The Perfect Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe for Sizzling Weeknights

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy hungry appetites.

This spicy chicken stir-fry recipe delivers a punch of heat and deliciousness in under 30 minutes.

Tender chicken pieces dance with crisp vegetables in a fiery sauce that awakens every taste bud.

Vibrant colors and bold flavors make this dish a standout on any dinner table.

Chili peppers and aromatic spices create a symphony of taste that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Perfectly balanced between heat and flavor, you’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite.

Grab your wok and let the culinary adventure begin!

What Makes This Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry So Satisfying

• Perfect for busy home cooks seeking a speedy, satisfying meal with minimal kitchen time and effort.
• Easily adjust spice levels by controlling jalapeno quantity, making this dish adaptable for different taste preferences and heat tolerance.
• Loaded with lean protein from chicken, diverse vegetables providing essential nutrients, and a balanced mix of flavors that support healthy eating without sacrificing taste.
• One-skillet cooking technique means less dishwashing, streamlining the entire cooking process and reducing post-meal kitchen maintenance.

Ingredients for an Easy, Fiery Chicken Stir-Fry

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this stir-fry dish.

• Onion, Orange Pepper, Green Cabbage, Garlic, Jalapeno Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch, flavor, and color to the stir-fry.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking during cooking.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and vegetables.

• Chicken Stock, Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce: Liquid ingredients that create a savory and flavorful sauce coating for the stir-fry.

Wok and Tools for the Best Stir-Fry Results

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying chicken and vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for slicing chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Crucial for thinly slicing chicken breasts and chopping vegetables with precision.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure sauces and seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking process.

Cooking Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry at Home

Step 1: Slice and Dice

Get your cutting board ready for a flavor adventure!

Grab your chicken breasts and slice them into thin, elegant strips.

Chop the onion into delicate pieces, create vibrant rings from the orange pepper, transform the garlic into tiny fragments, turn the jalapeno into a fine confetti, and shred the green cabbage into light, airy strands.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet or wok and let butter dance across its surface over medium-high heat.

Slide in the chicken strips, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until they’re golden and fully cooked.

This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Vegetables

In the same sizzling skillet, welcome the onion slices.

Let them soften and become translucent in about 3 minutes.

Introduce the garlic and jalapeno, allowing them to release their aromatic magic for a minute.

Toss in the cabbage and orange pepper, creating a colorful vegetable symphony.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce

Stir with passion, ensuring every vegetable gets a loving coating.

Let everything simmer and meld together for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage reaches a perfect tender-crisp texture.

Step 5: Final Fusion

Reunite the chicken with its vegetable companions in the skillet.

Gently mix and heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing all flavors to intertwine.

Taste and adjust seasonings to your heart’s desire.

Your spicy stir-fry is ready to dazzle taste buds!

Quick Tips for Flavorful, Balanced Stir-Fry

• Choose crisp cabbage, firm chicken breasts, and ripe peppers for maximum flavor and texture in your stir-fry.
• Control spiciness by removing jalapeno seeds or using less pepper to create a milder dish that suits different taste preferences.
• Slice chicken uniformly and cook quickly over medium-high heat to maintain tenderness and avoid dry, tough meat.
• Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
• Taste and adjust sauce proportions of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken stock to create a harmonious, well-seasoned final dish.

Stir-Fry Variations for Every Spice Lover

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until golden. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a completely plant-based meal.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap cabbage for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce sauce quantity to minimize carbohydrate intake while maintaining flavor profile.
• Spice Level Adjustment: For milder version, remove jalapeno seeds or substitute with mild green bell pepper. For extreme heat lovers, add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking.
• Asian-Inspired Remix: Incorporate ginger and sesame oil for authentic flavor. Use rice wine instead of chicken stock and add sliced water chestnuts for extra crunch.

Serving Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Flair

• Tasty Plate Companions: Serve over fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra heartiness.
• Zesty Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a bright, herbal punch of flavor and color.
• Crunchy Sidekick: Add a handful of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for a delightful textural contrast and nutty crunch.
• Cooling Companion: Pair with a side of quick cucumber salad or cool yogurt to balance the spicy jalapeno heat and refresh the palate.

Storing Leftover Chicken Stir-Fry Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers. Wrap securely to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

• What kind of protein can I use instead of chicken?

You can easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, beef strips, or pork for a different protein option.

• How spicy is this stir-fry?

The spice level depends on your jalapeno pepper – remove seeds for mild heat or keep them for extra kick. You can also adjust by adding more or less jalapeno.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Check that your oyster sauce is also gluten-free.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep ingredients in advance and store separately. However, stir-fry is best cooked fresh to maintain vegetable crispness and prevent soggy texture.

Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling easy spicy chicken stir-fry recipe brings bold Thai-inspired flavors to dinner tables. Peppers, garlic, and tender chicken create a quick meal packed with zesty spices you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins & Fats:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
• 1 orange pepper, diced

Sauces & Liquids:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breasts into thin strips, slicing onion and orange pepper, mincing garlic, dicing jalapeno pepper, and shredding green cabbage.
2. Heat butter in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Sauté chicken strips with salt and pepper, stirring constantly until golden and fully cooked, approximately 6 minutes.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate. In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and diced jalapeno to onions, cooking for 45-60 seconds to release aromatics. Incorporate shredded cabbage and sliced orange pepper.
5. Pour chicken stock, oyster sauce, and soy sauce over vegetables. Gently toss to ensure even coating and allow vegetables to simmer for 4-5 minutes until cabbage reaches tender-crisp texture.
6. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing thoroughly with vegetables and sauce. Heat for an additional 2 minutes to ensure uniform temperature and flavor integration.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

• Slice chicken against the grain for more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
• Quickly remove chicken from pan to prevent overcooking and drying out, maintaining juicy and succulent meat throughout the stir-fry.
• Control spice levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder heat or adding extra pepper flakes for more intense kick, adapting to personal heat tolerance.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of soy sauce and coconut aminos for oyster sauce to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 80mg