Stir-Fried Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Sesame

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

A vibrant stir-fry combining tender chicken strips with colorful bell peppers, tossed in a spicy sesame soy glaze for a quick, flavorful meal. This korean-inspired stir fry (gluten free option) ready in about 25 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, sesame oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced chicken breast and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
  2. Step 2: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet, then add 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 sliced green bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry all ingredients together for 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon gochujang, and 1 tablespoon honey. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, tossing to coat the chicken and peppers evenly until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and 2 sliced scallions on top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Sesame?

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 thinly sliced chicken breast from drying out.

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

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 Sesame 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.

Is Stir-Fried Spicy Chicken with Bell Peppers and Sesame 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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