If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, vibrant flavors and is ridiculously easy to whip up, this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken are marinated in a zesty blend of sweet chili sauce, garlic, and ginger, then coated to crisp perfection before being glazed with a luscious sauce that clings to every morsel. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe brings a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish with incredible flavor and texture. Each component adds its own unique touch: from the juicy chicken pieces to the punchy garlic and ginger, right down to the glossy, saucy finish.
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce: Provides the signature sweet heat and sticky glaze to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and saltiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chicken with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Brings a fresh, zesty spark that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to crispy, golden perfection.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Creates a crispy coating that seals in the juiciness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Bright, fresh garnish that adds crunch and color.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch for an extra layer of texture.
- Rice or noodles: Essential for serving and soaking up every last bit of the luscious 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 marinade is where the magic begins, soaking into every piece of chicken to pack them full of vibrant flavor. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This time allows all those bold tastes to infuse deeply into the meat.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the coating by seasoning the cornstarch with salt and pepper. This simple combination will add a subtle seasoning boost and help create that irresistible crispy crust. Once marinated, coat each chicken piece in the seasoned cornstarch, making sure every bit is well covered. This layer will seal in the juiciness and give you that satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. It’s important to get the oil nice and hot so the chicken cooks quickly and crisps up without absorbing too much oil. Add the chicken pieces in batches, giving them enough space to brown evenly on all sides. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Simmer the Remaining Marinade
Don’t toss out that leftover marinade just yet! Pour it into the skillet and simmer over medium heat. This step thickens the sauce slightly, concentrating the flavors and making it perfect for glazing the chicken. Give it about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a glossy, syrupy consistency.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss everything together so each piece is luxuriously coated with the sticky sauce. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the glaze to cling and caramelize just a bit. This gives the dish a beautiful finish and keeps every bite bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top your Sweet Chili Chicken with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy contrast. Serve it hot over steaming rice or your favorite noodles — these are perfect for soaking up that irresistible sauce and turning this dish into a complete, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe to something special. Bright green onions give a burst of freshness and a subtle bite, while the sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the sticky, saucy chicken. These small touches make a big difference in both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
To round out this meal, serving your Sweet Chili Chicken over rice is a classic choice — the fluffy grains soak up all that delicious sauce. If you prefer, noodles work wonderfully, especially with a splash of toasted sesame oil or a handful of steamed vegetables on the side. Crisp greens like bok choy or snap peas also add brilliant color and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Turn your Sweet Chili Chicken into a fun lettuce wrap by piling the sticky chicken into bright, crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist with a refreshing crunch. Alternatively, use it as a protein-packed topping for a vibrant Asian-inspired salad or even as a filling in soft bao buns for something a little playful and totally delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will mellow but stay just as tasty, making it an easy meal prep winner for busy days.
Freezing
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Just place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness of the chicken. Adding a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce can help revive the glaze and keep the chicken moist while warming through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness, making your Sweet Chili Chicken even more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
How spicy is this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is moderate since sweet chili sauce has a nice balance of sweet and mild spice. If you love heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chilies to the marinade.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good on that front.
What other vegetables pair well with this dish?
Crunchy veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots are wonderful when served alongside or stirred into your Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe for an extra burst of color and nutrition.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use the same marinade and cooking steps to create a delicious vegetarian take on this favorite dish.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of those go-to meals that’s both comforting and exciting to eat. Its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic ingredients makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. I hope you give it a try soon and discover just how easy and delightful homemade Sweet Chili Chicken can be!
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Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus 30 minutes marinating time
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in a spicy-sweet chili sauce, pan-fried to a golden crisp, and glazed with a thickened sauce. Perfect served over rice or noodles, this recipe combines bold garlic, ginger, and soy flavors with a hint of heat and sweetness for a deliciously satisfying meal.
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
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Serving
- 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 chicken pieces and thoroughly coat them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, season the cornstarch with salt and pepper to taste. Take the marinated chicken pieces and evenly coat them in the seasoned cornstarch, ensuring every piece is covered to achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Simmer the Sauce: Using the same skillet, pour in the remaining marinade that was used for the chicken. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the thickened sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to glaze the chicken well and allow it to absorb the sauce’s rich flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the glazed chicken. Serve the Sweet Chili Chicken hot over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer if time allows, up to 2 hours, for deeper flavor.
- For a crispy texture, make sure not to overcrowd the pan while frying.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil for frying.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles.
- Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to suit your sweetness and spiciness preference.
