Sweet Chili Chicken is the perfect blend of crispy, tender chicken pieces tossed in a vibrant, sticky, sweet-and-spicy sauce. Bursting with flavor from garlic, ginger, and sweet chili sauce, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you’re craving a takeout-style dinner at home. Paired with rice or noodles, it’s a satisfying and mouthwatering meal that comes together quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Chili Chicken is quick, flavorful, and so much better than takeout. The chicken is lightly coated and pan-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a glossy sauce that’s the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory. With a short marinating time and simple ingredients, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, yet tasty enough for guests. It also pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile dinner option for the whole family.
Ingredients
-
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
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
-
1/4 cup cornstarch
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
-
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
-
Rice or noodles, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
In a bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
-
In a separate bowl, season the cornstarch with salt and pepper. Coat the marinated chicken pieces in the seasoned cornstarch.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels if needed.
-
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining marinade and simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
-
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to glaze the chicken.
-
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
-
Servings: 4
Variations
-
Extra Heat: Add a chopped chili pepper or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for more spice.
-
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based twist.
-
Sticky Chicken Wings: Use the same marinade and method with chicken wings for a sticky, finger-licking appetizer.
-
Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a complete stir-fry.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great and offer even juicier results.
2. Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, then toss it in the sauce afterward.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The dish is mildly spicy due to the sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or extra hot sauce.
4. Can I use store-bought sweet chili sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought sweet chili sauce works perfectly and saves time.
5. What’s a good substitute for cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or potato starch are great alternatives for coating the chicken.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. Cook just before serving for the best texture.
7. Can I air-fry the chicken instead?
Yes, air-fry the coated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden, then toss it in the sauce.
8. What’s the best side dish for Sweet Chili Chicken?
Rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy make excellent sides.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients—just cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
Sweet Chili Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce make this recipe a must-try for fans of Asian-inspired meals. Whether served with rice or noodles, this vibrant dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner menu!
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken
Sweet Chili Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines crispy, tender chicken pieces with a vibrant, sticky sweet-and-spicy sauce. With garlic, ginger, and sweet chili sauce, this easy recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout-style chicken, this dish pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
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
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
-
In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
-
In a separate bowl, season cornstarch with salt and pepper. Coat the marinated chicken pieces in the seasoned cornstarch.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels if needed.
-
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining marinade and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.
-
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to glaze the chicken.
-
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
-
Extra Heat: Add chopped chili pepper or a dash of sriracha for more spice.
-
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based option.
-
Sticky Chicken Wings: Use the same marinade and method for sticky, finger-licking chicken wings.
-
Add Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a complete stir-fry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Chicken, Stir-fry
- Method: Pan-frying, Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
