Stir-Fried Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Tamarind Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pieces of chicken breast stir-fried in a vibrant tamarind and soy-based sauce, balanced with fresh vegetables for a quick and flavorful dinner. This thai-inspired stir fry (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes blends thinly sliced chicken breast, tamarind paste, 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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast to the wok and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden on edges.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup trimmed and halved green beans and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry all together for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss in 2 sliced scallions and cook for an additional 1 minute before serving hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Tamarind 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 Sweet and Tangy Tamarind 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 Sweet and Tangy Tamarind 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 Sweet and Tangy Tamarind 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.

Is Stir-Fried Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Tamarind Sauce gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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