This Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken is a delightful combination of crispy chicken strips and vibrant bell peppers tossed in a bold, flavorful sauce. The medley of sriracha, garlic, and soy sauce creates an irresistible aroma and a balanced blend of savory, tangy, and spicy notes.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or spice up your weeknight meals, this recipe is a surefire hit. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal that packs a punch of flavor in every bite!
Full Recipe:
- 320 g chicken breast
- 200 g bell peppers (any color)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup tapioca powder (or cornstarch)
- Oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 2 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili hot sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper or any chili powder
- 4 tbsp water
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix chicken strips with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
- Add egg white and flour to the chicken, mixing until well coated.
- Heat oil in a wok or shallow pan and fry the chicken until golden. Let cool and fry a second time for extra crispiness.
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Heat a frying pan with 1 tbsp oil, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, and add bell peppers. Stir-fry for 30–45 seconds.
- Pour in the sauce, bring it to a boil, and stir for less than a minute.
- Toss in the fried chicken and cook until the sauce thickens to your liking. Serve hot, preferably over steamed rice.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 3
Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken: A Flavorful Stir-Fry Adventure
Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken is a vibrant dish that combines the bold flavors of Asian-inspired seasonings with the freshness of colorful bell peppers. Perfectly crispy chicken strips are coated in a rich, tangy sauce that balances heat, sweetness, and umami. This dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and ideal for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. It’s a recipe that promises to tantalize taste buds and impress with its balance of textures and flavors.
The Essence of Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken
This recipe embodies the essence of stir-frying, a cooking technique rooted in Asian culinary traditions. Stir-frying emphasizes quick cooking at high heat to preserve the natural texture, color, and flavor of the ingredients. In Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken, this method ensures the bell peppers remain crisp-tender and vibrant, while the chicken achieves a satisfying golden crunch.
The sauce plays a starring role in elevating this dish. A combination of soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and other seasonings creates a dynamic flavor profile. The subtle sweetness from brown sugar contrasts beautifully with the tangy rice vinegar and the spicy heat of cayenne and chili flakes. This harmonious blend complements the mildness of the chicken and the freshness of the peppers, resulting in a dish that feels balanced yet indulgent.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Quick and Easy to Make: Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken is ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. It uses simple pantry staples that come together quickly, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve excellent results.
- Customizable to Taste: The recipe is highly adaptable. Prefer more heat? Add extra chili flakes or sriracha. Need a milder version? Reduce the spice levels and add a touch of honey to enhance sweetness. The dish is flexible enough to suit any palate.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Bell peppers are not only colorful but also packed with vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants that promote overall health. Paired with lean chicken breast, this dish is both delicious and nutritious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick lunch or dinner. The flavors deepen as the sauce melds with the chicken and peppers, making leftovers just as delightful.
The Cultural Roots of Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is one of the most iconic cooking techniques in Asian cuisine, originating in China. It involves cooking ingredients rapidly in a small amount of oil over high heat. This method not only locks in flavors but also preserves the nutritional value of the ingredients. Over time, stir-frying has been embraced worldwide for its efficiency and the bold, fresh dishes it produces.
Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken exemplifies how stir-frying can transform simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. The sizzling sound of ingredients hitting a hot wok, the enticing aroma of garlic and spices, and the vibrant colors of the finished dish all contribute to an engaging culinary experience.
Pairing Suggestions
Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:
- Steamed Rice: The most classic pairing, steamed rice balances the bold flavors of the sauce and provides a neutral base for the dish.
- Fried Rice or Noodles: Add an extra layer of indulgence by serving the chicken alongside fried rice or stir-fried noodles. These options absorb the sauce beautifully and enhance the meal.
- Vegetable Sides: Lightly sautéed or steamed greens like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas make excellent companions, adding more nutritional value and texture.
- Flatbreads or Wraps: For a creative twist, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps or alongside flatbreads for a fusion-inspired meal.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Chicken Cut: While chicken breast is lean and tender, chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. Either option works well in this recipe.
- Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness: Frying the chicken twice ensures a crispy, golden crust that holds up well when coated in sauce. This step is optional but highly recommended for texture lovers.
- Adjust the Spice Levels: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne, chili flakes, and sriracha. For a milder version, reduce these ingredients and consider substituting ketchup for part of the sriracha.
- Prep Ingredients Before Cooking: Stir-frying is a fast-paced process. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go ensures a smooth cooking experience and prevents overcooking.
A Dish for All Occasions
Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken’s versatility makes it suitable for a variety of occasions. It’s an excellent choice for a quick family dinner, but it’s equally impressive when served to guests. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a showstopper on any dining table. Moreover, its simplicity and adaptability allow it to fit seamlessly into different dietary preferences and culinary styles.
Conclusion
Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore the joys of stir-frying and the bold flavors of Asian-inspired cuisine. Its vibrant presentation and dynamic flavor profile make it a dish worth savoring. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply looking for a way to elevate your weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to deliver satisfaction with every bite.
So grab your wok, embrace the sizzle, and get ready to create a dish that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat. Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken is destined to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire—a meal that brings warmth, spice, and a touch of culinary adventure to your table.