Chinese Garlic Chicken Recipe with Black Garlic: Savory & Irresistible

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp I Love Black Garlic Purée
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• Optional: sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes for garnish

Instructions

1. Coat the chicken Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch until lightly coated. Set aside.
2. Sear Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic In the same pan, lower heat slightly and add minced fresh garlic. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build the sauce Stir in black garlic purée, soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, honey, and broth. Whisk to combine into a glossy sauce.
5. Simmer and glaze Return chicken to the pan. Toss well and simmer 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
6. Finish Stir in sesame oil, garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips and Variations

• Extra heat: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or a spoonful of chili oil for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh and reduce cooking time.
• Sticky texture: For a thicker glaze, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in during the last minute of cooking.
• Meal prep: Keeps 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Try These Next

Love this flavor? You’ll also enjoy Honey Garlic Chicken with Black Garlic and our Black Bean Garlic Sauce. Both use the same Black Garlic Purée for rich, complex flavor.

Cook With the Best Black Garlic

For perfectly smooth texture and bold umami, use I Love Black Garlic Purée — crafted for sauces, marinades, and quick stir-fries like this one.