Spicy Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Fresh Tomato-Cucumber Salad
Dish Description
This Spicy Garlic Chicken with Steamed Rice & Fresh Tomato-Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of heat, freshness, and comfort. Juicy chicken bites are seared with plenty of garlic, chili, and savory sauces for bold flavor. Fluffy steamed rice calms the spice, while a crisp tomato-cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch. It’s a complete, wholesome meal that’s quick, budget-friendly, and restaurant-style delicious—perfect for busy weeknights.
Total Time Breakdown
Step Time
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Spicy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Boneless chicken breast or thigh — 500 g (cut into strips or cubes)
Garlic — 8–10 cloves (finely chopped)
Soy sauce — 2 tbsp
Chili sauce or Sriracha — 1½–2 tbsp (adjust to taste)
Red chili flakes — 1 tsp
Black pepper — ½ tsp
Salt — to taste
Cornflour — 1 tbsp
Oil — 3 tbsp
Vinegar or lemon juice — 1 tbsp
Honey or sugar — 1 tsp (optional for balance)
Spring onions (optional garnish)
Cooking Method
Marinate Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, chili sauce, black pepper, salt, and cornflour.
Rest for 10 minutes.
Sauté Garlic
Heat oil in a pan.
Add chopped garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant.
Cook Chicken
Add marinated chicken and cook on medium-high for 8–10 minutes, stirring until fully cooked and slightly crispy.
Spice & Finish
Add chili flakes, vinegar/lemon juice, and honey.
Toss well for 1–2 minutes.
Garnish with spring onions and turn off heat.
Result: Juicy, fiery, garlicky chicken with glossy sauce!
Perfect Steamed Rice
Ingredients
Basmati rice — 1½ cups
Water — 3 cups
Salt — ½ tsp
Method
Wash rice well until water runs clear.
Bring water and salt to a boil.
Add rice, cover, cook on low for 12–15 minutes.
Rest 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.
Fresh Tomato-Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Cucumber — 1 large (sliced)
Tomatoes — 2 medium (chopped)
Onion — ½ small (optional)
Lemon juice — 1½ tbsp
Olive oil — 1 tsp
Salt & black pepper — to taste
Fresh coriander or mint — optional
Method
Mix everything in a bowl just before serving for maximum freshness.
How to Serve
Plate warm rice, top with spicy garlic chicken, and serve salad on the side. Add lemon wedges and extra chili sauce if you love heat!
Spice Level Options
Mild: Skip chili flakes & use 1 tbsp chili sauce
Medium: Follow recipe exactly
Extra Spicy: Add fresh green chilies + extra chili flakes
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: ~38 g
Carbohydrates: ~54 g
Fat: ~15 g
Fiber: ~4 g
High-protein, balanced, and filling meal
Q & A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Just increase cooking time to 15–18 minutes and cover the pan.
Q2: Can I make this without soy sauce?
Yes! Substitute with salt + 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or lemon juice.
Q3: Is this recipe air-fryer friendly?
Yes! Cook chicken at 180°C for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway.
Q4: Can I make it ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. Stores well in fridge for up to 3 days.
Q5: What else pairs well with this?
Garlic naan, sautéed vegetables, or stir-fried noodles work beautifully.