Chicken and Bell Pepper Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful meal that comes together in just 20 minutes, this chicken and bell pepper stir fry should be on your radar. With tender chicken breasts and colorful bell peppers, it’s a recipe that’s both simple and delicious. I whipped this up last week for a quick lunch, and it was so good that I’ve already shared it with friends. It’s faster than ordering takeout, and way more satisfying!

The process is super straightforward. I started by cooking the sliced chicken until golden, tossed in some onions, and stirred everything until fragrant. The colors from the peppers alone make the dish feel festive, and the rich, thick sauce, perfectly savory, clings to every bite. It’s one of those meals where the aroma fills your kitchen, drawing everyone in with a “What’s that smell?” moment.

What makes this dish so versatile is how you serve it. Whether for a speedy dinner or next-day meal prep, it reheats beautifully. Add some rice, noodles, or even wrap it in lettuce –  the possibilities are endless. The chicken stays juicy, the peppers remain crisp, and the whole dish screams comfort food without the fuss. A guaranteed go-to meal for busy weekdays!

In this blog post, we’ll cover all you need to know- from ingredients and cooking steps to helpful tips, real-life examples, and even mistakes to avoid. We’ll also explore how to customize it with different sauces and vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Bell Pepper Stir Fry

Chicken and bell pepper stir fry is more than just fast- it’s a meal that fits into your lifestyle. Whether you’re on a tight schedule, meal prepping, or trying to eat healthier, this dish does it all.

Real Reasons This Dish Stands Out:

• Quick to Make: Done in 20 to 30 minutes
• Easy to Prep: Minimal chopping, no long marinating
• Healthy: Low in carbs, high in protein, and full of vitamins
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common ingredients
• Colorful & Appealing: Bright bell peppers make it look great
• Customizable: Switch sauces, add veggies, or serve over anything

“This is my go-to meal during Ramadan. I prep the veggies early and cook fresh in the evening. It’s fast, filling, and loved by everyone.”
–  Fatima A., Abu Dhabi

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a look at the key ingredients and optional add-ons that make this recipe flexible and flavorful.

Optional Add-ons:

• Broccoli
• Baby corn
• Carrot slices
• Cashews or peanuts
• Red chili flakes

Tip: If you’re in the UAE, you can find all these ingredients at Carrefour, Lulu, or Spinneys.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the simple cooking process. Even if you’ve never cooked stir-fry before, this is beginner-friendly.

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Slice 500g chicken breast into thin strips
• Toss with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch
• Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes

2. Chop the Veggies

• Slice 2- 3 bell peppers
• Thinly slice 1 onion
• Mince 2 garlic cloves

3. Cook the Chicken

• Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wok or pan
• Add chicken, cook until light golden
• Remove and set aside

4. Stir-Fry Veggies

• Add garlic and onion first, stir for 30 seconds
• Add bell peppers, stir for 3- 4 minutes
• Don’t overcook –  keep them crunchy

5. Make the Sauce

• Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, ½ tsp sesame oil, and 2 tbsp water
• Pour into the pan, bring to a simmer

6. Combine & Serve

• Add chicken back in
• Toss everything until coated with sauce
• Serve with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps

Stir Fry Sauce Breakdown

Understanding your sauce is key. Here’s how to balance flavor like a pro:

Real Tip: In Dubai, adding pomegranate molasses gives a local twist and tang.

Expert Cooking Tips

Want perfect stir fry every time? Follow these pro-level tricks:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan –  cook in batches
• High heat is key –  stir fast to avoid a soggy texture
• Slice chicken evenly for uniform cooking
• Use fresh garlic, not garlic paste
• Let the sauce simmer to thicken and cling
  

“Always heat the pan first, then the oil, and then the food. That’s the golden rule of stir-frying.”
–  Chef Omar, Dubai Food Festival 2024

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and bell pepper stir fry is flexible. Serve it how you like:

• 🍚 With Rice –  Steamed jasmine or basmati
• 🍜 With Noodles –  Ramen, egg noodles, or rice noodles
• 🥬 Lettuce Wraps –  Low-carb and fresh
• 🍲 Over Quinoa –  For a protein-packed option
• 🌮 In Tortillas –  Fusion-style chicken tacos

Storage and Reheating Info

Stir fry is great for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your dish turns out amazing:

• Overcooking the chicken
• Soggy bell peppers from too much water
• Burning the garlic
• Using too much sauce
• Skipping seasoning layers

Variations and Add-Ins

Make this dish your own. Some fun twists:

• Spicy Kick: Add chili garlic sauce or sliced red chilies
• Nutty: Toss in roasted cashews or sesame seeds
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, broccoli, or snow peas
• Sweet Style: Use sweet chili sauce instead of oyster sauce
• Keto Version: Skip sauce thickeners and serve over zoodles

Nutrition Info

Approximate values per serving:

Note: Based on 1 serving with no rice.

Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipes

If you like this one, you’ll love these:

• Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry
• Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
• Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
• Ginger Chicken with Green Beans
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

Printable Chicken and Bell Pepper Stir Fry Recipe Card

Quick Recipe Summary

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, bell peppers, onion, garlic
• Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil
• Cornstarch, oil

Steps:

• Slice chicken and coat with soy + cornstarch
• Stir-fry chicken and set aside
• Cook garlic, onion, and peppers
• Mix the sauce and add it to the pan
• Combine all and serve

Real-World Case Study: Family Meal in Sharjah

Fatima from Sharjah cooks this dish every Sunday night for her family of six. She swaps bell peppers for zucchini and carrots and adds a pinch of chili flakes for her husband. By prepping the veggies in the morning, she cooks the entire dish in under 25 minutes. She freezes half and reheats it later in the week- saving both time and money.

“This dish helped me stay on track with meal prep. My kids love it with noodles, and I love how easy it is.” –  Fatima A.

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Final Thoughts

Chicken and bell pepper stir fry is a simple yet satisfying dish that fits right into everyday life. Whether you’re a busy parent in Sharjah, a student in Dubai, or someone just looking for a quick, healthy lunch, this recipe works for all. It checks all the right boxes- easy, fast, flavorful, and versatile.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or expert cooking skills to make this dish. With a handful of pantry staples and a good stir-fry pan, you can prepare a meal that looks and tastes like something out of a restaurant. It’s colorful, rich in flavor, and leaves your kitchen smelling amazing.

This recipe is also great for meal prepping. You can cook once and enjoy it over several meals, paired with rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. It reheats well, stores beautifully, and tastes just as good the next day.

And the best part? You can make it your own. Try adding broccoli, switch up the sauce, or toss in your favorite protein. The base of juicy chicken and crisp bell peppers allows for endless creativity while still keeping it quick and convenient.

So if you’re trying to eat healthier, save time, or just bring some color to your plate, this chicken and bell pepper stir fry is a must-have in your cooking rotation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bell peppers and chicken?

Yes, frozen ingredients work fine. Just make sure to thaw and pat dry the chicken and peppers before cooking to avoid excess water and sogginess.

What’s the best oil to use for stir-fry?

Use high-smoke-point oils like vegetable oil, canola, or sunflower oil. Sesame oil is great for flavor, but not for high-heat frying.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats well. You can portion it with rice or noodles for easy grab-and-go meals.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add red chili flakes, fresh chilies, or chili garlic sauce to bring the heat. Adjust based on your spice preference.

What are some low-carb serving options?

You can serve it over cauliflower rice, in lettuce wraps, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb, high-protein meal.