Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry

Sizzling, aromatic, and bursting with heat, this Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal in minutes. The tender chicken pieces bathed in a savory-spicy sauce will transport your taste buds straight to your favorite Asian restaurant. This quick weeknight wonder combines fresh vegetables and juicy chicken with a perfect balance of heat that you can easily adjust to your preference. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with minimal effort and maximum flavor in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry will quickly become your go-to weeknight dinner for several compelling reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick—ready in just 30 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

The textural contrasts make each bite an adventure—crisp-tender vegetables maintain their vibrant colors and crunch while the chicken remains juicy inside with a slightly caramelized exterior. The sauce hits all the right notes: spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and utterly crave-worthy as it clings to each morsel.

What truly sets this spicy chicken stir fry apart is its versatility. You can easily customize the heat level to suit your family’s preferences, and it’s an excellent clean-out-the-fridge meal that works with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight.

Ingredients

For this Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium onion, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, julienned (about ½ cup)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2-3 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup water or chicken broth
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds for garnish

The cornstarch creates that perfect restaurant-style sauce thickness, while fresh ginger and garlic form the aromatic foundation that makes this chicken stir fry recipe truly exceptional.

Pro Tips

Get Your Prep Done First
The number one rule for any successful stir-fry chicken dish is to prepare everything before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, and there’s no time to chop vegetables once you’ve begun. Cut all proteins and vegetables to similar sizes to ensure even cooking, and mix your sauce ingredients in advance so they’re ready to pour in at the perfect moment.

High Heat Is Your Friend
For an authentic Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with those coveted caramelized edges, use high heat and a heavy-bottomed pan or wok. Heat your pan thoroughly before adding oil—it should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately. This technique creates that signature “wok hei” flavor that separates restaurant-quality stir-fries from homemade versions.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Cook in batches if necessary, especially for the chicken. Overcrowding causes the ingredients to steam rather than stir-fry, resulting in soggy vegetables and rubbery chicken. For the perfect spicy chicken stir fry, give each piece of food enough space to sear properly. A single layer with some space between items is ideal for developing those delicious browned bits that add depth of flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water or chicken broth until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This homemade stir-fry sauce is the flavor backbone of your Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry. Adjusting the sriracha now allows you to perfectly calibrate the heat level to your preference.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through. You want the chicken to be 90% done at this stage, as it will finish cooking later. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Throw in the onions and carrots first, stir-frying for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the bell peppers and broccoli, continuing to cook for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are bright and crisp-tender. Your kitchen should now be filled with amazing aromas that showcase why this spicy chicken stir fry is so irresistible!

Step 4: Add Aromatics
Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to this space, allowing them to sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick cooking prevents the garlic from burning while releasing its essential flavors into your Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry.

Step 5: Combine and Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan with any accumulated juices. Give the sauce mixture a final whisk (the cornstarch tends to settle) and pour it over everything in the pan. Toss continuously as the sauce bubbles and thickens, usually taking about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon and has a glossy appearance.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve your Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles while it’s still hot and at its peak flavor. This ensures you get that perfect combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and clingy, spicy-sweet sauce in every bite.

Variations

Vegetable Swap
This Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry welcomes whatever vegetables you have on hand. Snow peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn all work beautifully in this recipe. For a greener version, try adding spinach or bok choy during the last minute of cooking. This flexibility makes the chicken stir fry recipe perfect for using up produce before it spoils.

Protein Alternatives
While chicken creates a classic stir-fry, you can easily substitute thinly sliced beef (such as flank or sirloin) for a spicy beef stir-fry variation. For a pescatarian option, large shrimp work wonderfully and cook even faster than chicken. If you’re looking for a plant-based version, extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, creates a delicious spicy tofu stir-fry that absorbs all those wonderful flavors.

Heat Adjustments
If you’re cooking for mixed heat preferences, consider making a milder base and providing additional sriracha, sliced fresh chilies, or chili oil on the side. For those who love extreme heat, add 1-2 dried Thai chilies or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the oil before cooking to infuse the entire dish with a deeper spiciness.

Storage and Serving

This Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually intensify overnight, creating an even more delicious lunch the next day. For reheating, a quick minute or two in the microwave works well, though you can also rejuvenate it in a hot skillet with a splash of water to recreate that fresh-cooked texture.

For serving, steamed jasmine rice provides the perfect neutral base to soak up the spicy sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed edamame. To create a complete Asian-inspired feast, pair your spicy chicken stir fry with simple sides like a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar or some store-bought vegetable spring rolls.

For a stunning presentation, serve your stir-fry in a large shallow bowl, garnish with extra green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a few sprigs of fresh cilantro. This vibrant display will make your weeknight dinner feel like a special restaurant experience.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the components—slice the chicken, chop the vegetables, and mix the sauce—up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then stir-fry just before serving for the freshest results.

How do I prevent my chicken from becoming tough and dry?
The key is to avoid overcooking. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces, cook it quickly over high heat, and remove it from the pan once it’s just cooked through. It will finish cooking when added back with the sauce.

What’s the best pan to use if I don’t have a wok?
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan works perfectly. Cast iron is excellent because it retains heat well, creating that restaurant-style sear on both the chicken and vegetables.

Can I reduce the spiciness without sacrificing flavor?
Absolutely! Start with just 1 teaspoon of sriracha and add more to taste. You can also substitute sweet chili sauce for a milder heat that still provides great flavor to your chicken stir fry.

Why is my sauce too thin or too thick?
For a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this slurry into the bubbling sauce until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Easy Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry is comfort food at its finest — quick, customizable, and packed with bold flavors that dance across your palate. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknights into something special, proving that impressive meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family with varied spice preferences or meal prepping for a busy week ahead, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. So grab your wok or skillet and enjoy the satisfaction of creating this vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the excitement of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table.

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