Savory Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry Easy Recipe

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Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? My Savory Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This simple recipe uses fresh ingredients and just the right sauce to thrill your taste buds. Whether you’re a busy parent or a cooking newbie, you can whip this up in no time. Let’s jump into the ingredients and get started on this easy culinary adventure!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This stir fry comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Sauce: The combination of sweet chili and soy sauce creates a deliciously balanced flavor that everyone will love.
  3. Colorful and Nutritious: Loaded with vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, this dish is as nutritious as it is appealing.
  4. Versatile: Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins or veggies, making this recipe easily customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry

For this tasty dish, you need:

– 500g chicken breast, thinly sliced

– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 red bell pepper, sliced

– 1 green bell pepper, sliced

– 1 cup broccoli florets

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

– 2 green onions, chopped

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Cooked jasmine rice for serving

These ingredients give your stir fry a great blend of sweet and savory. The chicken serves as the base, while the sweet chili sauce adds a lovely kick. The bell peppers and broccoli provide color and crunch.

Cooking Staples You’ll Need

You’ll want to have some basic tools handy:

– A large bowl for marinating

– A large pan or wok for cooking

– A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

– A cutting board and knife for chopping

These tools help you cook quickly and keep everything organized. A wok is great because it heats evenly and allows for easy tossing of your food.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

Feel free to get creative! You can add:

– Pea pods for extra crunch

– Carrots for sweetness

– Mushrooms for umami flavor

– Cashews for a nutty twist

These add-ins can make your dish unique. Try different combinations to find what you love best. Mixing in seasonal veggies also helps reduce waste and keep your meals fresh.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

To start, grab a large bowl. Place the thinly sliced chicken breast inside. Add two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce and one tablespoon of soy sauce. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all well. Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

Now, heat two tablespoons of sesame oil in a large pan or wok. Make sure it’s hot before adding the marinated chicken. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be fully cooked and a bit caramelized. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, add two cloves of minced garlic and one tablespoon of minced ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Next, toss in one sliced red bell pepper, one sliced green bell pepper, and one cup of broccoli florets. Stir-fry these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Combining and Finalizing the Dish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together well. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, toss in the chopped green onions just before serving. This adds a fresh crunch to your stir fry!

Tips & Tricks

Tips for Marinating Chicken

Marinating chicken adds flavor and makes it tender. Use a large bowl for marinating. Combine the sliced chicken with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This short time helps the chicken soak up the flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to an hour for even more taste.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Stir Fry

The key to a great stir fry is high heat. Use a large pan or wok. Heat sesame oil until it shimmers. This shows it’s hot and ready. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry it for 5-7 minutes. Cook until it is fully cooked and a bit caramelized. Remove the chicken, then add garlic and ginger to the same pan. This way, you keep the yummy flavors. Add your veggies and stir-fry them until they are tender but still crisp.

Presentation Tips for Serving

How you serve your dish matters! Place the stir fry over fluffy jasmine rice. This rice soaks up the sauce well. For a nice touch, add extra chopped green onions on top. A drizzle of more sweet chili sauce gives it a pop of color and flavor. This makes your dish look and taste amazing!

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor.
  2. Use High Heat: Stir-frying is best done at high heat. This helps to quickly cook the chicken and vegetables, locking in their flavors and textures.
  3. Veggie Variety: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini to add color and nutrition to your stir-fry.
  4. Thicken Your Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the stir-fry to simmer a bit longer after adding the cornstarch mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.

Variations

Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives

You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Simply swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use the same marinade to soak the tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb flavors well. For a vegan sauce, check labels on sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Some may have animal products.

Using Different Proteins

Don’t feel limited to chicken! You can use shrimp, beef, or pork instead. Just adjust cooking times. Shrimp cooks fast, while beef may need a bit longer. For beef, slice it thinly for even cooking.

Customizing Vegetable Choices

Feel free to get creative with your veggie mix! Carrots, snap peas, or zucchini work great. Just aim for vibrant colors and varied textures. This keeps every bite exciting. Add veggies at different times based on how long they take to cook.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your sweet chili chicken stir fry fresh, use an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools before you store it. This prevents the growth of bacteria.

Reheating Tips for Optimal Flavor

When you reheat, do it gently. Use a pan on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.

Freezing Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry

You can freeze this dish for later! Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How long can I marinate chicken for stir fry?

You can marinate chicken for about 15 to 30 minutes. This time allows the chicken to soak up the flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate it longer in the fridge for even better taste. Just remember to not go over 24 hours.

Can I use other sauces in this recipe?

Yes, you can use other sauces! Soy sauce adds a nice saltiness. Teriyaki sauce gives a sweet twist. If you like spice, try sriracha. Just balance the flavors to keep it tasty.

What vegetables work best for stir fry?

The best vegetables for stir fry are bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. You can also add carrots, zucchini, or snow peas. Choose veggies you love. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is sweet chili chicken stir fry healthy?

Sweet chili chicken stir fry can be healthy! It has lean protein and lots of colorful veggies. Just watch the amount of sauce you use. You can also serve it with brown rice for more fiber and nutrients.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can make this dish in advance! Cook the stir fry and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave when you’re ready to eat. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist.

In summary, this post shared essential tips to make sweet chili chicken stir fry. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful techniques. Don’t forget the variations to fit your tastes, and how to store leftovers for later enjoyment. This dish is quick and flavorful, perfect for busy evenings. Enjoy making it your own and impressing your family or friends. Now, get cooking and savor every bit

For this tasty dish, you need: - 500g chicken breast, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 green onions, chopped - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water) - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooked jasmine rice for serving These ingredients give your stir fry a great blend of sweet and savory. The chicken serves as the base, while the sweet chili sauce adds a lovely kick. The bell peppers and broccoli provide color and crunch. You’ll want to have some basic tools handy: - A large bowl for marinating - A large pan or wok for cooking - A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring - A cutting board and knife for chopping These tools help you cook quickly and keep everything organized. A wok is great because it heats evenly and allows for easy tossing of your food. Feel free to get creative! You can add: - Pea pods for extra crunch - Carrots for sweetness - Mushrooms for umami flavor - Cashews for a nutty twist These add-ins can make your dish unique. Try different combinations to find what you love best. Mixing in seasonal veggies also helps reduce waste and keep your meals fresh. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large bowl. Place the thinly sliced chicken breast inside. Add two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce and one tablespoon of soy sauce. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all well. Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Now, heat two tablespoons of sesame oil in a large pan or wok. Make sure it’s hot before adding the marinated chicken. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be fully cooked and a bit caramelized. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, add two cloves of minced garlic and one tablespoon of minced ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Next, toss in one sliced red bell pepper, one sliced green bell pepper, and one cup of broccoli florets. Stir-fry these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together well. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, toss in the chopped green onions just before serving. This adds a fresh crunch to your stir fry! Marinating chicken adds flavor and makes it tender. Use a large bowl for marinating. Combine the sliced chicken with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This short time helps the chicken soak up the flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to an hour for even more taste. The key to a great stir fry is high heat. Use a large pan or wok. Heat sesame oil until it shimmers. This shows it’s hot and ready. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry it for 5-7 minutes. Cook until it is fully cooked and a bit caramelized. Remove the chicken, then add garlic and ginger to the same pan. This way, you keep the yummy flavors. Add your veggies and stir-fry them until they are tender but still crisp. How you serve your dish matters! Place the stir fry over fluffy jasmine rice. This rice soaks up the sauce well. For a nice touch, add extra chopped green onions on top. A drizzle of more sweet chili sauce gives it a pop of color and flavor. This makes your dish look and taste amazing! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor. Use High Heat: Stir-frying is best done at high heat. This helps to quickly cook the chicken and vegetables, locking in their flavors and textures. Veggie Variety: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini to add color and nutrition to your stir-fry. Thicken Your Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the stir-fry to simmer a bit longer after adding the cornstarch mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Simply swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use the same marinade to soak the tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb flavors well. For a vegan sauce, check labels on sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Some may have animal products. Don’t feel limited to chicken! You can use shrimp, beef, or pork instead. Just adjust cooking times. Shrimp cooks fast, while beef may need a bit longer. For beef, slice it thinly for even cooking. Feel free to get creative with your veggie mix! Carrots, snap peas, or zucchini work great. Just aim for vibrant colors and varied textures. This keeps every bite exciting. Add veggies at different times based on how long they take to cook. To keep your sweet chili chicken stir fry fresh, use an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools before you store it. This prevents the growth of bacteria. When you reheat, do it gently. Use a pan on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. You can freeze this dish for later! Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can marinate chicken for about 15 to 30 minutes. This time allows the chicken to soak up the flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate it longer in the fridge for even better taste. Just remember to not go over 24 hours. Yes, you can use other sauces! Soy sauce adds a nice saltiness. Teriyaki sauce gives a sweet twist. If you like spice, try sriracha. Just balance the flavors to keep it tasty. The best vegetables for stir fry are bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. You can also add carrots, zucchini, or snow peas. Choose veggies you love. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Sweet chili chicken stir fry can be healthy! It has lean protein and lots of colorful veggies. Just watch the amount of sauce you use. You can also serve it with brown rice for more fiber and nutrients. Yes, you can make this dish in advance! Cook the stir fry and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave when you're ready to eat. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist. In summary, this post shared essential tips to make sweet chili chicken stir fry. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful techniques. Don't forget the variations to fit your tastes, and how to store leftovers for later enjoyment. This dish is quick and flavorful, perfect for busy evenings. Enjoy making it your own and impressing your family or friends. Now, get cooking and savor every bite!

Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry

A delicious stir fry featuring tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a sweet chili sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 unit green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • for serving unit cooked jasmine rice

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Marinate for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Heat the sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, and broccoli florets to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the cornstarch mixture, and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.
  • Toss in the chopped green onions before removing the stir-fry from heat.

Notes

Serve over jasmine rice and garnish with green onions and extra sweet chili sauce.
Keyword chicken, quick meal, stir-fry, sweet chili

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