Spicy Garlic and Chili Chicken Stir Fry

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

A vibrant and spicy chicken stir fry bursting with garlic and chili flavors, finished with crisp vegetables. This Japanese-inspired stir-fry recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp red chili flakes, 3 sliced green onions, 1 thinly sliced bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Mix 2 tbsp water with any remaining soy sauce in the bowl and pour into the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Serve the spicy garlic chicken stir fry hot over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Garlic and Chili Chicken Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Garlic and Chili Chicken Stir Fry?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Garlic and Chili Chicken Stir Fry?

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 Spicy Garlic and Chili Chicken Stir Fry 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 Spicy Garlic and Chili Chicken Stir Fry?

Japanese 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.

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