Gather your taste buds and get ready to embark on a flavor adventure with this Sweet and Spicy Maple Chicken Stir-Fry. This dish is a true symphony of contrasts, where the rich, caramelized sweetness of maple syrup meets the bold, zesty kick of chili peppers. Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible aroma and the perfect balance of textures in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Maple Chicken Stir-Fry
This Sweet and Spicy Maple Chicken Stir-Fry is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and a luscious, crave-worthy sauce will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a showstopping centerpiece for your next gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this flavor-packed, chef-approved dish.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a few simple, yet impactful ingredients that come together to create a truly memorable dish. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, a medley of fresh vegetables (such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots), garlic, ginger, and the star of the show – maple syrup and chili peppers.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups – Assorted fresh vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots), chopped
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp – Fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup – Maple syrup
- 2-3 – Red chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to desired spice level)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Shrimp or tofu (for a seafood or vegetarian option)
- Vegetables: Swap in your favorite seasonal produce (such as broccoli, mushrooms, or bok choy)
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Maple Chicken Stir-Fry
This Sweet and Spicy Maple Chicken Stir-Fry is a breeze to prepare, with a few simple steps that come together quickly for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large, hot wok or skillet, sear the chicken until it develops a delightful golden-brown crust. Next, add the aromatic garlic and ginger, followed by the crisp, colorful vegetables. Stir-fry everything together, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender-crisp.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
The final touch is the sweet and spicy sauce. Whisk together the maple syrup, chili peppers, and a few other key ingredients, then pour it into the wok. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, coating the chicken and vegetables in its irresistible, glossy glaze.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh scallions or cilantro for a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous note. Serve this Sweet and Spicy Maple Chicken Stir-Fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crunch Factor: Top your stir-fry with roasted, salted peanuts or cashews for a delightful textural contrast.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut milk to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor.
- Mild Heat: Substitute the chili peppers with a teaspoon or two of crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a milder heat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fluffy white rice or noodles.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet or the microwave when ready to enjoy again.
Make-Ahead: Prep the ingredients up to 2 days in advance for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Nutrition Information
This Sweet and Spicy Maple Chicken Stir-Fry is a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s a great source of protein from the chicken, and the vegetables provide a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. With the addition of the maple syrup and chili peppers, you’ll also get a boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of chili peppers?
If you prefer a milder heat, you can substitute the chili peppers with a teaspoon or two of crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just as well in this recipe. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as they can become dry more easily than the more forgiving chicken thighs.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
Can I prep this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance to make assembly a breeze when it’s time to cook. Slice the chicken, chop the vegetables, and prepare the sauce components up to 2 days in advance, and store them separately in the refrigerator.
What side dishes pair well with this stir-fry?
This Sweet and Spicy Maple Chicken Stir-Fry is delicious served over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed quinoa. For a veggie-forward side, try roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh, crunchy salad.
Try These Next
- sweet and savory maple glazed chicken skewers
- sweet and spicy maple glazed ham sliders for the holidays
- maple pecan glazed chicken with sweet potato mash
Sweet and Spicy Maple Chicken Stir-Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sweet and Spicy Maple Chicken Stir-Fry combines tender chicken pieces with colorful vegetables in a deliciously sticky maple sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup snap peas
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, soy sauce, and sriracha. Set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add garlic, bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Pour the maple sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. This dish is also great with shrimp or tofu as a protein alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, stir-fry, maple, spicy, quick meal