Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 500 g chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced into strips; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced into rounds; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 inch fresh ginger, finely grated; 2 green onions sliced (for garnish); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish); to taste salt; to taste freshly ground black pepper

by Isabella on December 9, 2024

Looking for a quick, tasty dinner? Try my Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry. This dish is packed with flavor and takes just 30 minutes to make. Whether you’re busy after work or need a fun family meal, this stir-fry hits the spot. I’ll guide you through simple steps, helpful tips, and delicious variations. Let’s dive into making your new favorite weeknight meal that everyone will love!

$For the chicken, use 500g of chicken breast, sliced thin. This helps it cook fast. Mix it in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Add salt and black pepper to taste. This marinade makes the chicken tasty. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to soak in those flavors. You need fresh veggies for this stir-fry. Grab 1 bell pepper, either red or yellow, and slice it into strips. Next, take 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1 medium carrot, sliced into rounds. These add color and crunch to your meal. Don't forget 2 minced garlic cloves and 1-inch piece of grated ginger. These will give your dish a nice kick. To finish, you’ll need 2 green onions, sliced for garnish, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. These add a nice touch and extra flavor. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed. This will tie everything together and make your dish pop! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by slicing 500g of chicken breast into thin pieces. This helps it cook faster and soak up flavors. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to coat the chicken. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This marinating step makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shines. Then, add the marinated chicken to the hot pan. Spread it out in a single layer. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. In the same pan, you can add a little more sesame oil if needed. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1-inch piece of grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, toss in 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 sliced carrot. Stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the veggies to stay vibrant and a bit crunchy. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Mix everything well and stir-fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you like. Serve hot, and enjoy your sweet chili chicken stir-fry! To make the chicken taste great, marinate it well. Use two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce. Add one tablespoon of soy sauce for saltiness. Season with salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the flavors soak in. For more flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice. When cooking chicken, heat your pan well. Use sesame oil for a nutty taste. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook it for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until it is golden brown. Check that the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F) for safety. This method ensures juicy and tender chicken. Prep your veggies before cooking. Slice the bell pepper and carrot into even strips. Cut broccoli into small florets for quick cooking. Sauté garlic and ginger in the hot oil first. This step adds a lovely aroma. Then, add the veggies. Stir-fry them for 4-5 minutes. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. Bright colors make the dish appealing. Enjoy your flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even up to an hour, to fully absorb the flavors of the sweet chili and soy sauce. Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat is essential for achieving that perfect stir-fry texture. It helps to quickly sear the chicken and vegetables, locking in moisture and flavor. Prep Your Ingredients: To ensure a smooth cooking process, prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. This includes slicing the chicken and vegetables, and measuring out sauces. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh green onions and sesame seeds add both visual appeal and a delightful crunch to your stir-fry. {{image_4}} You can mix things up with easy ingredient swaps. If you don't have sweet chili sauce, try using honey or a mix of soy sauce and sugar. For sesame oil, olive oil works well too. If you can't find bell peppers, use zucchini or snap peas instead. They add crunch and color. You can also use frozen veggies if fresh ones aren't handy. Just be sure to thaw them first! While chicken is great, you can use other proteins. Thinly sliced beef or pork can work well. Tofu is a fantastic choice for a vegetarian option. For shrimp lovers, shrimp adds a nice twist to this dish. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. Ensure everything cooks through for the best flavor. Want to boost the flavor? Add a splash of lime juice for brightness. A pinch of crushed red pepper adds heat if you like it spicy. Trying different herbs can also change the taste. Fresh basil or cilantro can give a nice fresh note. Adding nuts like cashews or peanuts will provide crunch and richness. Experiment and find the mix you love best! After you finish your meal, let any leftovers cool down. Place the chicken stir-fry in an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To keep it tasty, try to store the stir-fry with the sauce. This helps keep the chicken and veggies moist. When you want to eat the leftovers, you have a few options. You can use the microwave for a quick meal. Place the stir-fry in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also use a pan on the stove. Heat a little sesame oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the stir-fry and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. This will help keep the flavors fresh. If you want to save your stir-fry for later, freezing is a great option. Let the stir-fry cool completely before packing it. Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Try to remove as much air as you can. The stir-fry can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. Then, reheat it using the methods above. Sweet chili sauce is a thick, tangy sauce made from chili peppers, sugar, and vinegar. It has a sweet and mild heat. Many people use it as a dip or marinade. In this recipe, it adds a lovely flavor to the chicken. You can find it in most grocery stores. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. This helps save time on busy nights. Just cook everything when you’re ready to eat. It stays fresh and tasty. Sweet chili chicken stir-fry goes great with several sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed jasmine rice - Fried rice - Noodles - Quinoa salad - Simple green salad These sides balance the dish’s flavors well. They also add a nice touch to your meal. In this article, we explored the key ingredients, like chicken, veggies, and seasonings. I detailed step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking your dish. We also shared tips to improve your stir-fry and suggested variations to keep meals exciting. Remember to store leftovers safely and reheat them properly. By using these methods, you will create a tasty Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry that everyone will love. Enjoy cooking and experimenting in your kitchen!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavorful Harmony: The combination of sweet chili sauce and soy sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will please anyone at the dinner table.
Colorful Veggies: With bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, this stir-fry is not only tasty but also visually appealing, adding a burst of color to your plate.
Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable; you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or protein to make it your own!

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

For the chicken, use 500g of chicken breast, sliced thin. This helps it cook fast. Mix it in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Add salt and black pepper to taste. This marinade makes the chicken tasty. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to soak in those flavors.

Vegetables

You need fresh veggies for this stir-fry. Grab 1 bell pepper, either red or yellow, and slice it into strips. Next, take 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1 medium carrot, sliced into rounds. These add color and crunch to your meal. Don’t forget 2 minced garlic cloves and 1-inch piece of grated ginger. These will give your dish a nice kick.

Garnishes and Seasonings

To finish, you’ll need 2 green onions, sliced for garnish, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. These add a nice touch and extra flavor. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed. This will tie everything together and make your dish pop!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

Start by slicing 500g of chicken breast into thin pieces. This helps it cook faster and soak up flavors. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to coat the chicken. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This marinating step makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shines. Then, add the marinated chicken to the hot pan. Spread it out in a single layer. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

In the same pan, you can add a little more sesame oil if needed. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1-inch piece of grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, toss in 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 sliced carrot. Stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the veggies to stay vibrant and a bit crunchy. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Mix everything well and stir-fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you like. Serve hot, and enjoy your sweet chili chicken stir-fry!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Marinade

To make the chicken taste great, marinate it well. Use two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce. Add one tablespoon of soy sauce for saltiness. Season with salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the flavors soak in. For more flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice.

Cooking Techniques for Chicken

When cooking chicken, heat your pan well. Use sesame oil for a nutty taste. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook it for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until it is golden brown. Check that the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F) for safety. This method ensures juicy and tender chicken.

Vegetable Preparation and Cooking

Prep your veggies before cooking. Slice the bell pepper and carrot into even strips. Cut broccoli into small florets for quick cooking. Sauté garlic and ginger in the hot oil first. This step adds a lovely aroma. Then, add the veggies. Stir-fry them for 4-5 minutes. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy. Bright colors make the dish appealing. Enjoy your flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry!

Pro Tips

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even up to an hour, to fully absorb the flavors of the sweet chili and soy sauce.
Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat is essential for achieving that perfect stir-fry texture. It helps to quickly sear the chicken and vegetables, locking in moisture and flavor.
Prep Your Ingredients: To ensure a smooth cooking process, prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. This includes slicing the chicken and vegetables, and measuring out sauces.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh green onions and sesame seeds add both visual appeal and a delightful crunch to your stir-fry.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can mix things up with easy ingredient swaps. If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, try using honey or a mix of soy sauce and sugar. For sesame oil, olive oil works well too. If you can’t find bell peppers, use zucchini or snap peas instead. They add crunch and color. You can also use frozen veggies if fresh ones aren’t handy. Just be sure to thaw them first!

Different Proteins to Use

While chicken is great, you can use other proteins. Thinly sliced beef or pork can work well. Tofu is a fantastic choice for a vegetarian option. For shrimp lovers, shrimp adds a nice twist to this dish. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. Ensure everything cooks through for the best flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to boost the flavor? Add a splash of lime juice for brightness. A pinch of crushed red pepper adds heat if you like it spicy. Trying different herbs can also change the taste. Fresh basil or cilantro can give a nice fresh note. Adding nuts like cashews or peanuts will provide crunch and richness. Experiment and find the mix you love best!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After you finish your meal, let any leftovers cool down. Place the chicken stir-fry in an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To keep it tasty, try to store the stir-fry with the sauce. This helps keep the chicken and veggies moist.

Reheating Instructions

When you want to eat the leftovers, you have a few options. You can use the microwave for a quick meal. Place the stir-fry in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also use a pan on the stove. Heat a little sesame oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the stir-fry and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. This will help keep the flavors fresh.

Freezing Guidelines

If you want to save your stir-fry for later, freezing is a great option. Let the stir-fry cool completely before packing it. Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Try to remove as much air as you can. The stir-fry can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. Then, reheat it using the methods above.

FAQs

What is Sweet Chili Sauce?

Sweet chili sauce is a thick, tangy sauce made from chili peppers, sugar, and vinegar. It has a sweet and mild heat. Many people use it as a dip or marinade. In this recipe, it adds a lovely flavor to the chicken. You can find it in most grocery stores.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. This helps save time on busy nights. Just cook everything when you’re ready to eat. It stays fresh and tasty.

What sides pair well with Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry?

Sweet chili chicken stir-fry goes great with several sides. Here are some ideas:

– Steamed jasmine rice

– Fried rice

– Noodles

– Quinoa salad

– Simple green salad

These sides balance the dish’s flavors well. They also add a nice touch to your meal.

In this article, we explored the key ingredients, like chicken, veggies, and seasonings. I detailed step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking your dish. We also shared tips to improve your stir-fry and suggested variations to keep meals exciting. Remember to store leftovers safely and reheat them properly. By using these methods, you will create a tasty Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry that everyone will love. Enjoy cooking and experimenting in your kitche

Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry Delight

A flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast, vibrant vegetables, and a sweet chili sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Ingredients

500 g chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced into strips
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced into rounds
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 inch fresh ginger, finely grated
2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast with the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and allow it to marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan, spreading it out in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Without cleaning the pan, if necessary, add a dash more sesame oil to ensure a good coating. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously, until the mixture is fragrant but not burnt.
Incorporate the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and carrot rounds into the pan. Stir-fry for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are vibrant and slightly tender-crisp, maintaining their color and crunch.
Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing well with the vegetable medley. Stir-fry together for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired.
Serve the stir-fry hot in bowls, garnished with freshly sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

For an extra pop of color, serve the stir-fry over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Keyword chicken, quick meal, stir fry, sweet chili