Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Red Pepper Sauce
Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with a vibrant and spicy red pepper sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, vegetable oil, medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper 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 310 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 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2, sliced diagonally scallions
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, and 1 tbsp honey. Cook for another 2 minutes, tossing the chicken and vegetables to coat evenly, until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the chicken.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 sliced scallions and 1 tsp sesame seeds over the dish. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Red Pepper 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 Red Pepper 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 Red Pepper 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 Red Pepper 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 Red Pepper Sauce?
Korean 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.