Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Sweet Chili Chicken is the kind of dish that always brings excitement to the dinner table. With its irresistible blend of juicy chicken, a sticky-sweet sauce with a little heat, and simple prep, it checks every box for a quick weeknight winner or a show-stopping main for friends. This Asian-inspired recipe is full of bold flavors and comes together fast—prepare for your kitchen to smell as inviting as your favorite local takeout spot! Whether you’re new to stir-fries or you already have a stack of chili sauce recipes, this one is bound to become a staple.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a long shopping list to make Sweet Chili Chicken, but every ingredient here adds something special. From the crispiness of cornstarch to the tang of rice vinegar and the gentle warmth of fresh ginger, these staples work together to deliver unforgettable flavor and that beautiful, glossy finish.

  • Chicken: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; thighs will be juicier, but breasts work beautifully too.
  • Cornstarch: ½ cup, to give the chicken its signature light crunch and help the sauce cling.
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon, just enough to enhance all those bold flavors.
  • Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, adds subtle heat and balances the sweetness.
  • Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, perfect for getting a good sear on the chicken.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: ½ cup, for that crowd-pleasing blend of sweet and spicy—this is the key to the Sweet Chili Chicken magic!
  • Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons, brings in savory, umami depth.
  • Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon, a splash of tang keeps the sauce lively, never heavy.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for a hit of aromatic flavor in every bite.
  • Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated, offers subtle heat and a bit of zing that wakes up the dish.
  • Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: sliced, for garnish (optional), these add a fresh, vibrant touch and a little crunch to finish.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken pieces into a large bowl. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper, and then toss everything together until each bite-sized piece of chicken is perfectly coated. This quick step is what ensures your Sweet Chili Chicken will have a light, crispy exterior—essential for that irresistible restaurant-style texture.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, spread the chicken out in a single layer. Let it sizzle for about 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this step—the crispy edges are where the magic happens! Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Signature Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet (all those tasty bits left behind are flavor gold), add the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Stir everything together and let the sauce bubble for 1–2 minutes. This gives the aromatics a chance to infuse the sauce, making it deeply flavorful and so fragrant.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it thoroughly so every piece is generously coated in that sticky-sweet chili sauce. Let everything cook together for another 1–2 minutes until the chicken is glossy and beautifully glazed. It’s that easy—your Sweet Chili Chicken is ready to shine!

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds can transform your Sweet Chili Chicken from homestyle to restaurant-worthy in moments. The green onions add a pop of freshness and mild onion flavor, while sesame seeds lend a delicate crunch and a touch of nuttiness. Don’t skip this finishing touch if you want those Instagram-worthy vibes.

Side Dishes

This lively dish begs for a simple canvas to soak up all that amazing sauce. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice is a classic partner, but don’t hesitate to serve it alongside stir-fried veggies, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you’re mixing things up. Need something green on your plate? A crisp cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy is always a fresh win.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, pile your Sweet Chili Chicken into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer. Want something more filling? Spoon it over a bowl of noodles with extra veggies for a speedy homemade noodle bowl. Or, for potluck gatherings, keep it warm in a slow cooker and let everyone build their own bowl just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Sweet Chili Chicken left (which isn’t a given!), let it cool to room temperature first. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken juicy and tender, so leftovers are just as tempting as day one.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Place the cooled Sweet Chili Chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for a sweet-spicy encore.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat Sweet Chili Chicken is gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, a minute or two in the microwave works just fine—add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened up too much. Either way, you’ll keep the flavors bright and the chicken deliciously tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more flavorful, which many people prefer in Sweet Chili Chicken. Feel free to use whichever cut you have on hand.

Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce if I don’t have it?

If you’re in a pinch, combine a mix of honey, a little hot sauce, and ketchup or apricot jam as a stand-in. The flavor won’t be identical, but it will still be deliciously sweet and spicy!

How can I make it spicier?

To kick up the heat, add a squirt of sriracha, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a finely chopped fresh chili to the sauce when it goes in the skillet. Adjust to taste—your Sweet Chili Chicken can handle it!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and mix the sauce ingredients earlier in the day. Cook everything just before serving for the crispiest results, or reheat gently if needed.

What’s the best way to make the chicken extra crispy?

For an extra crunch, after coating the chicken in cornstarch, spread the pieces on a baking sheet and air fry or oven-bake them at 425°F until crisp before tossing with the sauce. This method mimics deep-frying but with less mess—and just as much crunch.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a devoted fan of takeout or you love cooking fresh at home, there’s a reason Sweet Chili Chicken ends up on repeat in so many kitchens. It’s unfussy, colorful, and completely addictive. I can’t wait for you to try this version and see just how satisfying homemade can be—don’t forget to make a little extra, because seconds are practically guaranteed!

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Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is a deliciously sticky and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this Asian-inspired dish is sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Garnish:

  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Coat Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Cook until bubbling.
  4. Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and heat through.
  5. Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Notes

  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
  • For extra crispiness, consider air frying or oven-baking the cornstarch-coated chicken before adding the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 710 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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