Spicy Glazed Chicken with Stir-Fried Cucumbers and Scallions – A Flavor-Packed, Balanced Meal Perfect for Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners

This Spicy Glazed Chicken with Stir-Fried Cucumbers and Scallions is a bold and vibrant dish that brings together sweet heat and fresh crunch. Juicy chicken is coated in a sticky, spicy glaze and served with quick-sautéed cucumbers and scallions for a refreshing contrast. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s full of flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• The glaze is sweet, spicy, and savory, coating the chicken beautifully.
• Stir-fried cucumbers offer a unique twist and add a light, fresh crunch.
• Minimal ingredients, maximum impact—easy to make but tastes gourmet.
• Great served over rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
• scallions (green onions), chopped into 2-inch pieces
• garlic, minced
• soy sauce
• rice vinegar or lime juice
• chili garlic sauce or sriracha
• honey or brown sugar
• sesame oil
• neutral oil for cooking
• salt and pepper to taste
• optional: sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and honey to create the glaze. Set aside.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add a touch of sesame oil. Add cucumbers and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Add garlic and scallions and sauté for 1 minute.
6. Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared glaze and stir well to coat. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
7. Serve hot with sesame seeds and fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
• Replace cucumbers with zucchini or snap peas for a similar texture.
• Add red bell pepper or carrots for extra color and sweetness.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly glaze.
• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili garlic sauce.

Storage / Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Microwave reheating is also effective, though the cucumbers may lose some texture.
• Not recommended for freezing due to the texture of cucumbers post-thaw.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works just as well. Just be careful not to overcook it to avoid dryness.

Are stir-fried cucumbers supposed to be crunchy?

Yes, the goal is to slightly soften them while preserving their natural crunch for contrast in texture.

Is this dish very spicy?

The level of spice depends on the amount of chili garlic sauce used. You can adjust it to suit your preference.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with jasmine rice, rice noodles, or even a side of stir-fried greens.

Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

No, if you’re using thin-skinned cucumbers (like Persian or English), peeling is optional. For thicker varieties, you may prefer to partially peel them.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Is this gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I add ginger to the sauce?

Yes, fresh grated ginger adds a wonderful aromatic kick to the glaze.

How long does it take for the glaze to thicken?

Once added to the hot pan, the glaze will thicken in about 1–2 minutes due to the sugar content.

Conclusion

Spicy Glazed Chicken with Stir-Fried Cucumbers and Scallions is a quick, exciting, and delicious dinner solution. Its balance of heat, sweetness, and crisp textures make it ideal for weeknights when you want something fast but satisfying. Whether served over rice or enjoyed as-is, this dish brings bold flavor with minimal effort.

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