If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a fragrant mix of sweet chili sauce, garlic, and ginger, then crisped to golden perfection and glazed in a luscious sauce. Every bite offers a delightful combination of juicy, crispy, and saucy goodness that’s guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings warmth and excitement to your table with effortless flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is the foundation of this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Each component enhances the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures, working together to create that irresistible balance you’ll want again and again.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully for tender, juicy bites.
- Sweet chili sauce: The star of the recipe, providing a harmonious blend of sweetness and spicy kick.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and savory notes, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers a punch of aromatic flavor and zest.
- Ginger, minced: Brings brightness and a subtle heat that complements the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying the chicken to a crispy golden exterior without overpowering the flavors.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating that locks in moisture and gives wonderful texture.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients without overshadowing them.
- Green onions, sliced: Fresh, crunchy garnish that adds color and a mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted for a subtle nutty crunch that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Rice or noodles: The perfect base to soak up the flavorful 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 ginger in a bowl. Adding the chicken pieces to this mixture and letting them marinate for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors deeply seep in, ensuring every bite tastes vibrant and aromatic.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Seasoned Cornstarch
Next, lightly season cornstarch with salt and pepper, then toss the marinated chicken in this mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy outer layer that contrasts so beautifully with the juicy inside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Until Golden and Crisp
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok until it’s hot and shimmering. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking about 4-5 minutes per side, until each piece is golden brown and fully cooked. Removing the chicken to drain on paper towels helps keep it crisp.
Step 4: Thicken the Remaining Marinade
Pour the leftover marinade into the same skillet and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This quick reduction thickens the sauce slightly, intensifying its flavor and preparing it to glaze the chicken.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Return all the chicken to the skillet and toss it together with the thickened sauce. Cooking for another 2-3 minutes allows the chicken to absorb the glaze fully, creating a shiny, sticky coating that’s packed with flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken, adding freshness and a delightful crunch. Serve it hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles to complete the meal.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions bring a pop of bright color and mild sharpness that cuts through the richness of the glaze, while toasted sesame seeds offer a warm, nutty crunch that enhances every bite. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and texturally.
Side Dishes
Sticky jasmine rice or fluffy noodles are classic accompaniments that soak up the sweet chili sauce perfectly. You can also pair this dish with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to add a fresh, crisp balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option. Alternatively, layering the chicken on a bed of fried rice or tossing it with stir-fried vegetables creates a vibrant, complete meal on one plate that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Sweet Chili Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, as this preserves the chicken’s juicy tenderness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the crispiness of the coating and the full flavor of the glaze.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more juiciness and flavor, which can make the dish even more sumptuous. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly if the pieces are thicker.
How spicy is this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe?
The sweetness from the chili sauce balances any spice, resulting in a mild heat that is pleasant rather than overpowering. If you prefer more kick, you can add a dash of chili flakes or fresh chilies while marinating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and double-check the sweet chili sauce ingredients, as some brands may contain gluten. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making it a great coating option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead to deepen the flavors. Just wait to coat and cook the chicken until you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, a mix of honey, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper, and a little ketchup can mimic a similar sweet-and-spicy flavor. Adjust quantities to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly brings excitement to any mealtime with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!
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Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Sweet Chili Chicken is a deliciously tangy and mildly spicy dish featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in sweet chili sauce, garlic, and ginger, then coated in seasoned cornstarch and pan-fried to golden perfection. Finished with a glossy chili glaze and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a perfect quick dinner 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
Garnish 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 and thoroughly coat them in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with salt and pepper to season it evenly. Take the marinated chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly in the seasoned cornstarch, ensuring each piece is covered to create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- 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 to 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels if necessary.
- Simmer the Sauce: Using the same skillet, pour in the remaining marinade left from the chicken. Allow it to simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly, intensifying the flavor and creating a glaze.
- Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them in the thickened sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce clings to the chicken, producing a shiny, flavorful glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the glazed chicken with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Serve the sweet chili chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) can enhance flavor.
- Ensure to cook chicken batches separately to maintain a crispy texture.
- Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying to avoid overpowering the dish’s flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce according to your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
