Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic and Bell Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry combining tender chicken with crisp bell peppers and a bold garlic chili sauce for a flavorful weeknight meal. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, minced garlic cloves, red chili flakes 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: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast with 1 tsp cornstarch and set aside while you prep vegetables.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until it turns opaque and is cooked through with a slight golden sear.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce with 2 tbsp water and pour over the stir-fry, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish, garnishing with 2 sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic and Bell Peppers?

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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic and Bell Peppers?

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 Spicy Garlic and Bell Peppers 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic and Bell Peppers?

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.

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