Chili Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Chili Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken is seasoned with chili and garlic, then cooked with colorful bell peppers and fire-roasted tomatoes for a satisfying meal with a kick.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, thinly sliced (substitute with chicken thighs or firm tofu for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp chili powder (reduce to 1 tbsp for milder heat or substitute smoked paprika for subtler flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced (or red, yellow, or orange bell peppers)
• 1 white onion, thinly sliced (or yellow or red onion)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder/flakes)
• 2 (14 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or regular diced tomatoes)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated (or Asiago cheese or nutritional yeast for a plant-based option)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring consistently, for 7-10 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Step 4: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and cover the pan with a lid. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Check that the chicken is fully cooked and the peppers are tender. If the mixture starts to burn, reduce the heat. Mix well before removing from heat.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or your preferred topping.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu and add extra spices to boost flavor.
• Try mixing different colored bell peppers for a more colorful presentation and varied sweetness.
• Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds a smoky depth; if unavailable, regular tomatoes work but adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Parmesan cheese can be swapped with Asiago or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce chili powder to 1 tablespoon or replace it with smoked paprika.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay juicy during cooking. Just slice them thinly and follow the same spice and cooking instructions.

What can I use if I don’t have fire-roasted diced tomatoes?

You can substitute regular canned diced tomatoes. While the smoky flavor will be less pronounced, the dish will still be delicious. Consider adding a small pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the fire-roasted taste.

Chili Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 116 reviews

A flavorful and spicy Chili Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy stir fry is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner with bold, smoky flavors and a satisfying, hearty texture.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Oils

• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 white onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients

• 2 (14 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken pieces with the spices.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring consistently to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and is browned on all sides.
4. Add Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced green bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic into the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust the heat to low if the contents start to stick or burn, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
6. Check Doneness: Stir the skillet ingredients to verify that the chicken is fully cooked through and the bell peppers have softened to your liking.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve hot as a standalone dish or with your choice of sides.

Notes

• For a milder chili flavor, reduce the chili powder to 1 tbsp or substitute with smoked paprika.
• Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture or use firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a rich, smoky flavor but regular diced tomatoes will also work.
• Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Asiago cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free or vegan alternative.
• Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to make the meal more filling.

Keywords: chili chicken stir fry, chicken stir fry, spicy chicken recipes, quick chicken dinner, fire-roasted tomatoes, bell pepper stir fry