Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Chili Pepper Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and flavorful chicken dish featuring tender pieces sautéed with fresh garlic and spicy chili pepper sauce for a vibrant kick. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, garlic cloves, small red chili peppers 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 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch strips and pat dry.
  2. Step 2: Peel and thinly slice 5 cloves garlic and finely chop 2 small red chili peppers, removing seeds for less heat if desired.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the garlic and chili peppers, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Add the chicken strips to the skillet, spreading evenly, and cook without stirring for 3 minutes to develop a sear, then stir and continue cooking for another 4 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing to coat the chicken evenly and cooking for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Chop 2 green onions and sprinkle over the chicken, stirring once more before removing from heat and serving immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Chili Pepper Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Chili Pepper 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Chili Pepper 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Chili Pepper 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Chili Pepper Sauce?

Filipino chicken 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.

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