Bold, saucy, and loaded with vibrant veggies, this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice is a weeknight hero. Every bite brings that crave-worthy blend of sweet, spicy, and savory heat—all hugging tender strips of chicken and crisp vegetables. It’s a dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need something satisfying in 30 minutes, this stir fry doesn’t disappoint. It pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice, soaking up that punchy garlic sauce. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that keeps the cleanup easy and the flavor high.
Ingredients for this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside. This sauce will become thick and glossy, coating every bite perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Toss in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli, carrots, and red bell peppers. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and fully coat the chicken and veggies.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the spicy garlic chicken stir fry hot over a bed of rice. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is this stir fry?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes. You can dial it up or down to your preference.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Snow peas, snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn work beautifully in this stir fry.
What protein can I substitute for chicken?
Shrimp, tofu, or beef strips are all great alternatives.
Is this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your hoisin sauce for a gluten-free label.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu and ensure your sauces are plant-based.
What kind of rice is best?
Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent, but brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used for a healthier twist.

Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This spicy garlic chicken stir fry is your ticket to quick dinner victory. Packed with crisp vegetables, juicy chicken, and a sticky-sweet garlic sauce that clings to every bite, it’s a total weeknight winner. Perfect for fans of healthy snacks, fast cooking, or savory dinner ideas, this dish is one of those must-have easy recipes that delivers big flavor fast.
Loaded with vibrant broccoli, red pepper, and carrot, and served with fluffy jasmine rice, it’s an ideal one-pan meal for busy nights. Whether you’re seeking a fast weekday meal or new food ideas for your rotation, this easy stir fry has your back. Dinner ideas don’t get more satisfying than this!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove.
- Add remaining oil. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.
- Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add sauce. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Serve over rice and top with green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner