Name: Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 – 2.5 pounds boneless chicken breast (or boneless thighs), cut into 1-inch chunks; 8-10 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup dark soy sauce; ¼ cup honey; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped into 1-inch pieces; ½ cup chopped scallions; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 3 reviews

If you crave a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken with a bold, tangy punch, this Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with garlic, a silky soy-honey glaze, and the satisfying crunch of fresh bell peppers and sesame seeds, it’s a perfect fusion of texture and taste that makes dinner anything but ordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or impressing friends, this recipe wraps comforting familiarity in exciting, savory layers you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black pan filled with chunky pieces of green and red bell peppers. The peppers are cut unevenly, some pieces showing the smooth shiny skin while others show the softer inner part. The bright green and vibrant red colors mix together inside the dark pan, making the peppers look fresh and slightly cooked. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a soft white and blue striped cloth partly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but pack a flavorful punch, giving this dish its irresistible taste and appealing texture. Each item plays a key role, from the succulent chicken to the vibrant bell peppers and the fragrant garlic that ties everything together.

Boneless chicken breast or thighs: Choose 2 to 2.5 pounds for juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Use 8 to 10 cloves, minced finely to ensure that punch of bold, aromatic garlic flavor in every morsel.
Dark soy sauce: Half a cup adds rich umami depth and a beautiful dark glaze to the chicken.
Honey: A quarter cup brings a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic’s sharpness and soy’s saltiness.
Cornstarch: Two tablespoons create a silky, thickened sauce that clings to the chicken and veggies.
Bell peppers: Two medium-sized peppers in any color, chopped to add color, crunch, and freshness.
Chopped scallions: Half a cup sprinkled over the finished dish for a fresh, slightly pungent burst of flavor.
Sesame oil: One tablespoon to sauté the veggies and infuse the dish with that signature nutty aroma.
Sesame seeds: One tablespoon to sprinkle on top for a lovely crunch and a toasty finish.

How to Make Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by chopping your chicken into one-inch chunks—it helps the pieces cook evenly and soak up all those bold flavors. In a large zip-top bag, combine the chicken with minced garlic, dark soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Seal the bag and give it a thorough shake to coat every piece. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors develop, but if you have time, marinating up to 8 hours will deepen the taste wonderfully.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While your chicken is soaking in all that goodness, chop your bell peppers into similar one-inch pieces and slice the scallions. Having everything ready means the cooking process will be smooth and fast, allowing the vegetables to retain their vibrant crunch and freshness.

Step 3: Cook the Bell Peppers

Heat your sesame oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers with warmth, add your bell peppers. Let them sear for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re just tender but still crisp, providing that delightful contrast to the tender chicken.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Carefully add the marinated chicken and all the delicious marinade into the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. If the sauce gets too thick, just splash in a little water to loosen it. Give it a taste and sprinkle some salt if it needs a little balance.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Finish by sprinkling the chopped scallions and sesame seeds over the top. This not only adds bright color and texture but also layers in that fresh, nutty flavor that rounds out the dish perfectly.

How to Serve Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe

The image shows two white bowls of stir-fried chicken with bell peppers and green onions. Each bowl holds a mix of three layers: on the left, chunks of cooked chicken that are light brown with a glossy sauce, on the right, large pieces of red and green bell peppers with a shiny texture, and both sides are topped with sprinkled white sesame seeds and small chopped green onions. One bowl also contains a neat mound of white rice beside the stir-fry, with two black chopsticks with floral patterns resting on the edge of the bowl. Above them is a third white bowl filled with plain white rice, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love how fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds bring this dish to life—they add pops of color and extra crunch that make each bite more exciting. You can also toss in a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or a few chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous for a little heat.

Side Dishes

This saucy chicken is a star alongside steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice that soaks up all the garlicky goodness. For a healthier twist, serve with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli to keep things light while still complementing the dish’s rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe in a lettuce wrap for a fun, fresh twist that’s perfect for sharing. Or plate it over a bed of noodles tossed lightly with sesame oil and scallions to turn it into a complete noodle bowl. Presentation can elevate this simple meal into a restaurant-style experience at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid the microwave if you can to maintain the texture of the chicken and crispness of the peppers, but it’s fine for a quick fix.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe because they stay tender and juicy during cooking, plus they have a richer flavor that many people love.

Is dark soy sauce necessary, or can I substitute regular soy sauce?

Dark soy sauce adds a deeper color and more robust flavor. If you only have regular soy sauce, you can use it, but expect a lighter color and milder taste. You might want to reduce added salt to keep the dish balanced.

How spicy is this recipe?

This particular Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe isn’t spicy by default, making it approachable for all palates. However, you can always add chili flakes or fresh chilies during cooking to ramp up the heat according to your preference.

Can I prepare the marinade the night before?

Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight lets the flavors deepen even further. Just be sure to keep it properly sealed and refrigerated to maintain freshness.

What’s the best rice to serve with this dish?

Steamed jasmine or long-grain white rice pairs perfectly because their delicate fragrance and fluffiness absorb the garlic sauce beautifully, making every bite a delightful harmony of textures and flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe is truly a gem—simple to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of your favorite takeout into your own kitchen, with a fresh twist that makes it feel like a special treat every time. I encourage you to give it a try and watch as it quickly becomes a go-to family favorite that everyone will ask for again and again.

Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need