Chilli chicken stir-fry

Chilli chicken stir-fry combines tender chicken thighs, vibrant vegetables, and fresh chilies in a quick, flavour-packed dish. This easy recipe offers a delightful mix of spicy and savory tastes, perfect for weeknight dinners.

03 Dec 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
4 chicken thighs
1 onion
1 red pepper
1 cup green beans
2 red hot chili peppers
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp tomato sauce
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tsp brown sugar

Chilli chicken stir-fry is a delicious and quick meal that brings together the spicy and savory flavors of succulent chicken thighs, fresh veggies, and vibrant chilies. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, and it's sure to satisfy your taste buds with its delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the onion and red bell pepper into thin strips.
- Trim the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the red hot chili peppers.

2. Heat Oil:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Cook Chicken:
- Add the diced chicken thighs to the skillet. Stir-fry until the chicken begins to turn golden brown and is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, green beans, and chopped red hot chili peppers. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crunch.

5. Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together.

6. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.

7. Add Sauce:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.

8. Serve:
- Once everything is well-coated and heated through, remove from heat. Serve your Chilli Chicken Stir-Fry hot, over rice or noodles if desired.

Chilli chicken stir-fry is a fantastic dish that combines protein, vegetables, and bold flavors into one satisfying meal. With these tips and a little preparation, you can create a truly delicious stir-fry that you'll want to make again and again. Enjoy your cooking experience and dig into this spicy, savory delight!

Chilli chicken stir-fry FAQ:

What is the recommended cooking time for the chicken in this stir-fry?

Cook the diced chicken thighs in the skillet for about 6-8 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.

Can I use different vegetables in the stir-fry?

Yes, you can substitute with other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas based on your preferences. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

How should I store leftovers of the Chilli Chicken Stir-Fry?

Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What can I substitute for chicken thighs in this recipe?

You can use chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts may cook slightly faster.

What kind of pan is best for stir-frying this dish?

A large skillet or a wok is best for stir-frying, as it allows for even heat distribution and sufficient space for stirring the ingredients.

Tips:

- Prepare all your ingredients ahead of time: chop the onion, red pepper, and green beans, and get your sauces and spices measured out. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.

- Use a high smoke point oil like olive oil to ensure that you can cook the chicken and vegetables at high temperatures without burning the oil.

- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

- Make sure the pan is hot before you add the chicken; this will help to achieve a nice sear and lock in the juices.

- Adjust the number of red hot chili peppers based on your preference for spice. You can remove the seeds to reduce the heat.

- Stir frequently but not constantly. This will allow the chicken and vegetables to get a good sear without steaming.

- Taste as you go. If you find the sauce too tangy, you can add a little more brown sugar or soy sauce to balance it out.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 280kcal
Protein 20g
Carbohydrates 13g
Fiber 3.15g
Sugar 8g
Fat 20g

Chilli chicken stir-fry