Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken with Chili and Garlic
A fiery stir-fry combining tender chicken breast with fresh chili and garlic, delivering a satisfying hot and savory bite. This asian fusion-inspired chicken (high protein) ready in about 22 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, vegetable oil, thinly sliced 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2, thinly sliced fresh red chili
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2, sliced green onions
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp, toasted sesame seeds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced fresh red chili, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast, spreading it out in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving to add freshness and texture.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Stir-Fried 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 Stir-Fried 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 Stir-Fried 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 Stir-Fried 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.
Is Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken with Chili and Garlic high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.