Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese

Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
Tender chicken smothered in a rich, savory garlic sauce—an irresistible Chinese classic that’s packed with bold flavors in every bite!
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The garlic sauce in this dish is truly the star of the show. It’s rich, savory, and just the right amount of tangy, with the garlic lending a bold, aromatic kick that permeates every bite of tender chicken. I always love to cook with fresh garlic, especially when it’s sautéed until golden brown—it transforms into something magical, creating a comforting base that makes the whole dish sing. The sauce itself is a harmonious balance of soy sauce, hoisin, and a touch of sugar, creating that perfect umami flavor that makes you want to keep coming back for more.

What I love about this chicken with garlic sauce is how simple it is, yet packed with so much depth. The chicken soaks up the sauce beautifully, making each piece juicy and flavorful. If you’ve ever tried this dish in a Chinese restaurant, you’ll notice that this homemade version rivals any takeout! It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas as it simmers.

For me, the best part of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the garlic or add a little chili for some heat, depending on your preferences. It’s one of those recipes that feels comforting no matter the season, and trust me, it tastes just as good the next day for leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!). So, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this garlic sauce chicken will definitely hit the spot.

Key Ingredients in Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese

The beauty of this dish lies in the simple, yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a deliciously savory and aromatic sauce. Each ingredient plays an important role in enhancing the overall taste, from the rich umami flavor of the sauces to the freshness of the herbs. Let’s dive into the key players in this recipe:

  • Chicken Breast: The main protein in the dish, chicken breast is lean, tender, and absorbs the garlic sauce beautifully. It cooks quickly, ensuring a juicy bite every time.
  • Vegetable Oil: This is used to sauté the garlic and ginger, providing a neutral base that helps bring out their full flavors without overpowering the dish.
  • Garlic: The star of the show! Fresh garlic adds a bold, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire sauce. It’s sautéed to a golden perfection, adding depth and warmth to the dish.
  • Ginger: A touch of fresh ginger gives the sauce a slightly spicy, zesty kick, complementing the garlic and adding complexity to the flavor profile.
  • Soy Sauce: A key element in achieving that deep, savory umami taste, soy sauce brings a salty richness that’s essential in many Asian dishes.
  • Oyster Sauce: With its slightly sweet and savory profile, oyster sauce helps to round out the sauce and adds an extra layer of umami.
  • Rice Vinegar: This tangy ingredient balances the richness of the soy and oyster sauces, brightening up the dish with a subtle acidity.
  • Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps to balance the salty and tangy elements, rounding out the flavor and giving the sauce a hint of sweetness.
  • Chicken Broth: The liquid base that ties everything together, chicken broth enhances the savory profile and creates a silky, smooth sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
  • Cornstarch: This acts as a thickening agent, helping the sauce to cling to the chicken and giving it that glossy, satisfying texture.
  • White Pepper: A pinch of white pepper adds a delicate heat without overwhelming the dish, allowing the other flavors to shine.
  • Sesame Oil: A small drizzle of sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic depth that ties all the ingredients together, giving the sauce its signature fragrance.
  • Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a burst of color and a mild, crisp onion flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich, savory sauce. They’re the perfect garnish to finish off the dish with a little crunch.

Each of these ingredients is crucial to the balance of flavors in this dish, making it the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and aromatic. They work together to create a sauce that clings to the chicken and brings the whole meal to life.

How to Make Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese

  • STEP 1: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  • STEP 2: Add the vegetable oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
  • STEP 3: While the oil heats, cut the chicken breast into thin, bite-sized pieces.
  • STEP 4: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer.
  • STEP 5: Cook the chicken without stirring for about 2-3 minutes to allow it to brown on one side.
  • STEP 6: Stir the chicken pieces to cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  • STEP 7: Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
  • STEP 8: Finely chop the garlic and ginger.
  • STEP 9: Add the chopped garlic and ginger to the same pan, cooking for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  • STEP 10: Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and white pepper to the pan.
  • STEP 11: Stir the ingredients together and bring the sauce to a simmer.
  • STEP 12: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
  • STEP 13: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and stir it in.
  • STEP 14: Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • STEP 15: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss it in the sauce, making sure all the pieces are evenly coated.
  • STEP 16: Drizzle the sesame oil over the chicken and stir it in for added flavor.
  • STEP 17: Slice the green onions into small pieces and sprinkle them over the chicken just before serving.
  • STEP 18: Serve the chicken with garlic sauce hot, over rice if desired.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese

1. Serve Over Steamed Rice: There’s no better way to enjoy this dish than with a steaming bowl of white or jasmine rice. The fluffy rice soaks up all that luscious garlic sauce, making each bite even more satisfying. Plus, it’s the perfect way to balance out the richness of the sauce.

2. Pair with Stir-Fried Veggies: To add a burst of color and crunch, serve the chicken alongside a medley of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. The crispness of the veggies contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken, creating a well-rounded meal.

3. Enjoy with Noodles: For a twist, try serving this garlic sauce chicken over some warm, soft noodles. Whether you go with egg noodles, soba, or even rice noodles, the sauce will coat them perfectly, making for a comforting, hearty dish that’ll fill you up and leave you craving more.

Each of these options will elevate your chicken with garlic sauce, creating a delicious meal that’s bound to be a family favorite!

How to Store Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from this delicious dish (which, trust me, is never a bad thing), storing it properly is key to keeping all that savory goodness intact. The best way to store Chicken with Garlic Sauce is to place it in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing it up, as this helps prevent condensation, which can make the sauce too watery.

For the freshest flavor, store the chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You’ll find that the flavors meld even more over time, making the leftovers just as delightful as the original meal.

If you want to store it for a longer period, freezing is an option, though it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately. This helps maintain the texture of both components. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. While freezing might slightly alter the texture, the taste will still be fantastic, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own homemade chicken with garlic sauce! It’s the kind of dish that’s bursting with flavor, yet so easy to pull together, making it perfect for any night of the week. From the golden, aromatic garlic to the silky, savory sauce, every bite feels like a little moment of comfort. Whether you’re serving it over rice, pairing it with stir-fried veggies, or even enjoying it with noodles, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

I hope this recipe inspires you to get into the kitchen and try it out for yourself. If you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Any tips, questions, or feedback, I’m all ears—let’s chat in the comments! I’m always here if you need any help or just want to share your own cooking stories. Enjoy the cooking, enjoy the flavors, and most of all—enjoy the time spent with those you love!

Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins
Calories: 400

Description

Tender chicken pieces bathed in a rich, savory garlic sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and heat. The garlic-infused sauce clings to each bite, creating a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the vegetable oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
  3. While the oil heats, cut the chicken breast into thin, bite-sized pieces.
  4. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer.
  5. Cook the chicken without stirring for about 2-3 minutes to allow it to brown on one side.
  6. Stir the chicken pieces to cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  7. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
  8. Finely chop the garlic and ginger.
  9. Add the chopped garlic and ginger to the same pan, cooking for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  10. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and white pepper to the pan.
  11. Stir the ingredients together and bring the sauce to a simmer.
  12. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
  13. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and stir it in.
  14. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  15. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss it in the sauce, making sure all the pieces are evenly coated.
  16. Drizzle the sesame oil over the chicken and stir it in for added flavor.
  17. Slice the green onions into small pieces and sprinkle them over the chicken just before serving.
  18. Serve the chicken with garlic sauce hot, over rice if desired.

Note

  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a crispy texture.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
  • For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch slurry, but be careful not to overdo it.
  • Serve with steamed jasmine rice to complement the savory flavors of the dish.
Keywords: chicken garlic sauce recipe, Chinese garlic chicken stir fry, easy Chinese chicken with garlic sauce, garlic chicken Chinese style, homemade chicken garlic sauce

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, it's best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. If you prefer a more tender texture, you can substitute chicken thighs, but the cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with other neutral oils such as canola oil or sunflower oil. If you prefer a different flavor, you can use peanut oil, though it will slightly alter the taste of the dish. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point for stir-frying.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

To make the chicken with garlic sauce spicier, you can add red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers to the garlic and ginger when sautéing. Adjust the amount depending on your heat preference. Another option is to use chili paste or hot sauce in the sauce mixture for added spice.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Simply mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and white pepper, and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, you can heat the sauce and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken it. This will save you time on the day of cooking.

How can I make the dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Make sure that the oyster sauce you use is also gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat. Additionally, check that the chicken broth is gluten-free or use a homemade version.

Daniel Carter

Daniel Carter

Hi, I'm Daniel Carter, founder of My Food Plans and your personal meal planning coach! After spending years struggling with the nightly "what's for dinner" dilemma while trying to eat healthily and stick to a budget.

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