Are you ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary adventure? This Sweet Spicy Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry is not just a meal—it's a tantalizing journey of flavors that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in just 30 minutes. Imagine tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a mouthwatering sauce that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving an Asian-inspired dish that packs a punch, this recipe is your ultimate game-changer!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (snap peas, bell peppers, carrots)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes. Dice mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas) into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create the stir-fry sauce. Set aside.
- Heat a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of neutral cooking oil and allow it to become hot and shimmering.
- Add cubed chicken to the hot pan, spreading pieces evenly. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Add mixed vegetables to the chicken, stir-frying for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and retain their vibrant colors.
- Pour prepared sauce over chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat completely. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnishing with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Prep is Key: Cut all ingredients to uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and professional-looking results.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a wok or wide skillet and keep the heat high to achieve that perfect sear and prevent soggy vegetables.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high temperature and get a beautiful golden brown color on your chicken.
- Sauce Timing Matters: Add your sauce towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and to let it caramelize slightly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a minute after cooking to let flavors meld and sauce thicken.
- Optional Enhancements: Garnish with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flair.
- Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh, so have your rice ready and serve right away!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
