Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce
A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender chicken breast with colorful bell peppers in a savory garlic soy sauce. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes blends thinly sliced chicken breast, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 12 oz, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips green bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp cornstarch until smooth; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz thinly sliced chicken breast to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the edges turn white and chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Step 4: Toss in 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the chicken and peppers, stirring continuously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
- Step 6: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper, stir once more, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce?
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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce?
Asian 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.
