Stir-Fried Chicken with Sweet Pepper and Garlic Sauce
Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with colorful sweet peppers and a fragrant garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. This asian-inspired chicken (gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, 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 320 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
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 stalks, sliced for garnish green onions
- 1/4 tsp (optional) crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss with 1 tsp cornstarch to lightly coat.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 sliced green bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the peppers soften but remain vibrant.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/4 cup water, and optional 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.
- Step 6: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and peppers, stir well, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Sweet Pepper and Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Pepper and 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 Sweet Pepper and 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 Sweet Pepper and 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.
Is Stir-Fried Chicken with Sweet Pepper and Garlic Sauce gluten free option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.