If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and irresistible sweetness balanced with a bit of savory depth, the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces perfectly coated in a glossy, sticky sweet chili sauce that clings to every bite—this recipe delivers that experience with ease and flair. It’s quick to make, packed with simple ingredients, and versatile enough to become a weekday favorite or a party showstopper. Trust me, once you try this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe, it’s going to be a go-to whenever you want a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in bringing the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe to life. From the fresh zing of garlic and ginger to the luscious sweetness of the chili sauce, each component adds depth, texture, and color to make every bite memorable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 to 2 pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and easy serving.
- Sweet chili sauce (1 cup): The star of the dish, balancing sweetness and spice to give that signature flavor.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a salty umami punch to enhance the sauce’s complexity.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Brings a zesty brightness that lifts all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Ideal for frying the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Creates a crispy coating that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that make all the other ingredients pop.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Fresh garnish that adds a lovely pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Toasted for a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Rice or noodles: To serve alongside, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a bowl. This aromatic marinade is where all the magic begins, infusing the chicken with flavor from the inside out. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in the marinade and let them soak up all that goodness for at least 30 minutes — this not only enhances flavor but also tenderizes the meat, making every bite juicy and rich.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Next, season your cornstarch with salt and pepper in a separate bowl. This simple seasoning step ensures your chicken will have a perfectly balanced crispy crust. Coat each piece of marinated chicken thoroughly in the seasoned cornstarch—this helps lock in moisture while giving it that irresistible crispy texture once fried.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cooking the chicken in batches allows each piece to brown beautifully without overcrowding the pan, which keeps them crisp rather than soggy. Fry each piece for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, transfer to paper towels to drain any excess oil; you want every bite crunchy and light, not greasy.
Step 4: Reduce the Sauce
Keeping the skillet handy, pour in the remaining marinade and simmer it over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. This step thickens the sauce slightly, intensifying all those sweet, spicy, and savory notes, creating that perfect glaze that will coat the chicken flawlessly.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the thickened sauce. Cooking it for another 2 to 3 minutes allows the glaze to cling beautifully to the chicken, making each piece shiny, sticky, and bursting with flavor. This final touch turns simple chicken into something truly mouthwatering.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top to add freshness, texture, and a pop of color. Serve your Sweet Chili Chicken hot over a bed of rice or noodles to soak up all that luscious sauce. It’s pure comfort food with a twist you’ll want to share again and again.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions and sesame seeds doesn’t just make the dish look stunning—it also enhances each bite with fresh, earthy notes and a subtle crunch. For an extra touch, you could add a few fresh cilantro leaves or thinly sliced red chilies to amp up the color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Sweet Chili Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles, which absorb every drop of sauce. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots, bringing more color and nutrition to your plate without competing with the dish’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Serve the chicken on a platter garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds next to bowls of rice and pickled veggies. You could also turn it into lettuce wraps for a handheld delight, letting everyone customize their bites with crunchy lettuce leaves, sliced cucumbers, and a squeeze of lime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftover Sweet Chili Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making your next meal just as delicious. Keep the rice or noodles separate to maintain texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing works perfectly. Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly and retains that wonderful glaze without drying out. Adding a splash of water or a bit more sauce can help if it seems a bit thick. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crispy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and add richness to the dish. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking, and you’re good to go.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Not at all—the sweet chili sauce brings a gentle warmth balanced by sweetness, making this dish approachable for most palates. You can always add extra heat with fresh chilies if you like things spicier.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to get the chicken crispy?
Coating the chicken evenly in seasoned cornstarch and frying in hot oil without overcrowding the pan is key. This method locks in moisture and creates a perfect crunchy exterior for the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
You can definitely mix the marinade a day in advance to save time; just keep it refrigerated. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes ensures great flavor, but no more than a few hours to avoid an overly soft texture.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is a wonderful combination of simplicity, flavor, and comfort that you can whip up on any night of the week. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles and second helpings around the table, with its glossy sauce and tender chicken winning hearts every single time. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a delicious meal that feels both special and homey.
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The chicken is coated in seasoned cornstarch and pan-fried until golden and crispy, then glazed with a thickened sweet chili sauce. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish makes a perfect quick and delicious meal served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Coating and Cooking
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Garnishes and Serving
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, season the cornstarch with salt and pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces evenly in the seasoned cornstarch, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside on paper towels to drain any excess oil if needed.
- Simmer the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the remaining marinade (leftover from marinating the chicken) and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the glaze. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is well coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) enhances the flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness or heat by choosing sweet chili sauce with different spice levels.
- Cook chicken in batches to maintain crispiness and even cooking.
- Leftover sauce can be thickened with a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.
- Garnishes like sliced fresh chili or chopped cilantro can add extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
