Looking for a quick, vibrant, and satisfying meal that balances sweet and spicy flavors perfectly? This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry is a colorful, protein-packed dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken pieces are stir-fried with crisp vegetables and coated in a luscious sauce that delivers a mouthwatering blend of honey sweetness and chili heat.
Ideal for busy weeknights or a flavorful meal prep option, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite veggies and serves beautifully over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Stir Fry
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Mix cornstarch with water in a separate small bowl to create a slurry. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add garlic, ginger, and red onion; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers, carrot, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring, for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal.
- Pair with stir-fried noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
- Complement with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a full Asian-inspired dinner.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Protein | 38 grams |
| Total Fat | 12 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 18 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sugars | 10 grams |
| Sodium | 720 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- High protein content supports muscle repair and satiety.
- Moderate carbohydrates with fiber from vegetables for balanced energy.
- Adjust sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or reducing added salt.
- Honey and sriracha provide natural sweetness and heat without processed sugars.
Tips for Best Results
- Slice chicken thinly for quick, even cooking.
- Prep all vegetables before starting to maintain a smooth cooking process.
- Adjust spice level by modifying the amount of sriracha or swapping it for milder chili paste.
- Use a hot pan and high heat for that signature stir-fry “wok hei” flavor and texture.
Variations to Try
- Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for variety.
- Add snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to the vegetable mix.
- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for extra aroma.
This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy way to bring excitement to your dinner table. The perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and freshness makes it a versatile dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this stir fry offers both convenience and deliciousness in every bite.