oil

For the Rice:

2 cups white rice
4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by cooking the rice. Rinse 2 cups of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, 4 cups of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 2: While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken stir-fry. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breast strips. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the pan. Toss the ingredients quickly over high heat for about 3-4 minutes. The vegetables should remain slightly crisp.

Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the sauce and the vegetables are evenly mixed. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Once cooked, remove the stir-fry from heat. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with additional chili flakes if desired. Enjoy your spicy, savory meal!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken strips. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

You can use coconut aminos for a gluten-free option or tamari if you are looking for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots would be great additions. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.

How can I adjust the spice level?

You can reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them entirely. For more heat, add fresh sliced chilies or a splash of Sriracha sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stir-fry ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on low heat before serving.

Conclusion

This Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice is the perfect combination of flavor and ease, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something delicious. Its bright colors and bold flavors are sure to impress, and with the option to customize to your preference, it can easily be adapted to suit different tastes. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of this tasty dish!