Weeknight Wonder: Chinese Chicken in Garlic Sauce That Packs a Flavorful Punch

Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese

Introduction

Few dishes capture that irresistible sweet, savory, and garlicky punch quite like Chinese Chicken in Garlic Sauce. This weeknight favorite is all about tender chicken stir-fried with crisp vegetables and coated in a glossy, fragrant garlic sauce—it’s a dinner that comes together faster than takeout and rivals your favorite restaurant in flavor. Ideal for families or anyone looking to whip up a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss.

Deliciously Simple Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese

What makes this recipe shine is the balance between bold, aromatic garlic and the savory-sweet sauce that clings to every piece of succulent chicken and vibrant vegetable. The addition of fresh ginger, bell peppers, and a hint of chili gives this dish layered flavors and gentle heat, making it a satisfying main course to serve over steamed rice or noodles.

The Secret to a Perfect Garlic Sauce

The signature sauce begins with sautéing plenty of fresh garlic and ginger until aromatic. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of brown sugar add depth and sweetness, while a splash of rice vinegar and a dash of sesame oil bring balance and complexity. To thicken, a simple cornstarch slurry creates a silky, restaurant-quality finish—making every bite of chicken and vegetable burst with garlicky goodness.

Building Bold Flavor in Every Stir Fry

Start by marinating bite-sized chicken pieces in a touch of soy sauce and cornstarch for tender texture. Stir fry over high heat so the chicken browns quickly without drying out, then set aside while you toss colorful veggies in the hot wok. The key is to cook everything fast, keeping vegetables crisp and bright before returning the chicken and pouring in your homemade garlic sauce.

Serving Suggestions for a Stunning Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese

Serve your finished stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for color and a nutty crunch. For extra freshness, add a handful of steamed broccoli or snow peas to the wok just before tossing the dish together.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each portion typically provides around 280-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and choice of vegetables. Serve with rice for a filling meal packed with lean protein, fiber, and flavor.

Deliciously Simple Chicken in Garlic Sauce Chinese (Recap)

Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a luscious homemade garlic sauce—it’s what makes this dish a reliable go-to. Easy, quick, and bursting with flavor, Chicken in Garlic Sauce is sure to become a weeknight staple or a meal-prep favorite on your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized strips
2 tbsp soy sauce, divided
1 tbsp cornstarch, divided
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small carrot, julienned
1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sliced green onions & sesame seeds for garnish
Steamed rice, to serve

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe with CookifyAI to instantly generate a perfectly organized shopping list with all ingredients categorized—your shortcut to easy grocery trips and smooth meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tbsp cornstarch. Toss well and let marinate while you prepare veggies and sauce.
  2. In a separate small bowl, mix remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp cornstarch, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chicken broth, and (optional) red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until browned and just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  4. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the wok. Stir fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli. Cook for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared garlic sauce; toss everything together to coat. Cook for 1–2 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.
  6. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Chinese Chicken in Garlic Sauce is a dream recipe for efficient weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to plan your dinner days, smartly consolidate shopping lists, and save time each week.

Planning Benefits:

  • Automatically totals ingredient quantities across all scheduled meals
  • Organizes shopping lists by store departments, reducing time spent in aisles
  • Helps you avoid duplicate purchases and ensures nothing is forgotten
  • Makes weekly cooking and shopping more streamlined and less stressful

Pro tip: Schedule several recipes for the week in CookifyAI to see where ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, or vegetables overlap and minimize food waste—making budget-friendly meal planning effortless.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

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