The Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice is a delightful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its bold flavors and a quick cooking time, this meal is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a spicy kick makes it unique. Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken Stir-Fry
- For the Rice
- For Garnish
- How to Make Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
- Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Step 3: Add Vegetables
- Step 4: Season Your Dish
- Step 5: Serve Hot
- How to Serve Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
- On a Colorful Plate
- With Fresh Herbs
- Accompanied by Lime Wedges
- Paired with Extra Chili Sauce
- With a Side of Pickled Vegetables
- How to Perfect Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
- Best Side Dishes for Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
- Reheating Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other proteins in Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice?
- What type of rice is best for this recipe?
- How do I make the dish less spicy?
- Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe is ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, chili flakes, and soy sauce creates a deliciously spicy dish that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies, this stir-fry is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Customizable Options: Easily swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu to suit your dietary needs.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve it alongside fluffy steamed rice for a complete and fulfilling meal.
Tools and Preparation
To create the Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help you prepare the dish efficiently while ensuring everything cooks perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large frying pan or wok
- Rice cooker or pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large frying pan or wok: Provides ample space for stir-frying ingredients evenly and quickly.
- Rice cooker or pot: Ensures perfectly cooked rice every time without the hassle.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching cookware surfaces.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stir-Fry
- Chicken breast strips
- Green bell peppers
- Red bell peppers
- Onion slices
- Garlic cloves
- Soy sauce
- Chili flakes
- Black pepper
- Sesame oil
For the Rice
- White rice
- Water
- Salt
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Cook the white rice according to package instructions until fluffy. Once done, set it aside while you prepare the stir-fry.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large frying pan or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant. Then add the chicken breast strips:
1. Stir-fry until golden brown on all sides.
2. Ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding vegetables.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked:
1. Toss in onion slices, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers.
2. Stir quickly over high heat for about 3-4 minutes. The goal is to keep the veggies slightly crisp.
Step 4: Season Your Dish
Pour in soy sauce along with chili flakes and black pepper:
1. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated in sauce.
2. Cook for an additional minute to allow flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve your spicy garlic pepper chicken stir-fry hot over steamed rice:
1. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired.
2. Enjoy this savory meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Feel free to adjust chili levels based on your spice preference or explore alternate proteins like shrimp or tofu!
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
Serving Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice can elevate your meal experience. This dish is vibrant and packed with flavor, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some suggestions to enhance your serving.
On a Colorful Plate
- Use a bright plate to showcase the colorful ingredients. The contrast will make your dish more appealing and appetizing.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions. This adds freshness and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Accompanied by Lime Wedges
- Serve with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds a zesty kick that complements the spicy flavors perfectly.
Paired with Extra Chili Sauce
- Offer a small bowl of extra chili sauce or Sriracha. This allows guests to adjust the heat level according to their preference.
With a Side of Pickled Vegetables
- Include pickled vegetables for added crunch and tanginess. They provide a nice contrast to the savory chicken stir-fry.
How to Perfect Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
To make your Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice truly standout, consider these helpful tips:
- Marinate the Chicken: Allow your chicken strips to marinate in soy sauce and garlic for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use High Heat: Stir-fry on high heat to achieve that delicious char and keep the vegetables crisp. Quick cooking preserves their nutrients and texture.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and garlic beforehand. This makes stir-frying quicker and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize heat by varying chili flakes or adding fresh chilies if you prefer more spice in your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
Adding side dishes can enhance your meal experience when serving Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
- Garlic Naan Bread: Soft naan pairs well, allowing you to scoop up the stir-fry while adding an aromatic garlic flavor.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the spiciness of the stir-fry, providing a cool crunch.
- Egg Drop Soup: Light egg drop soup complements the rich flavors of the stir-fry without overpowering them.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls serve as a delightful appetizer that adds texture before diving into the main course.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy Asian slaw brings brightness and crunch, enhancing each bite of your spicy meal.
- Miso Soup: This warm miso soup is comforting and provides umami notes that complement the chicken stir-fry beautifully.
- Fried Tofu Bites: Crunchy tofu bites add protein variety and can be enjoyed dipped in soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice, it’s essential to avoid a few common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Using cold chicken: Starting with cold chicken straight from the fridge can cause uneven cooking. Always let your chicken strips sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can steam rather than stir-fry your food. Cook in batches to achieve that perfect crispy texture on your chicken and vegetables.
- Neglecting prep time: It’s easy to underestimate how long chopping and measuring ingredients will take. Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Not tasting during cooking may lead to bland flavors. Adjust soy sauce, chili flakes, and black pepper according to your spice preference as you cook.
- Cooking rice improperly: Undercooked or overcooked rice can ruin the dish. Follow the rice package instructions closely, ensuring you get fluffy rice every time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- Keep the chicken stir-fry separate from the rice if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
- Place in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Allow to cool before freezing for best results.
Reheating Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil, cover, and stir occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other proteins in Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice?
Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different flavors and textures.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
While white rice is traditional, you can also use jasmine or brown rice for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I make the dish less spicy?
To reduce spiciness, use fewer chili flakes or omit them altogether. You can also add more vegetables to balance the heat.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop your vegetables and marinate your chicken a day ahead for quicker cooking later on.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand. Try this recipe today for a quick and satisfying meal that packs a flavorful punch!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Spicy Garlic Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice is a quick and vibrant dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a spicy kick, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe is not only packed with bold flavors from garlic and chili flakes but also rich in nutrients due to the inclusion of lean protein and fresh veggies. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this delightful meal that caters to various dietary preferences. Customize it by swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu to suit your tastes. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice for a satisfying dinner that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast strips
- Green bell peppers
- Red bell peppers
- Onion slices
- Garlic cloves
- Soy sauce
- Chili flakes
- Black pepper
- Sesame oil
- White rice
Instructions
- Cook white rice according to package instructions until fluffy; set aside.
- In a large frying pan or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add chicken strips and cook until golden brown.
- Add onion slices and bell peppers; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until veggies are slightly crisp.
- Pour in soy sauce, chili flakes, and black pepper; mix well and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg