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Picture this: It's 6 PM, you're tired, and the fridge is staring back at you, practically empty. The thought of ordering takeout again crosses your mind, but your wallet groans. That’s where this Garlic Butter Chicken Stir-Fry swoops in to save the day! It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, uses ingredients you probably already have, and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. Seriously, this dish has saved me more times than I care to admit. I remember one particularly hectic week when I was juggling work, deadlines, and a house full of unexpected guests; This recipe was a total lifesaver!
What I love most about this stir-fry, besides how darn tasty it is, is how versatile it can be. Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what’s in season or what your family prefers. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas – the possibilities are endless! And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha take it over the top. I once added pineapple chunks because my little one loves them; Surprisingly, it was a total hit!
Garlic Butter Chicken Stir Fry: A Weeknight Dinner Delight
This Garlic Butter Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken and crisp-tender veggies are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, making it a guaranteed family favorite. Its honestly so good, I could eat it everyday!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prep the chicken: Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. I usually do this first, so the chicken has some time to absorb the flavors. A little tip – don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken; cook in batches for even browning. Make sure the internal temp reaches 165F.
Prepare the veggies: Chop 1 bell pepper (any color), 1 onion, and 2 cups of broccoli florets. Get creative here! Add any other veggies you love like carrots, zucchini, or even mushrooms. I like to have everything chopped and ready to go before I start cooking, it makes the whole process so much faster.
Make the garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (low sodium is best), 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Sometimes I add a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-fry the veggies: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry until the veggies are crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcook them; you want them to still have a bit of crunch!
Combine and simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat everything evenly.
Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Stir-Fry immediately over cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. I like to drizzle a little extra sauce over everything for that extra burst of flavor! Maybe add a bit of hot sauce too. Yum!.
📝 Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce for extra tanginess.
Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha for added flavor and visual appeal.