Get ready to step up your meal prep game with this Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry Meal Prep recipe! Tender chicken breast strips are stir-fried to perfection in a sweet and tangy chili sauce, then paired with colorful bell peppers, broccoli, zucchinis, red onion and fluffy rice for a meal that’s guaranteed to stir up some serious excitement at lunchtime! 100% Gluten-Free. Vegeratian/Vegan, and low-carb/keto versions detailed in this section below!
Healthy Sweet Chili Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken Breast. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, coated in starch and slowly cooked in sesame oil for the juiciest chicken ever. You coud also use chicken thighs.
- Sambal Oelek. Who needs boring when you can have bold? This spicy Indonesian chili paste brings a depth of flavor and heat that takes your stir-fry from “meh” to “oh yeah!”
- Tamari Sauce. Tamari is like soy sauce’s cooler, more flavorful cousin! Not only does tamari add a rich, umami depth to your stir-fry sauce, but it’s also gluten-free, making it the perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions.
- Splenda. With its zero-calorie goodness, Splenda lets you enjoy all the flavor without worrying about your waistline—because who needs added sugar when you’ve got this Splenda, right? Plus, it’s perfect for those looking to cut back on sugar without sacrificing taste, making it a win-win for both your taste buds and your health!
- Ginger Powder. You could use fresh ginger. We use powder for convenience.
- Garlic Powder. You could use chopped fresh garlic. We use powder for convenience.
- Rice Vinegar. Its acidity helps to balance out the sweetness of the chili sauce, creating a perfectly harmonious flavor combination that will take your dish from good to gourmet!
- Cornstarch. Both used in the sauce for thickening and to coat the chicken strips to keep the moisture inside, because who wants dry chicken in their stir-fry?
- Basmati Rice. We usually use either basmati or brown rice because of their low glycemic index, but to stay true to this dish, jasmine rice would be ideal!
Flavor Twists!
- Teriyaki Twist: Swap the sweet chili sauce for teriyaki sauce for a savory-sweet flavor explosion that’s guaranteed to please.
- Pineapple Paradise: Add chunks of pineapple to your stir-fry for a tropical twist that brings a burst of sweetness and acidity to the dish.
- Thai-Inspired Fusion: Incorporate Thai flavors by using a combination of sweet chili sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh herbs like cilantro and basil for a vibrant and aromatic stir-fry.
- Hoisin Happiness: Replace the sweet chili sauce with hoisin sauce for a richer, more complex flavor profile with hints of sweetness, tanginess, and umami.
- Sesame Sensation: Add toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, and thinly sliced green onions to your stir-fry for a nutty and aromatic flavor boost.
- Citrus Celebration: Amp up the freshness with a squeeze of lime or orange juice in the stir-fry sauce for a bright and zesty flavor profile.
- Spicy Sriracha: Add a kick of heat by mixing in some sriracha sauce to your stir-fry sauce for those who like it hot!
- Coconut Curry: Create a creamy and aromatic coconut curry stir-fry by incorporating coconut milk, curry paste, and curry powder for a taste of the tropics.
- Mango Madness: Dice up some ripe mango and add it to your stir-fry for a sweet and juicy burst of tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy chili sauce.
- Vegetable Variety: Mix and match your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms for a colorful and nutritious stir-fry medley.
- Protein Powerhouse: Switch up the protein by using shrimp, tofu, beef, or pork instead of chicken for a diverse and satisfying meal prep option.
Dietary Variations!
- Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice: Serve your Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry over cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice for a lower-carb alternative that’s still packed with flavor.
- Keto-Friendly Option: Make it keto-friendly by using xantham gum instead of cornstarch to keep the carbs in check.
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Vegan Vibes: Make it vegan by using tofu or tempeh as the protein and ensuring all ingredients, including the sweet chili sauce, are free from animal products.
Frequently Asked Questions!
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
- A: Absolutely! This Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry is perfect for meal prep. Simply store it in individual containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days and reheat when ready to enjoy.
- Q: Is this recipe spicy?
- A: It depends on your preference! Sambal Oelek in the sweet chili sauce adds a hint of spice, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less sauce to suit your taste.
- Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this stir-fry?
- A: While fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can certainly use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the stir-fry.
- Q: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
- A: Of course! Feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork for a different twist on this recipe.
- Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- A: Yes! Make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Q: How to store?
- A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Q: Can I freeze this stir-fry?
- A: Yes, you can freeze this stir-fry for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
- A: Absolutely! Jasmine rice works great in this recipe, but we prefer using either brown rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa for their low glycemic index.
- Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
- A: Yes! Simply substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegan-friendly version of this stir-fry.
- Q: Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
- A: Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less splenda to suit your taste preferences.
- Q: How do I reheat the stir-fry?
- A: To reheat the stir-fry, simply microwave it for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed to your liking.
- Q: Can I customize the vegetables in this stir-fry?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables or use whatever you have on hand to customize the dish to your liking.
- Q: Is this stir-fry spicy?
- A: The sweet chili sauce adds a mild level of spice to the dish, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less sambak oeled in the sauce according to your preference.
- Q: Can I make this recipe soy-free?
- A: Yes! Simply replace the tamari/soy sauce with coconut aminos as an alternative to make this stir-fry soy-free.
- Q: Can I add nuts to this stir-fry?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and flavor. Just be sure to check for any nut allergies before serving!
Tips and Tricks!
- Prep Like a Pro: Take some time to prep all your ingredients before you start cooking—chopping veggies, slicing chicken, and measuring out sauces—to streamline the stir-fry process.
- Hot Wok, Happy Stir-Fry: Make sure your wok or skillet is nice and hot before adding the ingredients to ensure they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in that perfect stir-fry texture.
- Sauce Smartly: Mix your sauce ingredients together before adding them to the stir-fry to ensure they’re evenly distributed and that you don’t accidentally overpower the dish with too much sauce.
- Stir with Flair: Use a tossing motion with your spatula or wok to keep the ingredients moving and prevent them from sticking to the pan or burning.
- Add a Crunch: Top your finished stir-fry with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture and flavor that takes it to the next level.
- Cool It Down: Let your stir-fry cool slightly before portioning it out for meal prep to prevent steam from building up in the containers and making the veggies soggy.
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to mix up the ingredients and try different combinations of veggies and proteins!
More Chicken Meal Preps
- Buffalo Chicken Meal Prep
- BBQ Chicken Meal Prep
- Chicken Fajita Meal Prep Bowls
- Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Meal Prep
- Mexican Rice Bowls
- Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
- Greek Chicken Meal Prep
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Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry Meal Prep
Step up your meal prep game with this Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry Meal Prep recipe! Tender chicken breast strips are stir-fried to perfection in a sweet and tangy chili sauce, then paired with colorful bell peppers, zucchinis, red onion and fluffy rice for a meal guaranteed to stir up some serious excitement at lunchtime! 100% Gluten-Free. Vegeratian/Vegan, and low-carb/keto options!
Ingredients
Sweet Chili Sauce
- 2 tbsp sambal oelek
- 1/2 cup tamari sauce or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup Splenda granulated sweetener
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp corn starch or tapioca flour
Chicken
- 2 lb chicken breast boneless skinless
- 2 tbsp corn starch or tapioca flour
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
Veggies
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 large red onion sliced
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 small zucchinis
Rice
- 1 1/2 cup Basmati rice or jasmine rice
- 3 cup water
Instructions
Cook the rice according to package instructions.
In a large wok, over low-medium heat, stir the ingredients from the sweet chili sauce ingredients section above and whisk until the sauce gets thicker. It should take about 4-5 minutes.
Pour the sauce into a bowl and set aside.
Slice the chicken breasts and coat the strips in 2 tbsp cornstarch using a large mixing bowl. Over medium heat, heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in the same wok used for thickening the sauce. Cook the chicken for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil over medium heat in the same wok. Cook the onion for 2 minutes. Add the rest of the veggies and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes.
Add the chicken and the sauce to the wok. Continue cooking while gently stirring to coat all of the ingredients evenly with the sauce for about 1 minute.
Layer the bottom of 5 meal prep bowls evenly with basmati rice. Scoop the stir-fry evenly over the rice into the 5 containers. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Wait until fully cooled off before sealing and transferring to the fridge. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days for optimal freshness. Can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes
Have a look at the various sections above the recipe card for detailed tips, tricks and recipe variation ideas!
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