Stir-Fried Spicy Garlic Chicken with Bell Peppers

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

A vibrant stir-fry combining tender chicken with colorful bell peppers and a spicy garlic sauce for a quick weekday meal. This Chinese-inspired game-day recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, red bell pepper, green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 400 grams boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and toss with 1 tsp cornstarch for a light coating.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 medium green bell pepper into strips, mince 4 garlic cloves, and chop 2 scallions into 1-inch segments.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the sliced bell peppers; stir-fry for an additional 3 minutes until they begin to soften but retain crunch.
  5. Step 5: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp chili paste, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 50 ml water in a small bowl and pour over the chicken and vegetables; cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything.
  6. Step 6: Toss in the chopped scallions, stir briefly, then remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Spicy 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 Spicy 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy 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 Spicy 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Spicy Garlic Chicken with Bell Peppers?

Chinese game day 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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