Stir-Fried Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic

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

A vibrant stir fry featuring tender chicken pieces tossed with bell peppers and garlic in a spicy soy sauce glaze. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, medium red bell pepper, medium green 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 a quick salad or grain on the side. 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Dice 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 medium green bell pepper into 1-inch strips. Mince 4 garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp red chili flakes; stir until sugar dissolves to create the sauce.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges begin to brown and chicken is nearly cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic and diced bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until peppers soften but remain slightly crisp and garlic is fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce over the skillet contents and drizzle 2 tbsp sesame oil. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, chop 2 green onions thinly, and sprinkle on top before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

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 medium red bell pepper from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

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 Garlic 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 Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

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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