Chicken with Garlic Sauce is a classic Chinese restaurant dish that’s full of bold, savory flavors, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. This homemade version lets you enjoy the taste of your favorite takeout with fresh ingredients and a simple cooking process. The tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce make it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
For the Sauce:
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For the Vegetables:
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1/2 cup sliced carrots
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2 green onions, chopped
Directions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
Coat the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a bowl and set aside. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
Remove and set aside. -
Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
Add the garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet.
Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. -
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. -
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
Pour the sauce over everything and stir well. -
Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens. -
Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
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Calories: 350–400
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Fat: 20g
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Fiber: 3–4g
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Sugar: 6g
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Sodium: 700–800mg
How to Make Chicken with Garlic Sauce at Home
One of the greatest benefits of making Chicken with Garlic Sauce at home is the ability to control the flavor and texture of the dish. While some Chinese takeout dishes can be oily or overly salty, homemade versions allow you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
The process starts with coating the chicken in cornstarch. This helps the chicken brown and crisp up during cooking, which adds an extra layer of texture. Once the chicken is browned, it’s set aside while the garlic and ginger are sautéed in the same pan. This allows the flavors to meld together, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are infused with the aromatic base of garlic and ginger.
Next, the vegetables are quickly stir-fried, allowing them to retain their crispness while becoming slightly tender. The key to a perfect stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking, ensuring that the vegetables don’t become soggy. After the vegetables are cooked, the sauce is added to the pan and stirred to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. The cornstarch slurry is then incorporated to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, rich texture that clings to the chicken and vegetables.
Finally, the dish is garnished with chopped green onions, adding a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the rich flavors of the sauce. It’s best served hot, over steamed rice or noodles, which help absorb the flavorful sauce and complete the meal.
Why Chicken with Garlic Sauce Is a Great Option for Any Meal
Chicken with Garlic Sauce is a fantastic choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner for your family, preparing a meal for guests, or just craving something flavorful, this dish can satisfy a range of tastes. Here are some reasons why Chicken with Garlic Sauce is such a great option:
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Quick and Easy: Unlike some other Asian dishes that require hours of preparation, Chicken with Garlic Sauce is simple and quick to make. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a time-saver for busy households.
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Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili sauce. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount of spice in the sauce. Additionally, the vegetables can be customized based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
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Healthy: While takeout options can often be high in fat, sodium, and sugar, making this dish at home allows you to control the ingredients and make it as healthy as you want. Using lean chicken thighs, plenty of vegetables, and a balanced sauce ensures that the dish is both nutritious and satisfying. You can even swap in other vegetables like snap peas or zucchini for additional variety.
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A Crowd-Pleaser: The bold flavors of this dish are sure to please even picky eaters. The sweet and savory sauce is familiar enough to appeal to a wide range of tastes, while the garlic and ginger provide a distinct, aromatic flavor that makes the dish stand out from other stir-fries.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Chicken with Garlic Sauce is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them separately, then cook the dish when you’re ready to eat. It also reheats well, making it a great option for lunch the next day.
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Delicious Recipe That Brings the Flavors of Chinese Takeout to Your Home
Chicken with Garlic Sauce is a versatile and delicious dish that offers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. It’s quick, customizable, and healthier than many takeout options, making it a great choice for weeknight meals. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, it’s a dish that everyone in your household will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients, so you can skip the delivery fee and enjoy this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or even on its own, Chicken with Garlic Sauce is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.