Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this Sweet Chili Chicken! Tender, golden chicken pieces glisten in a glossy, sweet-and-spicy glaze, each bite bursting with the perfect balance of tang, heat, and a touch of sticky comfort. It’s a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed main that never fails to impress. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or just want to spice up your meal routine, Sweet Chili Chicken is guaranteed to become a regular favorite at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sweet Chili Chicken lies in its unassuming yet powerful ingredient list. Each element brings something unique to the table – from the juicy texture of the chicken to the warmth of ginger and garlic, down to the alluring, sticky-sweet sauce that brings it all together.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless varieties, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and exceptionally juicy results.
- Cornstarch: Coats the chicken for a delicate crust and helps the sauce cling beautifully to each piece.
- Soy sauce: Both in the marinade and sauce, it infuses umami richness and balances the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying, giving the chicken a flavorful sear.
- Garlic (minced): Adds deep, aromatic flavor and an irresistible savory note.
- Ginger (minced): Lends a gentle spice and brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
- Sweet chili sauce: The heart and soul of the dish – sweet, tangy, and just a hint of fire.
- Rice vinegar: Supplies essential acidity, making the sauce lively and balanced.
- Honey: For extra shine and a mellow, natural sweetness that intensifies the glaze.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle in if you prefer a bit more heat to your Sweet Chili Chicken.
- Sliced green onions & sesame seeds: These make vibrant, crunchy garnishes that finish the dish with both color and flavor.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken
Step 1: Marinate and Dredge the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch and a tablespoon of soy sauce in a large bowl. This combination not only seasons the chicken but also lays the foundation for a slightly crispy exterior. Every piece should be evenly coated, ensuring you get that classic sweet chili chicken texture in every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and let it cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally so the pieces get beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step locks in juiciness and flavor.
Step 3: Infuse with Aromatics
Keeping the skillet on medium heat (add a touch more oil if necessary), sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely amazing – this aromatic base is crucial for building the iconic depth of Sweet Chili Chicken.
Step 4: Build the Sweet Chili Sauce
Stir in the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, honey, the second tablespoon of soy sauce, and red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Let the mixture come to a simmer, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is shiny and just slightly thickened. This irresistible glaze is what makes Sweet Chili Chicken crave-worthy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated. Let everything cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs all those bright, tangy flavors. Once it’s glossy and sticky, remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken

Garnishes
Don’t skip on the finishing touches. A generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds bring a pop of color and an irresistible crunch. For an extra flourish, a bit of chopped cilantro or thinly sliced chili peppers can take your Sweet Chili Chicken straight to showstopper status.
Side Dishes
Classic jasmine rice is the ultimate sidekick, soaking up every drop of that shiny sauce. If you want to make it a full meal, stir-fried vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or baby bok choy perfectly complement the sweetness and spice. Steamed noodles, cauliflower rice, or even a bright cucumber salad are all superb choices.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Sweet Chili Chicken into fun lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held option, or pile it high over crispy wonton chips as a playful appetizer for gatherings. For an elegant twist, serve it family-style on a platter with extra sauce drizzled on top and plenty of fresh herbs for color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken holds up beautifully in the fridge. Simply store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to four days. This makes for a delicious ready-to-go lunch or speedy weeknight dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Sweet Chili Chicken for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. For the best texture after thawing, freeze the chicken and sauce separately, if possible.
Reheating
Reheat Sweet Chili Chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce to loosen the glaze if needed. Stir occasionally until everything is piping hot and glossy again, taking care not to overcook the chicken so it stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work perfectly for Sweet Chili Chicken. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts turn out just as delicious when cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked quickly.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Yes, simply leave out the red pepper flakes or choose a mild sweet chili sauce. The result will be more sweet than spicy, making it perfect for families or anyone sensitive to heat.
Can I make Sweet Chili Chicken gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the regular soy sauce for a certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your sweet chili sauce as well to ensure it’s gluten-free.
What proteins can I substitute for chicken?
This recipe is so versatile. Try bite-sized pieces of tofu for a vegetarian twist, shrimp for a seafood version, or thin slices of pork or turkey. The sweet chili sauce is delicious on just about everything!
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Air-fry or deep-fry the dredged chicken pieces before adding them to the sauce for ultra crispy bites. Just be sure to toss them in the sauce right before serving to preserve that satisfying crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, vibrant, and absolutely crowd-pleasing meal, give Sweet Chili Chicken a try. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests, and every flavorful bite is sure to bring a smile to your face. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this family-favorite recipe!
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Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is a delicious Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sweet and slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (extra)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and ginger in the skillet. Add sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, honey, extra soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, toss in the sauce, and cook until heated through. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
- For extra crispiness, you can air-fry or deep-fry the chicken before tossing it in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg