Sweet and Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry

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

Tender chicken breast pieces stir-fried with a vibrant mix of vegetables in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. This korean-inspired chicken (gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, gochujang (Korean chili paste), 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 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 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the pieces are cooked through and lightly browned.
  2. Step 2: Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the empty side. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 julienned large carrot to the pan, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced green onions. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet and Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry 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 Sweet and Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry?

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 Sweet and Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry?

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 Sweet and Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry 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 Sweet and Spicy Korean-Inspired Chicken Stir Fry 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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