Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce
A fast and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and a savory garlic soy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 22 minutes blends minced garlic cloves, soy sauce, sesame oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g), thinly sliced into strips chicken breast
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2, sliced thinly for garnish scallions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast strips and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked and starting to brown.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 4: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper strips to the chicken. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.
- Step 6: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the wok. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all ingredients.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce?
Asian stir fry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
