Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe
A flavorful and aromatic Chinese Chicken with Garlic Sauce recipe featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a garlicky soy-honey blend, stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and topped with sesame seeds and scallions. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal served alongside steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 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
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Chop the chicken into 1-inch chunks and place them in a large zip-top bag. Add the minced garlic, dark soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare Vegetables: When ready to cook, chop the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces and chop the scallions. Place a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat to preheat.
- Sear the Bell Peppers: Add the sesame oil to the hot pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped bell peppers. Sear them for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften and caramelize while retaining their crunch.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade into the pan with the bell peppers. Stir and sauté everything together for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a couple tablespoons of water to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the finished dish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 8 hours) intensifies flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender, juicy results.
- If you prefer spicier, add a pinch of chili flakes or sliced fresh chili with the peppers.
- Use dark soy sauce for richer color and deeper umami taste; regular soy sauce can be substituted with a lighter color impact.
- For gluten-free, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce.
