Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic Sauce
A flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast pieces tossed in a spicy garlic sauce with vibrant bell peppers and scallions. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes blends cut into 1-inch strips chicken breast, minced garlic cloves, minced ginger 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 4, 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
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch strips chicken breast
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 3 stalks, sliced into 1-inch pieces scallions
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp chili paste, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth to prepare the sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb chicken breast strips and season with salt and black pepper; stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the chicken turns opaque and starts to brown.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Toss in 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, and 3 sliced scallions; stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables; stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Garlic 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 Spicy Garlic 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 Spicy Garlic Sauce 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 Sauce?
Asian stir fry 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.
