If you love bold flavors, tender chicken, and a little heat, this Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken is about to become a regular in your meal rotation! Juicy, pan-seared chicken is tossed with sautéed bell peppers and coated in a rich, slightly spicy sauce that’s both savory and just the right amount of fiery.

This dish is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh, colorful ingredients. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a healthier twist. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner!

Let’s dive in!

Description

Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken is a quick and easy stir-fry featuring tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a bold, spicy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen!

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra tenderness)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for flavor)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey (balances the spice)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tsp sesame oil (for richness)
• ½ cup chicken broth (adds flavor)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
• Let it sit while you prep the vegetables and sauce (about 10 minutes).

Step 2: Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chicken broth, and cornstarch.
• Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Peppers and Aromatics

• Add another 1 tbsp oil to the pan.
• Toss in the bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
• Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Everything

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
• Pour in the sauce and stir everything together.
• Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and veggies.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Notes

• Want it spicier? Add extra sriracha, red pepper flakes, or even a chopped chili pepper!
• Prefer a milder version? Reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes.
• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Boost the protein by adding cashews, tofu, or shrimp for a fun twist!

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board and knife
• Small mixing bowl (for sauce)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken is how easy it is to customize! Whether you’re looking for a protein swap, want to adjust the spice level, or need a low-carb option, here are some great ways to make this dish your own.

Substitutions

1. Protein Swaps

Not a fan of chicken? No problem! Here are some great alternatives:

• Chicken Thighs – Juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast.
• Shrimp – Cooks quickly and pairs well with the spicy sauce.
• Tofu – A fantastic plant-based option. Use firm tofu, press out excess moisture, and pan-fry until golden before adding it to the dish.
• Beef Strips – Thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin makes for a delicious alternative.
• Pork – Use thinly sliced pork tenderloin for a different but equally tasty experience.

2. Vegetable Substitutions

Bell peppers are the star of the show, but you can mix in or swap other veggies:

• Broccoli – Adds a hearty, slightly crunchy texture.
• Snap Peas or Snow Peas – A great way to add freshness and crunch.
• Carrots – Thinly sliced carrots bring a touch of sweetness.
• Mushrooms – Give the dish a rich umami depth.
• Zucchini – A mild, tender veggie that absorbs the sauce beautifully.

3. Sauce Adjustments

The sauce is what brings this dish to life! You can tweak it to match your taste preferences:

• Milder Version – Reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes. You can also add a little extra honey to balance the heat.
• Spicier Version – Add an extra teaspoon of sriracha, a chopped Thai chili, or a drizzle of chili oil.
• Sweet and Spicy – Increase the honey slightly or swap it for brown sugar for a caramelized flavor.
• Garlic Butter Style – Instead of sesame oil, finish the dish with a pat of garlic butter for a richer taste.

4. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Modifications

If you’re cutting back on carbs, here’s how to make this dish work for you:

• Swap regular soy sauce for coconut aminos (lower in sodium and carbs).
• Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
• Serve over zucchini noodles or shredded cabbage for a healthy, low-carb alternative.
• Skip the cornstarch or use xanthan gum to thicken the sauce.

5. Gluten-Free Adjustments

This dish can easily be made gluten-free:

• Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
• Check your oyster sauce—some brands contain gluten. Use a gluten-free alternative or substitute with extra tamari and a little fish sauce.
• Skip the cornstarch or use arrowroot powder as a thickener.

Fun Variations

1. Cashew or Peanut Bell Pepper Chicken

• Toss in roasted cashews or peanuts for a nutty crunch.
• You can also drizzle in a little peanut butter for a creamy twist.

2. Teriyaki-Style Bell Pepper Chicken

• Swap out the spicy sauce for teriyaki sauce.
• Add pineapple chunks for a sweet, tropical flavor.

3. Orange Bell Pepper Chicken

• Replace sriracha with orange juice and zest for a citrusy, tangy flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of hoisin sauce for extra depth.

4. Honey Garlic Bell Pepper Chicken

• Reduce the spice and focus on honey and garlic for a sweet-savory profile.
• Serve over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa.

5. Baked Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken

• Instead of stir-frying, marinate whole chicken breasts in the sauce for 30 minutes.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, then slice and serve with bell peppers and sauce.

Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken recipe is that you can tweak it to match your cravings and dietary needs. Whether you go spicier, sweeter, crunchier, or low-carb, it’s all about making it YOUR perfect dish.

Storage Instructions

This Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly so you can enjoy every bite.

Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)

How long does it last?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

How to keep it fresh?

• Let the dish cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the veggies soggy.
• Keep it separate from rice or noodles if you plan to store it for more than a day. This prevents the starch from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.

Freezing (Long-Term Storage)

Can you freeze Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken?
Yes, but with a few tips:

• The chicken and sauce freeze well, but bell peppers can become a bit soft after thawing. If you prefer firmer peppers, stir-fry fresh ones when reheating.
• Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy meal prep.

How long does it last in the freezer?

• Store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2 months.

How to thaw and reheat frozen chicken?

• Overnight Method: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
• Quick Method: Reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop (Best Method)

• Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water, broth, or extra sauce to keep it from drying out.
• Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until heated through.

Microwave (Quick Option)

• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.
• Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce thickened too much in storage.

Oven (For Meal Prep or Bulk Reheating)

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15–20 minutes.

Pro Tips for the Best Leftovers!

Store in individual portions for quick grab-and-go meals.
Reheat gently to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.
Add fresh bell peppers or green onions when reheating to brighten up the dish.
Pair with fresh-cooked rice or noodles instead of storing them together to keep textures perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well.

2. Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! Cook the chicken and veggies separately and store the sauce separately. When ready to eat, toss everything together in a pan for a fresh taste.

3. Can I make this dish low-carb?

Yes! Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.

4. What’s the best way to get crispy chicken?

Coat the chicken lightly in cornstarch and cook it in a hot skillet without overcrowding.

5. Can I double the sauce?

Of course! If you love extra sauce, just double the ingredients in the sauce mixture.

Conclusion

This Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! The tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and bold, slightly spicy sauce create an irresistible dish that’s both satisfying and healthy.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a comment below.

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