Tangy Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Cooks

Sizzling aromas of sweet and spicy chicken stir fry waft through the kitchen, promising a culinary adventure that tingles every taste bud.

This vibrant dish blends bold flavors with incredible ease and speed.

Tender chicken pieces dance in a glossy, fiery sauce that balances sweetness and heat perfectly.

Weeknight dinners never looked so exciting or tasted so delicious.

Each bite delivers a punch of complex flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Fresh vegetables add crunch and color to this irresistible meal.

You’ll dive into a plate of pure deliciousness that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet spectacular stir fry.

Cooking Sweet and Spicy Chicken Quickly

• Flavor Foundation

Create a bold sauce blending sweet and fiery ingredients that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

• Chicken Preparation

Transform plain chicken into a delectable protein by seasoning and coating with a light dusting that promises crispy perfection.

• Veggie Magic

Awaken colorful vegetables in a sizzling hot pan, drawing out their natural sweetness and creating charred edges that add depth to the dish.

• Seared Protein

Craft golden-brown chicken pieces that are tender inside and crisp outside, infusing them with aromatic garlic and ginger for an irresistible flavor profile.

• Final Symphony

Marry all ingredients in a tantalizing sauce that coats every morsel, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will make your dinner extraordinary.

Adjusting Sweetness or Heat in the Dish

• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a different flavor profile. Each protein brings its unique taste and texture to the stir fry.
• Veggie Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli to increase nutritional value and add more color to the dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to make the stir fry mild or extra hot. Start with less sauce and gradually increase to find your perfect heat level.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep ingredients in advance and store separately in the refrigerator. This saves time during busy weeknights and allows for quick meal assembly.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious sweet and spicy sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 372 kcal

Servings: 5

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients

• Chicken: Choose fresh, boneless chicken breast for tender, lean meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances chicken's natural taste and helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the chicken seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complements the chicken's flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior and helps thicken the sauce for perfect coating.

• Zucchini: Adds fresh, mild vegetable texture and absorbs the stir fry's vibrant sauce.
• Bell Pepper: Brings colorful crunch and sweet-tangy notes to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a classic savory foundation and caramelizes beautifully when stir-fried.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Ginger: Introduces a bright, spicy undertone with warming characteristics.

• Honey: Offers natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and salty complexity to the stir fry.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Brings exciting heat and tangy punch to the recipe.
• Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt: Provides rich, smooth cooking base with subtle seasoning.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, authentic Asian-inspired aroma to finish the dish.

Gear for Stir Fry with a Kick

• Large Skillet or Wok: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying and creating those delicious golden-brown edges.
• Small Bowl: Essential for mixing the honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce to create the mouthwatering sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice zucchini, bell pepper, and onion into uniform pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning and sauce measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients without scratching the skillet.

How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry with Color

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this vibrant stir fry over fluffy white or brown rice, creating a complete meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the dish into a hearty bowl by placing the sweet and spicy chicken stir fry on top of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
• Fresh Garnish Explosion: Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a few red pepper flakes on top to add extra color, crunch, and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Quick Lunch Prep Hack: Pack leftovers in meal-prep containers with a small section of extra sauce on the side, making it a delicious and convenient work or school lunch option that stays exciting and tasty.

Chicken Stir Fry Storage That Keeps Flavor

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated stir fry stays fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Separate chicken and vegetable components before freezing to maintain optimal texture. Cool completely, then store in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently in skillet over medium heat to prevent sauce from separating. Add splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently for even heating.
• Lunch Prep Champion: Pack individual servings with steamed rice in separate compartments to keep ingredients crisp. Use leak-proof containers to transport meals easily without compromising flavor or quality.

Fiery Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling sweet and spicy chicken stir fry delivers complex Asian-inspired flavors with balanced heat and sweetness. Quick weeknight dinner combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty sauce that sparks excitement on your plate.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup chopped bell pepper
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
• ½ white onion, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 g) Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt, divided
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp (5 g) minced ginger
• ¼ cup (59 ml) honey
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tsp (5 ml) chili garlic sauce
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
• 1 tbsp (8 g) corn starch
• 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce in a bowl until smooth and well-blended, then set aside for later use.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Season chicken with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, then coat evenly with cornstarch to create a light, crispy exterior.
3. Vegetable Sautéing: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté zucchini, bell peppers, and onions until they develop charred edges and reach a tender-crisp consistency.
4. Vegetable Removal: Transfer sautéed vegetables to a plate, keeping the skillet hot and ready for the next stage.
5. Chicken Searing: Add additional butter and sesame oil to the skillet, then sear chicken pieces until they achieve a golden-brown caramelized finish.
6. Aromatics Infusion: Incorporate minced garlic and ginger into the chicken, allowing their flavors to intensify for a brief moment.
7. Sauce Integration: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, bringing it to a quick boil, then reduce heat and simmer while stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce.
8. Final Combination: Reintroduce the sautéed vegetables to the chicken, gently tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage and uniform heating.

Notes

• Prep Cornstarch Carefully: Ensure an even, light coating on chicken for crispy texture without clumping.
• Control Heat Precisely: Medium-high heat prevents burning and supports perfect caramelization of chicken and vegetables.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Add garlic and ginger briefly to prevent burning while maximizing aromatic intensity.
• Sauce Timing Matters: Pour sauce when chicken is hot to create quick thickening and maximum flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 372
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 598 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg