Ultimate Guide to Chicken with Garlic Sauce: Authentic Chinese Food Recipe

Craving the savory and intensely flavorful taste of authentic Chinese takeout? Look no further! This guide will walk you through creating the most delicious Chicken With Garlic Sauce Chinese Food right in your own kitchen. Forget about greasy takeout containers; with fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can master this classic dish and impress your family and friends. Get ready to experience an explosion of garlic goodness that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.

This recipe for chicken in Chinese garlic sauce is a flavor bomb, combining the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and garlicky notes. It’s a quick and easy stir-fry that comes together in minutes using a wok or a large skillet. The secret to its irresistible taste lies in the generous amount of fresh garlic and the expertly crafted sauce that coats every piece of chicken and vegetable. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you might also enjoy exploring our recipe for crispy tofu with Chinese garlic sauce, a vegetarian delight with the same signature garlic kick.

Why This Chicken with Garlic Sauce Recipe is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another stir-fry recipe; it’s a gateway to experiencing restaurant-quality chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food from the comfort of your home. Here’s what sets this recipe apart:

Better Than Takeout: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients elevates the flavor profile far beyond what you’d typically get from takeout. You control the quality and freshness, ensuring a healthier and tastier meal.
Flavorful Chicken: We use boneless chicken thighs in this recipe, and for good reason. Chicken thighs are inherently more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts. They also remain tender and moist even if slightly overcooked, making them perfect for stir-fries. Chicken breast, while leaner, can easily become dry and rubbery if not cooked precisely.
Garlic Lover’s Dream: If you adore garlic, this recipe is tailor-made for you. We use a generous amount of fresh garlic, which infuses the entire dish with its pungent and aromatic essence. Garlic is not just a flavoring agent; it’s the star of this recipe, providing depth and complexity.
Versatile and Quick: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the vegetables based on your preference and what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a quick weeknight meal, perfect for busy schedules.

Many people, like April who commented, have fond memories of specific restaurant dishes that they can no longer find. This recipe aims to recreate that nostalgic taste and bring the joy of authentic chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food back to your table.

Understanding the Magic of Chinese Garlic Sauce

The garlic sauce is the heart and soul of this chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food recipe. It’s what transforms simple chicken and vegetables into a flavorful and satisfying meal. This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in various stir-fries, but it truly shines when paired with chicken.

The deep, rich color of the sauce comes primarily from dark soy sauce. Dark soy sauce is not just for color; it also adds a subtle sweetness and umami depth that is essential to authentic Chinese flavors. Brown sugar further enhances the sweetness and helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.

For a touch of heat and tang, we incorporate sriracha sauce. Sriracha not only provides a pleasant spiciness but also a subtle tangy note from the rice vinegar it contains, adding another layer of complexity to the sauce. Black pepper contributes warmth, while cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the sauce beautifully coats the chicken and vegetables.

While dark soy sauce is preferred for its color and flavor, you can substitute it with light or all-purpose soy sauce if needed. However, keep in mind that light soy sauce is saltier and lacks the same depth of flavor. If using light soy sauce, you might want to slightly increase the amount of brown sugar to achieve the perfect balance.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food:

Boneless Chicken Thighs: As mentioned earlier, chicken thighs are the star here due to their flavor and texture. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy stir-frying. Chicken breast can be used as a substitute, but be mindful of not overcooking it.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is crucial for two reasons. First, it’s used to lightly coat the chicken before frying, creating a crispy exterior when stir-fried. Second, it’s used as a thickening agent in the sauce, giving it the perfect consistency to cling to the chicken and vegetables.
Dark Soy Sauce: This is a key ingredient for the sauce’s color and flavor. It provides a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich base.
Garlic: The hero ingredient! Freshly minced garlic is essential for the signature garlic flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s what makes this dish truly special.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth, spice, and a hint of citrusy aroma that complements the garlic beautifully.
Red Bell Pepper: Sliced bell peppers add color, sweetness, and a satisfying crunch to the stir-fry. Red bell peppers are commonly used in Asian stir-fries, but you can also use other colors like green or yellow.
Green Onion: Chopped green onions are used as a fresh garnish, adding a mild oniony flavor and a pop of color to the finished dish.
Oil: A neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, is ideal for stir-frying the chicken.

For the Irresistible Chinese Garlic Sauce:

Dark Soy Sauce: Reiterating its importance, dark soy sauce is essential for the sauce base.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth and flavor to the sauce. It provides a savory base and helps to create a richer, more complex flavor profile.
Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar, also known as rice wine vinegar, adds a crucial tangy and slightly acidic element to the sauce, balancing the sweetness and savory notes.
Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and the tanginess of the rice vinegar. You can substitute with honey if preferred, but brown sugar adds a subtle molasses-like flavor that works particularly well.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is used for its distinct nutty aroma and flavor. A little goes a long way in adding an authentic Asian touch. It’s best added towards the end of cooking or as a finishing oil to preserve its fragrance.
Sriracha: For heat and tang! Sriracha adds a spicy kick and a subtle fermented chili flavor that elevates the sauce. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Water: Water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce and ensure there’s enough to coat all the ingredients.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Making chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food at home is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious result:

1. Prepare the Flavorful Garlic Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: dark soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, sesame oil, sriracha, water, black pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside. Whisking ensures the cornstarch is fully dissolved, preventing lumps in your sauce.

2. Marinate and Coat the Chicken

Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Place the chicken in a mixing bowl. Add dark soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss well to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 2 hours in the refrigerator, allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and the cornstarch to tenderize it.

3. Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Cooking in batches if necessary ensures the chicken browns properly instead of steaming. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Sauté Aromatics and Combine

Drain most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the sliced bell pepper and stir-fry for a minute or two until slightly tender-crisp. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat evenly.

5. Thicken and Serve

Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken and vegetables. Stir in chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles and enjoy your homemade chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food!

Tips for the Best Chicken with Garlic Sauce

To elevate your chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food to restaurant-quality, consider these helpful tips:

Fresh Garlic is Key: Since garlic is the star of this dish, use freshly minced garlic for the most intense and authentic flavor. Pre-minced garlic in jars lacks the same punch.
Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness: Don’t skip the marinating step! Marinating the chicken not only infuses it with flavor but also tenderizes it, resulting in more succulent chicken pieces.
High Heat Stir-Fry: Stir-frying is best done over medium-high to high heat. This helps to quickly cook the chicken and vegetables while maintaining a slight crispness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet or wok. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed.
Add Vegetables Last: Add the bell peppers towards the end of cooking to ensure they retain some of their crispness. Overcooked, mushy vegetables detract from the stir-fry texture.
Soy Sauce Variations: While dark soy sauce is recommended, you can use light soy sauce as a substitute. However, be mindful that light soy sauce is saltier, so you may need to adjust the sugar accordingly. The color of the dish will also be lighter.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Like most stir-fries, this chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food is best enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Due to the garlic and onions, it’s not recommended to store it for longer.

For longer storage, you can freeze it. Double-wrap the container and label it with the date. Frozen chicken with garlic sauce can be stored for a few months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, you can microwave it, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Stir-frying while reheating can help restore some of the original texture.

What to Serve with Chicken with Garlic Sauce

This flavorful and versatile chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food pairs perfectly with a variety of sides:

Classic Rice: Steamed white rice is the quintessential accompaniment to Chinese stir-fries. It soaks up the delicious garlic sauce and provides a neutral base for the flavorful chicken and vegetables. You can also serve it with fried rice for an extra flavorful option.
Noodles: Plain noodles or noodles with mild flavors work wonderfully with this saucy dish. They absorb the sauce and create a hearty and satisfying meal. Consider options like egg noodles, chow mein noodles, or even ramen noodles.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: For a lighter and healthier meal, serve this chicken with garlic sauce alongside stir-fried vegetables. Broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, and other leafy greens are excellent choices.

Explore More Asian Inspired Dishes

If you enjoyed this chicken with garlic sauce Chinese food recipe, you might also love these other Asian-inspired dishes:

Chicken in Chinese Garlic Sauce Recipe Card

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

500 grams Boneless Chicken thighs (1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon Cornstarch
1 tablespoon Dark Soy sauce
1.5 tablespoons Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
1 Red bell pepper, sliced
⅓ cup Green onion, chopped
⅓ cup Oil, for frying the chicken

For Chinese Garlic Sauce

2 tablespoon Dark Soy sauce
¼ cup Chicken broth
2 teaspoon Rice vinegar
1 tablespoon Light brown sugar
1 teaspoon Sesame oil
1 teaspoon Sriracha
¼ cup Water
½ teaspoon Pepper
1 tablespoon Cornstarch

Instructions

Prep sauce and marinate chicken

Mix all the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl and set aside.
Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place in another bowl. Add dark soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the chicken. Toss to coat the chicken well. Rest it for 15-20 minutes if time permits.

Cook chicken

Heat ⅓ cup oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. When the oil is moderately hot, add half of the marinated chicken one by one, spaced a little apart without crowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes.
You might have to cook in 2 batches for the chicken to cook crispy instead of steaming. While cooking there are chances of hot oil splattering, so be careful.
Once all the chicken is cooked, drain all the oil from the skillet except 1 tablespoon.

Cook aromatics and sauce with chicken

To hot oil in the skillet, add minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until it is aromatic.
Add cooked chicken, sliced bell pepper, and green onion. Pour over the prepared sauce around the edges of the pan. Mix everything well.
Let it cook for 2-3 minutes for the sauce to thicken.
Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Video

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Notes

Dark soy sauce is used in marinating chicken to give it a rich dark color. You can substitute it with regular soy sauce.

Nutrition

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