Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry

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Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that packs a punch with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a spicy, savory sauce. The chicken is stir-fried to golden perfection, then tossed with colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a crunchy, vibrant medley. The star of the dish is the spicy sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of chili paste or sriracha for heat, balanced by a hint of sweetness from honey or brown sugar.

I first made Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry on a busy weeknight when I wanted something fast but full of flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and that bold, spicy sauce hit all the right notes. What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is—you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand and adjust the spice level to your liking. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner fix that everyone will love!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Meal prep
  • Spice lovers
  • Quick and easy meals
  • Healthy eating

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry will become your go-to dinner:

  • Bold and Flavorful: The combination of spices, soy sauce, and chili paste creates a savory and spicy flavor explosion.
  • Quick and Easy: This stir-fry comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili paste or fresh chilies.
  • Packed with Veggies: Colorful bell peppers, onions, and broccoli add texture, nutrients, and crunch.
  • Protein-Packed: Chicken is a great lean source of protein, making this dish both satisfying and healthy.
  • One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
  • Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or on its own for a quick and customizable meal.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the chicken and veggies in advance for a quicker stir-fry at dinner time.
  • Balanced Meal: This dish is full of lean protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthy dinner option.
  • Kid-Friendly: The level of spice can easily be adjusted for younger eaters who prefer milder flavors.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stir-Fry:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro

Ingredient Highlights

  • Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the dish.
  • Chili Paste: Delivers a spicy kick and rich depth of flavor.
  • Honey: Balances out the spice with a touch of sweetness.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty flavor to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Stir-Fry:

  1. Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into thin strips.
  2. Prep Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers, onion, and prepare the broccoli florets.
  3. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper.
  4. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  5. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  6. Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary and stir-fry the bell peppers, onion, and broccoli for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  7. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.
  8. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly.
  9. Simmer: Let the stir-fry simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry:

  • Over Steamed Rice: Serve the stir-fry on a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
  • With Noodles: Toss with cooked noodles for a hearty meal.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve on its own for a low-carb, protein-packed dinner.
  • With a Side of Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for extra freshness.
  • As a Meal Prep Option: Store portions in airtight containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
  • With Roti or Flatbread: Serve with warm flatbread for a fusion meal.
  • For a Spicy Kick: Top with additional chili paste or fresh chopped chilies.
  • With Pickled Vegetables: Serve with a side of pickled vegetables for added tanginess.
  • As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats or seafood for a full meal.
  • With Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices for a cooling contrast to the spice.

Additional Tips

  • Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Top the stir-fry with fresh cilantro or basil for a burst of flavor.
  • Use a High-Heat Oil: Opt for oils like vegetable or peanut oil to withstand the high heat of stir-frying.
  • Pre-Chop Ingredients: Prepare all your vegetables and chicken before cooking to make the stir-fry process quicker.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in soy sauce, garlic, and chili paste for extra flavor.
  • Include Veggies with Crunch: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for texture and color.
  • Try a Sweet and Spicy Combo: Balance the heat with a bit of honey or brown sugar to create a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
  • Cook Chicken in Batches: To ensure the chicken gets crispy, avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if necessary.
  • Use a Non-Stick Pan: This will help avoid the chicken and sauce sticking, making cleanup easier.
  • Serve Over Rice or Noodles: Complete the dish by serving it over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Recipe Variations

  • Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry: Add pineapple or bell peppers for a sweet contrast to the spice.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
  • Vegetarian Stir-Fry: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based meal.
  • Extra Spicy: Add chopped fresh chilies or extra chili paste for a spicier version.
  • Lemon or Lime: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.
  • Peanut Stir-Fry: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, nutty flavor.

Special Equipment

  • Wok or Skillet: For stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
  • Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken and vegetables thinly.
  • Whisk: For mixing the stir-fry sauce.
  • Spatula or Tongs: For stirring and flipping the chicken and vegetables.
  • Measuring Spoons: For precise amounts of spices and sauces.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen chicken?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it’s fully thawed before slicing and cooking.
  2. How long does this stir-fry last in the fridge?
    The stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  3. Can I freeze the stir-fry?
    Yes, freeze the stir-fry for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  4. Can I substitute the chili paste?
    Yes, sriracha or another hot sauce can be used in place of chili paste.
  5. Can I make this dish milder?
    Absolutely! Reduce or omit the chili paste, or use a milder sauce.
  6. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    Store the stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  7. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, simply double the ingredients and cook in a larger pan to accommodate.
  8. How do I reheat stir-fry?
    Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to rehydrate the sauce.
  9. Can I add other vegetables?
    Yes, feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas.
  10. How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
    Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken before serving, and avoid overcooking the vegetables.

Conclusion

Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It features tender, juicy chicken pieces stir-fried with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or carrots, all coated in a bold and spicy sauce. The sauce is typically made with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili paste, and a touch of honey or brown sugar for a sweet and spicy balance.

This stir-fry is cooked quickly in a hot skillet or wok, keeping the veggies crisp and the chicken perfectly seared. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.

I can’t wait to see how your Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!