Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry
chickenDinner

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

There’s something magical about a dish that balances sweetness, heat, and umami in one sizzling pan. This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry is my go-to when I crave something bold, quick, and packed with texture. The first time I made it, the aroma of garlic and chili sauce filled my kitchen, and my husband—who usually avoids anything “too spicy”—ended up going back for seconds (and thirds!). Now, it’s a weekly staple in our house, perfect for busy nights when we want a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.

The secret? A sticky, glossy sauce that clings to tender chicken and crisp-tender veggies, with just the right kick to keep things exciting. Every bite is a harmony of flavors—savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, caramelized brown sugar, and a fiery hint of garlic chili sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
✅ Bold, Balanced Flavors – Sweet, spicy, and savory all in one irresistible dish.
✅ Versatile – Swap veggies or protein based on what you have on hand.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – Even picky eaters (and spice skeptics!) adore this stir-fry.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Tastes just as delicious reheated the next day.

The Unexpected Fan

My mother-in-law, a self-proclaimed “mild food only” person, surprised me when she tried this stir-fry. After one tentative bite, her eyes lit up. “Okay, this has just enough heat,” she admitted, reaching for another serving. The sweetness tempers the spice beautifully, making it approachable for all palates.

What Makes It Special

✨ Garlic Chili Sauce – The star of the show, adding a slow-building heat that lingers.
✨ Brown Sugar & Ketchup – Creates a sticky, caramelized glaze that coats every piece.
✨ Fresh Veggies – Crisp bell peppers and snap peas add color and crunch.
✨ Cornstarch-Coated Chicken – Locks in juiciness while helping the sauce cling perfectly.

Making It Happen

Let’s get cooking! Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized strips and tossing them with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This little trick ensures each piece stays tender and gets beautifully crisp in the pan.

While the chicken rests, whisk together the sauce—soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili sauce, and ketchup. The mix will smell sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice that promises big flavor.

Heat your skillet or wok until it’s screaming hot—this is key for that perfect sear. Cook the chicken in batches so it browns nicely instead of steaming. Once golden, set it aside and toss in the onions and peppers. Let them soften just slightly before adding snap peas and garlic (just a minute—we want them crisp!).

Now, the magic moment: return the chicken to the pan and pour in that glossy sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens into a sticky, irresistible coating.

You Must Know

🔥 Control the Heat – Start with 1 tbsp chili sauce, then add more if you like it spicier.
🍗 Don’t Crowd the Pan – Cooking chicken in batches ensures a golden crust.
🥢 High Heat = Best Results – A ripping-hot pan prevents soggy stir-fry.
🌶 Fresh Garlic is Key – Minced garlic adds depth you can’t get from powder.

Serving Ideas

🍚 Over Steamed Rice – Jasmine or basmati work beautifully.
🥢 With Noodles – Toss with lo mein or udon for a heartier meal.
🥗 Side Suggestion – A simple cucumber salad balances the heat.
🍹 Drink Pairing – Iced jasmine tea or a crisp lager.

Make It Different

🌱 Vegetarian – Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
🍯 Less Spice – Use hoisin sauce instead of chili garlic sauce.
🍍 Tropical Twist – Add pineapple chunks for sweetness.
🥦 Extra Veggies – Toss in broccoli or carrots.

Storage & Reheating Tips

❄️ Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat – Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
⏳ Meal Prep – Cook the chicken and chop veggies ahead, then stir-fry fresh when ready.

Success Tips

✔ Prep Everything First – Stir-fry moves fast, so have ingredients ready.
✔ Use a Wok if Possible – The high sides help with tossing.
✔ Taste & Adjust – Need more sweetness? Add a pinch of sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work—just don’t overcook them.

Q: Is there a substitute for garlic chili sauce?
A: Sriracha or sambal oelek will work in a pinch.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Q: How do I prevent soggy veggies?
A: Cook them quickly on high heat—they should stay crisp-tender.

Q: Can I freeze this stir-fry?
A: The sauce may separate, but it’s doable—thaw and reheat gently.

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Category: Dinner
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken & Coating

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 3 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

Sauce

  • 6 tbsp soy sauce

  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

  • 2-3 tbsp garlic chili sauce (adjust for heat)

  • 3 tbsp ketchup

Stir-Fry

  • 3 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)

  • 1 small onion, sliced

  • 1 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1½ cups sugar snap peas

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Chicken: Toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

  2. Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, chili sauce, and ketchup. Set aside.

  3. Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a wok/skillet over high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden (5-6 mins per batch). Remove and set aside.

  4. Stir-Fry Veggies: In the same pan, add onions and peppers. Cook 2-3 mins, then add snap peas and garlic. Cook 1 more minute.

  5. Combine: Return chicken to pan, pour sauce over, and stir until everything is coated. Simmer 1-2 mins until sauce thickens.

  6. Serve: Garnish with green onions and enjoy over rice!

Notes

  • Heat Adjustment: Start with 1 tbsp chili sauce if sensitive to spice.

  • Veggie Swap: Snow peas or broccoli work great too.

There you have it—a Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite! Let me know how yours turns out in the comments

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Laura J. Boss

Meet Laura J. Boss, a passionate blogger and cooking enthusiast who loves to experiment with different recipes and cuisines from around the world. Born and raised in a small town, I grew up watching my mother cook and developed a keen interest in the art of cooking from an early age. After completing my education, I decided to pursue my passion for cooking and started my own food blog. My blog features a wide range of recipes, from traditional family favorites to fusion dishes that I have created myself. My blog has gained a huge following, with many of my readers trying out my recipes and sharing their own cooking experiences. When I am not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, I enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures. I believe that food is an important part of every culture, and love to learn about new ingredients and cooking techniques from around the world. Through my blog, I aim to inspire and encourage others to cook and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. I believe that cooking is not just about making delicious meals, but also about sharing love and creating memories with family and friends. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, my blog has something for everyone. So why not give my recipes a try and discover the joy of cooking for yourself?