Nothing beats the comforting warmth and bold flavors of a classic Chicken with Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe. This dish is a perfect balance of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and a savory sauce that sings with hints of ginger, soy, and a touch of sweetness. The magic lies in the simplicity of fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re craving takeout or simply want to impress friends at dinner, this recipe has got you covered with its irresistible charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right depends on having the essential ingredients at hand. Each component plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken breasts providing the meaty foundation, to the combination of soy sauce and chicken broth delivering that rich umami punch. Fresh garlic and ginger bring intense aroma and flavor, while honey and rice vinegar add a perfect hint of sweetness and tang. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this recipe so special:
- Boneless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, plump breasts for tender, juicy meat that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking and getting that golden sear on the chicken.
- Garlic, minced: The star flavor that packs warmth and pungency in every bite.
- Ginger, grated: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Soy sauce: Brings salty depth and traditional Chinese flavor to the dish.
- Chicken broth: Enhances umami and creates a rich base for the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang to balance sweetness and saltiness.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that rounds out the flavors with gentle sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a glossy, luscious finish.
- Water: Used to make the cornstarch slurry for perfect consistency.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Gives just a touch of heat to awaken the palate.
- Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Green onions, sliced: For a fresh, crisp garnish that also adds a pop of color.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Adds crunch and a toasty depth of flavor as a final flourish.
How to Make Chicken with Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
Step 1: Searing the Chicken
Start by heating your skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, place the boneless chicken breasts in the pan. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, aiming for a gorgeous golden brown exterior and fully cooked juicy inside. This initial sear is crucial because it locks in moisture and creates the perfect texture for your Chicken with Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe.
Step 2: Preparing the Aromatics
Remove the chicken breasts and set them aside to rest. Reduce the heat to medium and add your minced garlic and grated ginger to the same skillet. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes — just until you can smell that fragrant, mouthwatering aroma. This quick sauté releases those intense flavors that elevate the sauce, but be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Building the Sauce
Next, pour in the soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes so the sauce reduces slightly and the flavors concentrate. This step is where the sauce starts to develop its silky, balanced taste that will coat your chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Thickening to Perfection
Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, creating a slurry. Slowly drizzle this into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue simmering for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, luscious consistency. This thickening transforms the liquid into a sticky, irresistible glaze that clings beautifully to every piece of chicken.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet, gently tossing to coat every piece with that flavorful garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and fully infused with saucy goodness. Drizzle the sesame oil over the top, stirring once more to bring out that nutty fragrance. Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add freshness and a delightful crunch.
How to Serve Chicken with Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds are the classic garnishes for this dish, adding brightness and a subtle crunch that contrast the tender chicken. If you want to get creative, try adding thinly sliced red chili or a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for extra color and a burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Chicken with Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up all that luscious sauce. For a nutritious balance, serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables, steamed bok choy, or a crisp cucumber salad to lighten up the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken with garlic sauce in lettuce wraps for handheld delights or over a bed of noodles for a heartier meal. You could also pile it on steamed dumplings or rice paper rolls for party snacks that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken with Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Simply put the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight if frozen and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat with more flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce has a gentle kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, which you can easily adjust to your heat preference. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the pepper flakes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe is centered around chicken, you can switch the chicken for firm tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead. The sauce will still deliver incredible flavor and satisfaction.
What is the purpose of sesame oil in the recipe?
Sesame oil is used at the end to drizzle over the cooked chicken and sauce. It adds a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the dish’s flavor profile and gives it that authentic Chinese cuisine finish.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! You can mix and store the sauce components ahead of time. When ready to cook, simply sauté the garlic and ginger, add the sauce, thicken with the slurry, then toss in freshly cooked chicken for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of biting into tender chicken coated in a luscious, garlicky sauce full of bold, balanced flavors. This Chicken with Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe is truly a personal favorite, one that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a regular in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Chicken with Garlic Sauce Chinese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful Chinese-inspired Chicken with Garlic Sauce recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce, enhanced with hints of honey, rice vinegar, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, finished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a perfect balance of taste and aroma.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Cook chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the boneless chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger.
- Cook garlic and ginger: Cook the garlic and ginger for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Add the soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Simmer sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and thicken.
- Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry.
- Thicken sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Finish thickening: Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Slice chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Add sesame oil: Drizzle the sesame oil over the chicken and sauce, stirring to combine.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top of the dish.
- Serve: Serve the chicken with garlic sauce hot, alongside rice or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease and quick cooking.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- The cornstarch slurry helps to thicken the sauce without clumps; stir continuously when adding.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed white rice or fried rice.
