Asian Garlic Chicken Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Before we dive into the irresistible flavors of Asian Garlic Chicken, let’s explore the perfect pairings to complement its rich, savory profile. Steamed jasmine rice acts as the ideal base, soaking up the bold garlic sauce for a satisfying bite. 

Stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, add crunch, color, and freshness. For a crisp contrast, an Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette balances the dish beautifully. 

Light and crispy spring rolls make for a tasty appetizer or side, while a comforting bowl of miso soup adds a warm, umami-rich element. Now that we’ve set the table, let’s get into the magic of making Asian Garlic Chicken!

What is Asian Garlic Chicken?

Asian Garlic Chicken is a flavorful dish that takes boneless chicken pieces and bathes them in a savory, garlicky sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The chicken is tender, infused with intense flavors from garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

This dish hails from various Asian cuisines but embraces an individuality that makes it a beloved comfort food. Each bite delivers juicy chicken enveloped in a sweet and tangy glaze, perfect for serving over rice or alongside vibrant vegetables. You really can’t go wrong.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Garlic Chicken?

Let’s dig into why this dish is so irresistibly good. Every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness from honey melds beautifully with the savory notes from soy sauce (or tamari) and the fragrant aroma of garlic.

1. Quick Cooking: With this recipe, you’ll find yourself spending only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying.
2. Customizable Ingredients: The base recipe can easily adapt to whatever you have on hand. Don’t have chicken thighs? Use breasts instead! Prefer different veggies? Go for it!
3. Healthier Option: This dish can fit into various dietary lifestyles. Using coconut aminos or tamari keeps it gluten-free, and opting for honey over sugar adds a natural sweetness.
4. Great for Meal Prep: Asian Garlic Chicken keeps well in the fridge. Make it at the start of the week, and you’ll have lunches or quick dinners ready to go.
5. Family-Approved: I can assure you, no one in my family has ever turned this dish down. Kids love the slightly sweet flavor, and it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies.

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Asian Garlic Chicken

Before we begin with the step-by-step directions, here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need:

Stir Fry Sauce:

• 1/3 cup coconut aminos or tamari
• 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 ½ tbsp tapioca flour
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Sriracha or chili paste
• 1 tsp five-spice powder

Marinade:

• 1 ½ tbsp tapioca flour
• 3-4 tbsp tamari
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 1 ½ tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine

Ingredients:

• 1 – 1 ½ lb boneless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 stalk green onion, chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, sliced
• 3-4 tbsp neutral oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Directions to Prepare Asian Garlic Chicken

Let’s get into the step-by-step directions. Grab your ingredients, put on some upbeat music, and let’s cook!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the tapioca flour, tamari, sea salt, rice wine vinegar, and Shaoxing wine. 

Whisk until everything is well mixed. Then, toss in the chicken pieces. Make sure they are nicely coated. Cover and let it marinate while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

In another bowl, mix together the coconut aminos (or tamari), chicken broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, tapioca flour, honey, Sriracha, and five-spice powder. Whisk well until the flour is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Put it aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of neutral oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes without stirring too much. 

This allows the chicken to sear nicely. Every now and then, flip the pieces until they are golden brown on all sides.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger

Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir everything together, letting the fragrant garlic and ginger infuse the chicken. This should take about 2 minutes. Just be cautious not to burn the garlic.

Step 5: Pour in the Sauce

Now, pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the chicken. Stir well, ensuring every piece is coated. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling beautifully to the chicken.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Finally, toss in the sliced bell pepper and chopped green onion. Give it a good stir, cooking for another minute until the vegetables are just tender yet still crisp. Remember, you want those vibrant colors to shine!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

The dish is ready! Serve it hot over jasmine rice or alongside your favorite vegetable side. Remember to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for that perfect finishing touch!

Notes

Here are some essential tips to make your cooking experience smoother:

• Marinate Longer: If you have extra time, try marinating the chicken for an hour or more. This will intensify the flavors.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if your pan is small. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of proper searing.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken. Adjust sweetness or saltiness based on your preference.
• Keep an Eye on the Garlic: Burnt garlic can turn bitter. Stir it promptly after adding it to the pan.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables you might have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy work great.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, you’re in for a treat! Here’s how to store Asian Garlic Chicken properly:

• Refrigerate: Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld.
• Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It should be good for up to three months.
• Reheat: When ready to enjoy again, reheat the chicken on the stovetop over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re thinking of how to mix it up, here are a few ideas:

• With Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli adds fiber and color. It’s a great way to increase your veggie intake.
• Over Quinoa: Quinoa is a protein-packed alternative to rice. It absorbs the sauce nicely, making each bite satisfying.
• Wrap in Lettuce Leaves: For a low-carb option, use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken. It’s a fun twist and adds crunch.
• With Cauliflower Rice: For a cauliflower rice option, it’s a light choice that doesn’t compromise taste.
• On Rice Noodles: Want something different? Serve the chicken over rice noodles for a delightful change. It works well in Asian cuisine.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Asian Garlic Chicken?

Here are additional options for making the dish truly yours:

• Chicken Breasts: While thighs are recommended for juiciness, breasts can work well and are leaner.
• Maple Syrup: If you don’t have honey, maple syrup acts as a wonderful substitute, adding its unique flavor profile.
• Vegetable Broth: In place of chicken broth, use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. It retains the rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, gluten-free soy sauce works just as well as tamari without sacrificing flavor.
• Tofu or Tempeh: If you’re aiming for a plant-based meal, tofu or tempeh can take the place of chicken. Just adjust cooking times.

Conclusion

Asian Garlic Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and family togetherness. With its rich, garlicky sauce and juicy chicken, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.

Remember, cooking is an adventure. Don’t hesitate to switch things up and make this recipe your own. 

Whether you serve it at a family dinner or whip it up after a long day at work, I hope this dish brings you as much joy as it has brought me. Enjoy the process, savor each bite, and don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs! Happy cooking!

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