Skip the delivery fee—this homemade Chinese Garlic Chicken recipe might just rival your favorite takeout spot.
We’re guessing you already have a bowlful of garlic bulbs in your kitchen. Who doesn’t? I use it several times a week and always need to restock. Even though garlic makes our breath reek, it’s among the most popularly used ingredients in world cuisine for a reason. It’s so dang tasty!
One delectable way to increase our garlic intake is to mix some juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce. Combine all these ingredients in a wok, and you’ve got yourself a delicious dish of Chinese garlic chicken.
Anyone who’s ordered Chinese takeout knows that garlic chicken is, shall we say, an indulgence. The chicken is usually deep-fried in a thick breading and served with a sweeter-than-savory sauce. I don’t mean to brag, but honestly? I like this recipe better.
Whether you’re a Chinese food fan or not, you’ll love the flavors of this simple takeout classic. So, break out your wok because we’re sizzling up some magical flavors.
Is it better to cook Chinese garlic chicken in a wok?
There are plenty of reasons why woks work better when cooking Chinese recipes. For centuries, woks have been carefully designed to “handle the heat,” which makes them fantastic for stir-fry recipes. More importantly, the wok’s rounded shape allows for even heat distribution and oil spread, ensuring that everything cooks at the same temperature and pace.
Woks are ideal for this recipe style, but don’t sweat it if you still need to buy one. A large cast-iron skillet or a stainless steel sauté pan is a worthy alternative. You’ll still enjoy a to-die-for Chinese chicken dinner!
How do I store leftovers?
While Chinese garlic chicken tastes best fresh, you can refrigerate your leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the sauce will cause the chicken to lose its crispy texture. However, it will taste good reheated in the skillet or microwave.
Serving suggestions
Rice is a star companion in Chinese cuisine—garlic chicken included. Whether you go for fluffy white rice or fiber-rich brown rice, you’ll want to serve it in a bowl with your garlic chicken resting on top. And don’t worry, keto fans; you can use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. Besides rice, it’s common to make some Soba Noodles (or zucchini noodles) and mix in your garlic chicken for a stringier texture.
As for sides, traditional soups like Egg Drop Soup or Hot And Sour Soup are great ways to stay warm and stay with the Chinese theme. Appetizers, including Fried Spring Rolls, Air-Fryer Potstickers, and Fried Wontons, are also tasty to serve before or with your Chinese garlic chicken for a memorable meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt to taste
- Ground white pepper to taste
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
- Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat when the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Stir in soy sauce, water, honey, and sesame oil. Simmer the sauce until it slightly thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then add the chicken back to the pan to coat it before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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