When you want something exciting for dinner, this Spicy Glazed Chicken with Stir-Fried Cucumbers and Scallions delivers bold flavors with a refreshing twist. Tender chicken is coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, then paired with quick stir-fried cucumbers and scallions for a crisp, savory balance. The combination is light yet satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast but full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into thin half-moons
- 4 scallions, sliced diagonally
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to form the glaze.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Pour in half the glaze and toss until the chicken is well coated and glossy. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Toss in cucumbers and scallions, stir-frying quickly for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Add the rest of the glaze and cook for another minute.
- Return chicken to the pan, toss everything together, and cook 1 more minute to meld flavors.
- Serve hot over jasmine rice, sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Notes & Tips
- If you like more heat, add extra sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes to the glaze.
- Use mini cucumbers or English cucumbers for less water content and better crunch.
- For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or simply enjoy on its own.
- Add sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies and color.
Conclusion
This Spicy Glazed Chicken with Stir-Fried Cucumbers and Scallions is a vibrant, weeknight-friendly dish that balances heat, sweetness, and freshness in every bite. The spicy glaze clings beautifully to tender chicken, while crisp cucumbers and scallions add brightness and crunch. It’s a flavorful way to elevate dinner without spending hours in the kitchen—guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Spicy Glazed Chicken with Stir-Fried Cucumbers and Scallions – A Bold and Balanced Weeknight Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and flavorful weeknight dish featuring spicy glazed chicken paired with refreshing stir-fried cucumbers and scallions. This quick and balanced meal brings heat, sweetness, and crunch together in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 large cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 4 scallions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to create the glaze.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Pour the glaze over the chicken and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Remove the glazed chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet.
- Stir-fry the cucumber slices and scallions for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to combine with the vegetables.
- Serve hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by using more or less sriracha based on preference.
- English or Persian cucumbers work best due to their thin skins.
- Stir-frying cucumbers keeps them crunchy while absorbing flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (with rice)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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