Spicy Sautéed Chicken with Chili and Garlic

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

A quick and flavorful chicken stir-fry featuring a hot chili and garlic sauce that adds a fiery kick to tender chicken pieces. This asian fusion-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, vegetable oil, finely chopped fresh red chili for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 finely chopped fresh red chilies to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is golden but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp honey, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 sliced green onions for a fresh bite. Serve immediately while hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Sautéed Chicken with Chili and Garlic 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 Spicy Sautéed Chicken with Chili and Garlic?

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 thinly sliced chicken breast from drying out.

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

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 Sautéed Chicken with Chili and Garlic 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 Sautéed Chicken with Chili and Garlic?

Asian Fusion 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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