Irresistible Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Sweet and spicy chicken stir fry bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate like a culinary adventure.

Imagine a dish that blends tantalizing heat with delicate sweetness in perfect harmony.

Bold spices intermingle with tender chicken, creating a symphony of taste sensations that awaken your senses.

These carefully balanced ingredients promise a meal that transcends ordinary weeknight cooking.

Each bite delivers an unexpected explosion of complex flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Rich sauces coat succulent meat, promising a quick yet impressive dining experience.

You can want to gather ingredients and dive into this exciting recipe that reimagines simple components into an extraordinary meal.

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main component of the stir fry, best when boneless and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor and complements the chicken's mild taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning.

• Honey: Offers natural sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers a rich umami flavor and helps balance the sweet elements.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Introduces a spicy kick and additional complexity to the sauce.

• Cornstarch: Helps coat the chicken and thickens the sauce for a smooth texture.
• Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt: Provides a rich flavor base for cooking and adds a subtle buttery note.
• Sesame Oil: Imparts a distinctive nutty aroma and enhances the Asian-inspired flavor profile.

• Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Onion: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and nutritional value to the stir fry.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that boost the depth of flavor and provide a traditional stir fry taste.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Stir Fry with Sweet Heat

Step 1: Craft the Flavor Explosion

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Chili garlic sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce until smooth. Set the zesty sauce aside while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• Chicken pieces
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch

Sprinkle chicken with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Dust cornstarch over the seasoned chicken, tossing gently to create an even, crispy coating that will help seal in juices and create a golden exterior.

Step 3: Sizzle the Vegetables

• Zucchini
• Bell pepper
• Onion
• Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt

Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Melt the butter and toss in chopped vegetables. Stir fry until edges caramelize and vegetables become tender-crisp. Transfer to a separate plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

• Remaining butter
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Fresh ginger

Add remaining butter and sesame oil to the hot skillet. Slide in chicken pieces and cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown. Toss in minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to release their aromatic oils.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, allowing it to bubble and thicken. Return roasted vegetables to the skillet, tossing everything to ensure each piece gets coated in the delicious sauce. Heat until everything is warmed through and sauce reaches a glossy, clingy consistency.

Tips to Balance Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

• Maximize Flavor Coating: Ensure chicken is thoroughly coated with cornstarch for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in juices and creates a perfect texture.
• Vegetable Charring Technique: Use high heat and minimal stirring to achieve those delicious, slightly blackened edges on your vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Watch the sauce carefully while simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve the ideal thick, glossy coating that clings to chicken and vegetables.
• Aromatic Boost Trick: Add minced garlic and ginger at the very end of cooking to preserve their intense flavor and prevent burning, creating a vibrant and fragrant final dish.
• Temperature Management: Maintain medium-high heat throughout cooking to ensure quick, even cooking that seals in flavors and prevents soggy vegetables or overcooked chicken.

Reheating and Storage for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled stir fry to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in Skillet: Warm leftovers over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place stir fry in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Serving Ideas for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer complements the sweet and spicy flavors, balancing the heat with its slight sweetness and light acidity.
• Serve with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the rich sauce perfectly, providing a neutral base that allows the stir fry's bold flavors to shine.
• Add Cooling Cucumber Salad: A quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy chicken, creating a balanced meal experience.
• Finish with Fresh Citrus: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the dish right before serving to brighten the flavors and add a zesty punch that cuts through the richness of the stir fry.

Stir Fry Variations to Mix It Up

• Tropical Fusion Chicken: Replace chili garlic sauce with mango puree and add pineapple chunks for a sweet, tropical flavor profile that complements the chicken's savory notes.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap honey with lemon juice, introduce oregano and thyme, and include kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired stir fry with tangy herb undertones.
• Coconut Curry Remix: Incorporate coconut milk and mild curry powder into the sauce, adding sliced mushrooms and green onions for an aromatic, creamy Asian-inspired variation.
• Korean BBQ Style: Use gochujang instead of chili garlic sauce, include grated Korean pear in the marinade, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an authentic Korean barbecue experience.

FAQs for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

The recipe is easily adaptable. To make it spicier, add more chili garlic sauce or include red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the chili garlic sauce or use a sweet chili sauce instead.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The pieces should be golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check.

• Can I use different vegetables in this stir fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap zucchini, bell peppers, and onions with broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or any vegetables you prefer. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• What can I serve with this chicken stir fry?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own.

Why Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Is Always a Favorite

• Combines sweet honey with spicy chili garlic sauce for a tantalizing taste that dances between heat and sweetness, creating a mouthwatering balance that keeps you coming back for more.
• Delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, and protein-rich chicken, this stir fry offers a rainbow of nutrients and textures that make every bite exciting and wholesome.
• Uses simple stir-frying method that locks in flavors and creates perfectly charred vegetables and golden-brown chicken, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Sweet And Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling sweet and spicy chicken stir fry promises a flavor explosion of Asian-inspired delights. Zesty ginger, fiery chili, and caramelized sauce dance together, delivering a quick weeknight meal that satisfies hunger and craves excitement.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
• ½ cup chopped bell pepper
• ½ white onion, chopped

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (59 ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili garlic sauce
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) corn starch
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 g) Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter with Olive Oil and Sea Salt, divided
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) minced ginger
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whip up a vibrant sauce by blending honey, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce in a compact mixing vessel, ensuring thorough incorporation and setting it momentarily to the side.
2. Transform chicken pieces with a delicate sprinkle of salt, garlic powder, and freshly cracked black pepper, then dust with cornstarch, gently massaging to create an even, gossamer-like coating.
3. Ignite a large skillet or wok over robust medium-high flames, introducing spreadable butter with olive oil and sea salt to create a luxurious cooking surface.
4. Propel zucchini, bell peppers, and onions into the sizzling pan, executing a swift stir-fry technique until vegetables develop enticing char marks and reach a tender, crisp-edged perfection.
5. Extract the roasted vegetables, reserving them on a temporary holding plate while maintaining the skillet’s heated temperament.
6. Introduce additional butter and aromatic sesame oil to the pan, then cascade chicken pieces into the shimmering landscape, rotating and searing until each morsel achieves a golden, caramelized exterior.
7. Infuse the sizzling protein with minced garlic and ginger, allowing their pungent essence to permeate the chicken for a brief, intense moment.
8. Cascade the previously prepared sauce over the chicken, triggering an immediate boiling reaction, then reduce to a gentle simmer while occasionally stirring to encourage sauce thickening.
9. Reunite the reserved vegetables with the chicken, tossing gently to ensure comprehensive sauce coverage and uniform heating, creating a harmonious culinary composition.

Notes

• Cornstarch acts as a secret weapon, creating a crispy chicken exterior and helping the sauce cling perfectly to each piece.
• Stir-frying vegetables at high heat preserves their vibrant colors, crunch, and nutritional value while developing a delicious caramelized flavor.
• Using a combination of butter and sesame oil adds rich, nutty undertones that elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Chili garlic sauce brings both heat and depth, transforming an ordinary stir-fry into a restaurant-quality meal with just one ingredient.
• Letting the sauce simmer helps concentrate flavors and creates a glossy, luxurious coating that makes the chicken irresistibly appetizing.
• Prepping ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents burning or overcooking during the quick stir-fry technique.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg