Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry

If you love quick, fiery, and flavor-packed meals that wake up your taste buds, this Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is your new go-to weeknight hero! πŸ—πŸŒΆοΈ Loaded with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a bold, garlicky chili sauce, this dish is all about heat meeting harmony.

The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to make β€” faster than ordering takeout and twice as delicious! Whether you’re craving a punch of spice or just a vibrant, wholesome meal, this stir-fry will hit the spot every single time. 🍜


The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of my busy weekday routine β€” I needed something fast, flavorful, and satisfying after long workdays. One night, I threw together what I had in the fridge: chicken, veggies, garlic, soy sauce, and chili paste. The result? A fiery, glossy stir-fry that disappeared in minutes. πŸ˜‹

Now it’s one of my favorite dishes to make when I want big flavors with minimal effort. It’s spicy, saucy, and deeply satisfying β€” the kind of recipe that makes you fall in love with homemade Asian-inspired meals all over again.


What Makes This Recipe Special

πŸ”₯ Bold, spicy sauce that perfectly coats every bite.
πŸ₯¦ Colorful veggies for crunch, freshness, and balance.
πŸ— Juicy, tender chicken β€” ready in under 30 minutes.
🍚 Customizable heat level for spice lovers or mild eaters.
πŸ₯’ One-pan recipe = minimal cleanup!


Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs πŸ—
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

For the Veggies:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets πŸ₯¦
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced πŸ§„
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger

For the Spicy Stir-Fry Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar 🍯
  • 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek 🌢️
  • 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • Β½ cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)

For Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions 🌿
  • Lime wedges πŸ‹

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Slice chicken thinly and toss with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes β€” this keeps it juicy and gives it a beautiful sear.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies
In the same pan, add a little oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, bell peppers, broccoli, and onions for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well until everything is coated and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and lime wedges. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. 🍚🍜


Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

🍚 Steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
🍜 Noodles (lo mein or rice noodles).
πŸ₯’ A side of Asian cucumber salad for cooling freshness.
🍡 Iced green tea or lemon water to balance the heat.


Customization & Variations

🌢️ Adjust spice level β€” reduce or increase chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
πŸ₯¬ Add your favorite veggies like zucchini, snap peas, or carrots.
🍀 Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef for variety.
🍯 Add a splash of orange juice for a sweet, citrusy note.
πŸ₯¦ Make it low-carb by serving over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.


Storing & Reheating

❄️ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
πŸ”₯ Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it saucy.
🚫 Avoid overcooking during reheating β€” it can make chicken dry.


Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 8g

Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. How spicy is this stir-fry?
Moderately spicy β€” you can easily adjust the heat by changing the sriracha and chili paste amount.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add it toward the end and let it heat through in the sauce.

3. What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
Sesame oil or peanut oil for authentic flavor, or olive oil for a lighter version.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely β€” replace chicken with tofu or tempeh.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight jar.

6. Can I freeze this recipe?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

8. Can I add noodles instead of rice?
Of course! Toss in cooked rice noodles or udon noodles before serving.

9. What veggies work best?
Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas β€” colorful and crisp.

10. Can I make it less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and balance with a touch more honey or lime juice.


Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is bold, quick, and unbelievably satisfying. 🌢️πŸ₯’ Packed with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and that irresistible spicy-sweet glaze, it’s the kind of dish that makes healthy eating feel exciting. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a quick fix for spicy cravings, this recipe delivers every single time.


🍽️ Tried This Recipe?

If you loved this spicy stir-fry, don’t forget to follow @mamacooksdinner on Pinterest for more bold, flavorful recipes like this one! πŸ”₯πŸ₯’

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