Stir-Fried Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Chili Garlic Sauce

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

A quick and vibrant stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, and a bold chili garlic sauce that brings a satisfying heat. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes blends thinly sliced chicken breast, medium, julienned red bell pepper, medium, julienned green 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 320 calories and feeds 3, 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp cornstarch, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce; stir well and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add 12 oz thinly sliced chicken breast; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the chicken turns opaque and lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 medium julienned red bell pepper and 1 medium julienned green bell pepper; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and 1 tbsp sesame oil; stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and peppers evenly.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, then sprinkle 2 sliced green onions on top before serving hot.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Chili Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Chili 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 Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Chili 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 Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Chili Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Chili 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.

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