Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

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

Crisp-tender chicken pieces in a balanced sweet-chili garlic sauce with colorful bell peppers and carrots. This asian ready in about 35 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, boneless and diced, Garlic, minced, Ginger, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz diced chicken thighs dry, then toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1/2 tbsp soy sauce until coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper and 1/2 cup julienned carrot, stir-frying for 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 tbsp water.
  6. Step 6: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, bring to a simmer, then return the chicken and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 2 tbsp sliced green onions and cook for 30 seconds more.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Chili Garlic 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 garlic, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Chili Garlic 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 Chili Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry?

Asian asian 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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