Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Garlic and Chili Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breast pieces infused with fragrant garlic and a spicy chili oil kick, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This Chinese-inspired game-day recipe, ready in about 22 minutes, pairs chicken breast, garlic cloves, chili oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 12 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 400 grams chicken breast pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons chili oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring so the chicken is evenly coated and heated through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 sliced green onions on top as garnish before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Garlic and Chili Oil take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Garlic and Chili Oil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Spicy Garlic and Chili Oil?

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 Spicy Garlic and Chili Oil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Spicy Garlic and Chili Oil?

Chinese game day 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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