There’s something comforting about a plate of Chicken with Garlic Sauce—the perfect balance of crispy chicken, rich garlic-infused sauce, and fresh vegetables. This dish brings the bold flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right into your own kitchen, without the wait or the added cost. The secret lies in the quick marinade, the perfect crispy sear, and a thick, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite.
What’s great about this recipe is how customizable it is! Prefer it spicier? Add extra Sriracha. Want more veggies? Toss in some broccoli or snap peas. Need a gluten-free version? Swap the soy sauce for tamari. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of home!
Full Recipe:
For the Chicken:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- ⅓ cup oil (for frying)
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1½ tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ⅓ cup green onions, chopped
Directions:
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, Sriracha, water, black pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Toss the chicken pieces with dark soy sauce and cornstarch. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside. Drain excess oil, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Chicken:
- Stir in the bell peppers and green onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Return the fried chicken to the pan.
- Incorporate the Sauce:
- Pour the prepared garlic sauce around the edges of the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables. Let cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes / Cooking Time: 15 minutes / Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal / Servings: 4
Chicken with Garlic Sauce – A Takeout Favorite Made at Home
Chinese cuisine is beloved worldwide for its bold flavors, rich sauces, and perfectly cooked meats and vegetables. One of the most popular dishes is Chicken with Garlic Sauce, a dish known for its savory, garlicky, and slightly spicy taste. This recipe brings all the goodness of restaurant-style takeout into your own kitchen.
Making this dish at home not only allows you to control the ingredients but also ensures that you can adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. Whether you like it extra garlicky, spicier, or packed with vegetables, this homemade version is a game-changer. Plus, it’s healthier and more affordable than ordering takeout, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken with Garlic Sauce recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Asian cuisine but prefers to cook at home. Here’s why this dish should be on your menu:
- Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a deep, rich umami flavor.
- Quick & Easy – You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Restaurant-Style Texture – Thanks to the cornstarch coating, the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Highly Customizable – Adjust the spice level, add more veggies, or swap chicken for tofu to fit your dietary needs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish stores well in the fridge, making it great for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
The Secret to the Best Garlic Sauce
The heart of this dish lies in the garlic sauce, which is a perfect blend of salty, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors. The sauce includes soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, and sesame oil. A dash of Sriracha gives it a gentle heat, while cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to coat the chicken beautifully.
For an authentic Chinese takeout taste, the secret is in the balance of flavors. You want the garlic to shine without overpowering the dish, and the sauce should be thick enough to cling to the chicken and vegetables without being too heavy.
Another important step is adding the sauce around the edges of the pan instead of pouring it directly onto the ingredients. This technique allows the sauce to heat evenly before mixing, enhancing its flavor.
Choosing the Right Chicken for This Dish
While you can use chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe. They remain juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast, especially after being fried. The natural fat content in thighs helps keep the meat tender and adds to the overall richness of the dish.
If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work too, but be mindful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.
How to Get Crispy Chicken Every Time
One of the best parts of this dish is the crispy texture of the chicken, which mimics what you’d get at a Chinese restaurant. The secret to getting that perfect crispiness is:
- Cornstarch Coating – Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before frying gives it a light, crispy exterior.
- High Heat Cooking – Using medium-high heat ensures that the chicken cooks quickly while staying crispy.
- Frying in Batches – Cooking the chicken in small batches prevents overcrowding the pan, allowing each piece to crisp up properly.
If you want a healthier version, you can opt for air frying or pan-searing the chicken instead of deep-frying. While the texture will be slightly different, the flavors will remain just as delicious.
Customizing the Dish to Your Taste
One of the best things about Chicken with Garlic Sauce is how versatile it is. You can adjust the recipe based on your preferences and dietary needs:
- Make it Spicier – Add more Sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Add More Vegetables – Bell peppers are a classic addition, but you can also include broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added crunch.
- Use a Different Protein – Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Make it Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your cornstarch is gluten-free.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Garlic Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of the best options:
- Steamed Rice – The perfect base to soak up all that delicious garlic sauce.
- Lo Mein or Rice Noodles – For a complete meal, toss the chicken over noodles instead of rice.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry – Add a mix of stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, and baby corn for a balanced meal.
- Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls – A crispy side dish that complements the flavors of this garlic chicken beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This dish is great for meal prep, as it stays fresh and flavorful for days. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
- In the Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer – Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the chicken chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish without frying the chicken?
Yes! While frying gives it that signature crispiness, you can also pan-sear the chicken or use an air fryer for a healthier option.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild heat level from the Sriracha, but you can adjust it to your liking by adding more or less.
Can I use store-bought garlic sauce?
You can, but making it from scratch gives you full control over the flavors and ensures a fresher, more authentic taste.
What other vegetables can I add?
Aside from bell peppers, you can add broccoli, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or bok choy for extra nutrition and texture.
Conclusion
This Chicken with Garlic Sauce recipe is proof that you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy restaurant-quality Chinese food. With its bold flavors, crispy chicken, and savory garlic sauce, it’s a meal that is both comforting and impressive.
By making it at home, you save money, control the ingredients, and customize it to your taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try tonight and bring the flavors of Chinese takeout right to your kitchen!