Stir-Fried Garlic Chicken with Bell Peppers

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender chicken and colorful bell peppers in a savory garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This Asian-inspired stir-fry recipe (gluten free option), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breast, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast into thin strips about 1/2 inch thick. Toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 medium yellow bell pepper into strips about 1/4 inch wide. Mince 4 garlic cloves and grate 1 tsp fresh ginger.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add the sliced bell peppers and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, stir-frying for 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce along with 1/4 cup water. Toss everything together and cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and peppers.
  7. Step 7: Slice 2 green onions diagonally and sprinkle over the stir-fry before serving hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Garlic Chicken with 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 red bell pepper from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Garlic Chicken with 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 Garlic Chicken with 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.

Is Stir-Fried Garlic Chicken with Bell Peppers 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.

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