Spy's Secret Spice Chicken

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-07 · Updated 2026-04-07

A savory chicken stir-fry with a hidden kick of cayenne pepper that elevates the dish with subtle heat. This Asian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, cornstarch, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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

• 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small, thinly sliced onion
• 1, thinly sliced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp water cornstarch

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes, with 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Toss until evenly coated and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add 1 small onion, thinly sliced, and 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced, to the skillet and stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in 1/4 cup water, and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then stir in 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water, cooking for 1 minute until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.