Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option that doesn’t take forever to make? Look no further! This Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is a fantastic meal that’s packed with vibrant vegetables, succulent chicken, and a spicy kick that will satisfy your taste buds. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, delicious dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. With a perfect blend of protein, vegetables, and the right amount of spice, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry. From the ingredients to the cooking steps, you’ll have all the information you need to make this dish a success. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create this delicious and satisfying meal!

Ingredients for Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry

Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry. The recipe is simple yet full of flavor, with a combination of proteins, vegetables, and sauces that work harmoniously together to create a balanced, mouth-watering meal.

Proteins & Fats:

  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced – Chicken is a lean protein that absorbs flavors well. Thinly slicing it allows it to cook quickly, making this dish perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.

  • 1 tablespoon butter – Butter adds richness and a subtle flavor to the stir-fry, creating a savory base for the other ingredients.

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion, sliced – Onion brings sweetness and depth to the stir-fry, balancing the heat from the jalapeño.

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is essential in any stir-fry for its aromatic flavor and depth.

  • 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded – Cabbage adds crunch and texture to the dish, and its mild flavor complements the other ingredients.

  • 1/2 jalapeño pepper, finely diced – The jalapeño adds the perfect amount of spice. You can adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.

  • 1 orange pepper, diced – Orange peppers provide sweetness and a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing and flavorful.

Sauces & Liquids:

  • 1/2 cup chicken stock – Chicken stock is used to deglaze the pan and create a savory sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce – Oyster sauce gives the stir-fry its rich umami flavor, which is essential for authentic stir-fry dishes.

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth to the dish.

  • Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste – Seasoning is key to bring out all the flavors. Adjust the amount to suit your preference.

Optional Serving:

  • Serve over rice or noodles – To complete the meal, serve the stir-fry over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. Both are perfect options for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Instructions for Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry

This Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is super simple to make. Just follow the steps below to create a dish that’s packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, shredded cabbage, diced jalapeño, and diced orange pepper. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. The cabbage will soften, and the vegetables will take on a nice golden color. This step helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the veggies and develop a great flavor base for the stir-fry.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Once the vegetables are tender, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken stock, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir everything together to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. The chicken stock will help to create a flavorful base, while the oyster sauce and soy sauce bring depth and umami to the dish.

Step 4: Simmer and Combine Flavors

Allow the stir-fry to simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly and the flavors meld together. Keep stirring occasionally, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are coated evenly in the sauce. This simmering step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor that makes the dish so delicious.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Once the stir-fry has simmered and the flavors have melded, season the dish with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference. If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add extra jalapeño or a dash of chili flakes.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once the stir-fry is ready, serve it hot over a bed of rice or noodles. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that’s full of flavor. You can garnish the stir-fry with chopped cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of freshness and color.

Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Why This Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Is a Must-Try

Quick and Easy

One of the best things about this Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is how fast and simple it is to make. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a complete, flavorful meal that will satisfy your hunger and tantalize your taste buds. The ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen.

Healthy and Nutritious

This stir-fry is not only delicious but also healthy. It’s loaded with protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables, making it a well-balanced meal. The cabbage, peppers, and onions provide a variety of vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to overall health. Plus, by using less oil and focusing on fresh ingredients, this stir-fry is a much healthier alternative to takeout.

Versatile and Customizable

Another great thing about this Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is that it’s highly customizable. You can easily swap out vegetables depending on what you have on hand. For example, you could use broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots in place of the cabbage or peppers. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño, or even using a different type of chili pepper.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish is ideal for meal prepping because it stores well in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply make a big batch of Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry and portion it out into individual containers for a quick lunch or dinner during the week. Just reheat and enjoy!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of stir-fries and flavorful, quick meals, you might also enjoy these other recipes that feature similar ingredients and cooking methods:

  1. Fried Potatoes and Onions with Smoked Polish Sausage – This hearty, comforting dish combines smoky sausage with crispy fried potatoes and onions, offering a deliciously savory alternative to stir-fries.

  2. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice – A fresh and light option that pairs tender shrimp with savory garlic butter and healthy broccoli rice. It’s a flavorful, quick meal that’s just as satisfying as a stir-fry.

  3. Hoisin Beef Noodle – If you love stir-fries, this Hoisin Beef Noodle recipe is a great choice. It’s a perfect blend of savory hoisin sauce and tender beef served over noodles, making it a fantastic alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is stir-fry chicken healthy?

Yes, chicken stir-fry is a healthy meal choice when prepared with lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and low-sodium sauces. The Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry uses minimal butter and is packed with fiber-rich vegetables like cabbage, peppers, and onions. Plus, it’s high in protein and can be customized to fit low-carb or gluten-free diets, depending on the ingredients you use.

2. How long does chicken stir-fry take?

Chicken stir-fry is one of the quickest meals you can make. From start to finish, this Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry takes about 25 to 30 minutes, including prep time. Thinly sliced chicken and quick-cooking vegetables help cut down cooking time, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

3. How to make sauce for chicken stir-fry?

The sauce is what ties the entire stir-fry together. For this recipe, we combine chicken stock, oyster sauce, and soy sauce to create a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed blend. The stock adds moisture, the oyster sauce deepens the flavor, and the soy sauce provides saltiness. Stir everything well to ensure an even coating over the chicken and vegetables. You can also add a touch of cornstarch mixed with water if you prefer a thicker sauce.

4. What to put in a chicken stir-fry?

A good chicken stir-fry includes a mix of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. In this recipe, we use chicken breasts, onions, garlic, cabbage, jalapeño, and orange pepper. These ingredients offer a balance of flavor, spice, and texture. You can also add mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas depending on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.

Conclusion

This Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is a fast, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With a delicious combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this stir-fry is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a quick and tasty meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Happy cooking!

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Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights


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  • Author: MixMealMagic
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is a vibrant and healthy dish packed with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory, slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s loaded with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 medium onion, sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded

  • 1/2 jalapeño pepper, finely diced

  • 1 orange pepper, diced

  • 1/2 cup chicken stock

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  • Cook the Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  • Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, cabbage, jalapeño, and orange pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

  • Add the Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken stock, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.

  • Simmer: Let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra heat, you can add more jalapeño or a dash of chili flakes.

  • Feel free to swap the vegetables based on what you have in your fridge—bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots work great!

  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce.

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (of 4 total)
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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