Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry Flavorful and Easy Meal

Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 1 bell pepper sliced (red or yellow); 1 cup snap peas, trimmed; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 3 pieces green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 quarter cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; to taste salt and pepper; for garnish fresh cilantro

October 29, 2025July 28, 2025 by Emma

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry is your answer! This dish combines juicy chicken with vibrant veggies, all in a sweet and spicy sauce. You can make it in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps, tips, and cook time advice. You’ll love how simple and delicious dinner can be! Ready to start cooking? Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This stir fry can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Packed: The combination of sweet chili sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile.
Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste preferences.
Healthy and Colorful: With vibrant veggies and lean chicken, this dish is as nutritious as it is visually appealing.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

To make sweet chili chicken stir fry, you need some key items. Here’s what to gather:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

– 2 tablespoons cornstarch

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced

– 1 cup snap peas, trimmed

– 1 medium carrot, julienned

– 3 green onions, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Spice and Seasoning Options

You can add more flavor to your stir fry. Here are some great options:

– Red pepper flakes for heat

– Black pepper for a bit of spice

– A dash of garlic powder for extra flavor

– Fresh herbs like basil or mint for freshness

Suggested Garnishes

Garnishes make your dish look and taste better. Here are some ideas:

– Fresh cilantro for a bright touch

– Extra chopped green onions for added crunch

– Sesame seeds for a nutty flavor

– Thin lime wedges for a zesty kick

Gather these ingredients and garnishes, and you’ll be ready to create a fantastic sweet chili chicken stir fry!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken

First, slice 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. Next, put the chicken strips in a bowl. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly. This step makes the chicken crispy when you cook it.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir the chicken occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Look for a golden color to know it’s ready. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Stir-Frying Vegetables and Combining Flavors

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger. Sauté these for about 30 seconds until you smell their great aroma. Next, toss in 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 cup of trimmed snap peas, and 1 julienned medium carrot. Stir-fry these veggies for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp.

Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir everything well for about 2 minutes until heated through. Season your stir fry with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add chopped green onions and toss everything together briefly. Your meal is almost ready to serve!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Crispy Chicken

To get crispy chicken, start by coating the strips in cornstarch. This makes a nice crust. Make sure the chicken is dry before coating. Heat your oil until it’s hot, but not smoking. Cook the chicken in a single layer. This helps it brown evenly. Avoid crowding the pan. If you have too much chicken, cook it in batches.

Best Practices for Stir-Frying

Stir-frying is quick and fun. Use a large skillet or wok for best results. Heat the oil before adding your ingredients. This keeps the food from sticking. Keep your veggies crunchy by cooking them for just a few minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. Add sauces towards the end for the best flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Quick Meals

Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Slice the chicken and veggies before you start cooking. You can also use pre-cut vegetables to save time. Another trick is to cook rice or quinoa in advance. This way, your meal comes together quickly. Keep your pantry stocked with sauces. This makes it easy to whip up tasty meals anytime!

Pro Tips

Coat for Crispiness: Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before cooking creates a delightful crispy texture that enhances the overall dish.
High Heat is Key: Cooking on medium-high heat helps to sear the chicken quickly, locking in moisture and flavor while ensuring it cooks evenly.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh vegetables, like snap peas and bell peppers, not only adds vibrant color but also maximizes flavor and nutritional value.
Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness by tasting and tweaking the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce to suit your preference.

Variations

Vegetarian or Vegan Options

You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Instead of chicken, use firm tofu. Cut it into strips and coat it with cornstarch, just like the chicken. This gives it a nice crispy texture. For the sauce, check that your sweet chili sauce is vegan. Many brands are, but it’s good to read labels. You can also add extra veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for more flavor.

Different Protein Alternatives

Want to switch up the protein? You can use shrimp, beef, or pork. Just slice them thin, like the chicken. Each protein cooks a bit differently. Shrimp cooks fast, usually in just a few minutes. Beef and pork may need a little longer. Remember to adjust cooking time to ensure everything is cooked through.

Add-Ons and Extra Veggies

Feel free to get creative with your stir-fry! Add more veggies for color and crunch. Snow peas, zucchini, or bok choy work well. You can also toss in nuts like cashews or peanuts for a nice crunch. For a spicy kick, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to your stir-fry. Mixing different flavors and textures makes each bite special. Enjoy the fun of making this meal your own!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent odd flavors.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, use a skillet or a microwave. If using a skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. If using a microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze this stir fry, but it’s best to do so before adding the sauce. After cooking the chicken and veggies, let them cool. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

FAQs

What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, try making a quick mix. Combine honey, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar. Use equal parts of each for a similar flavor. You can also use sriracha mixed with honey for a spicy kick. This mix gives you sweetness and heat, just like sweet chili sauce.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cut the chicken and veggies and store them in separate containers. The sweet chili sauce can also be mixed and stored. Keep everything in the fridge for up to a day. Just remember to cook them fresh when you are ready. This way, you save time and still enjoy a tasty meal.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, include sliced red chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use more sriracha in your sweet chili sauce mix. Another option is to add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Just adjust the spice level to what you like best. Enjoy the extra kick!

This post covered all you need for a tasty meal. We talked about the main ingredients, spices, and garnishes. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, cook, and combine flavors. I shared tips on making crispy chicken and time-saving tricks. Plus, we explored variations like vegan options and add-ons. Don’t forget how to store leftovers properly. With this guide, you can make delicious dishes anytime. Enjoy your cooking adventure and get creative in the kitche

$To make sweet chili chicken stir fry, you need some key items. Here’s what to gather: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 1 medium carrot, julienned - 3 green onions, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste You can add more flavor to your stir fry. Here are some great options: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Black pepper for a bit of spice - A dash of garlic powder for extra flavor - Fresh herbs like basil or mint for freshness Garnishes make your dish look and taste better. Here are some ideas: - Fresh cilantro for a bright touch - Extra chopped green onions for added crunch - Sesame seeds for a nutty flavor - Thin lime wedges for a zesty kick Gather these ingredients and garnishes, and you’ll be ready to create a fantastic sweet chili chicken stir fry! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, slice 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. Next, put the chicken strips in a bowl. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly. This step makes the chicken crispy when you cook it. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir the chicken occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Look for a golden color to know it’s ready. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger. Sauté these for about 30 seconds until you smell their great aroma. Next, toss in 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 cup of trimmed snap peas, and 1 julienned medium carrot. Stir-fry these veggies for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir everything well for about 2 minutes until heated through. Season your stir fry with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add chopped green onions and toss everything together briefly. Your meal is almost ready to serve! To get crispy chicken, start by coating the strips in cornstarch. This makes a nice crust. Make sure the chicken is dry before coating. Heat your oil until it's hot, but not smoking. Cook the chicken in a single layer. This helps it brown evenly. Avoid crowding the pan. If you have too much chicken, cook it in batches. Stir-frying is quick and fun. Use a large skillet or wok for best results. Heat the oil before adding your ingredients. This keeps the food from sticking. Keep your veggies crunchy by cooking them for just a few minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. Add sauces towards the end for the best flavor. Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Slice the chicken and veggies before you start cooking. You can also use pre-cut vegetables to save time. Another trick is to cook rice or quinoa in advance. This way, your meal comes together quickly. Keep your pantry stocked with sauces. This makes it easy to whip up tasty meals anytime! Pro Tips Coat for Crispiness: Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before cooking creates a delightful crispy texture that enhances the overall dish. High Heat is Key: Cooking on medium-high heat helps to sear the chicken quickly, locking in moisture and flavor while ensuring it cooks evenly. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh vegetables, like snap peas and bell peppers, not only adds vibrant color but also maximizes flavor and nutritional value. Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness by tasting and tweaking the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce to suit your preference. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Instead of chicken, use firm tofu. Cut it into strips and coat it with cornstarch, just like the chicken. This gives it a nice crispy texture. For the sauce, check that your sweet chili sauce is vegan. Many brands are, but it's good to read labels. You can also add extra veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for more flavor. Want to switch up the protein? You can use shrimp, beef, or pork. Just slice them thin, like the chicken. Each protein cooks a bit differently. Shrimp cooks fast, usually in just a few minutes. Beef and pork may need a little longer. Remember to adjust cooking time to ensure everything is cooked through. Feel free to get creative with your stir-fry! Add more veggies for color and crunch. Snow peas, zucchini, or bok choy work well. You can also toss in nuts like cashews or peanuts for a nice crunch. For a spicy kick, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to your stir-fry. Mixing different flavors and textures makes each bite special. Enjoy the fun of making this meal your own! Store any leftover Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent odd flavors. To reheat, use a skillet or a microwave. If using a skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. If using a microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. You can freeze this stir fry, but it’s best to do so before adding the sauce. After cooking the chicken and veggies, let them cool. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. If you don't have sweet chili sauce, try making a quick mix. Combine honey, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar. Use equal parts of each for a similar flavor. You can also use sriracha mixed with honey for a spicy kick. This mix gives you sweetness and heat, just like sweet chili sauce. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cut the chicken and veggies and store them in separate containers. The sweet chili sauce can also be mixed and stored. Keep everything in the fridge for up to a day. Just remember to cook them fresh when you are ready. This way, you save time and still enjoy a tasty meal. To add more heat, include sliced red chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use more sriracha in your sweet chili sauce mix. Another option is to add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Just adjust the spice level to what you like best. Enjoy the extra kick! This post covered all you need for a tasty meal. We talked about the main ingredients, spices, and garnishes. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, cook, and combine flavors. I shared tips on making crispy chicken and time-saving tricks. Plus, we explored variations like vegan options and add-ons. Don't forget how to store leftovers properly. With this guide, you can make delicious dishes anytime. Enjoy your cooking adventure and get creative in the kitchen!$