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

Scale

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

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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