Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 1 bell pepper (sliced); 1 cup broccoli florets; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds (for garnish); Green onions (sliced, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re yearning for a weeknight meal that dances between sweet, spicy, and savory, let me introduce you to your new obsession: Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Picture juicy pieces of chicken, perfectly browned, tossed in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce with just a hint of heat, all mingled with crisp bell pepper and broccoli for a comforting, colorful skillet dinner. This recipe effortlessly fuses bold flavors with vibrant veggies, making it a go-to dish whether you’re serving your family or impressing dinner guests. It’s as delicious as it is simple, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe genuinely special is how each ingredient brings its own flair to the pan. Thinly sliced chicken and fresh veggies provide the foundation, while the sweet chili sauce ties everything together in a shimmering, irresistible glaze. Don’t be afraid to put your own twist on the mix-ins—each element adds flavor, texture, or a pop of color!

Chicken breast: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious sauce and stays juicy in every bite.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds that perfect balance between sweet and mildly spicy, making the flavor pop.
Soy sauce: Lends a savory, umami depth to both the marinade and the finished dish.
Cornstarch: Helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Olive oil: For sautéing, giving everything a golden, fragrant finish.
Minced garlic: Packs in aromatic warmth and elevates the whole skillet to restaurant quality.
Ginger (minced): Adds brightness and a little zing to complement the sweet chili flavors.
Bell pepper (sliced): Brings crunch and a burst of color—choose your favorite hue!
Broccoli florets: Offer freshness, nutrition, and satisfying bite within the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Lets you fine-tune the flavor to suit your taste.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): Sprinkle over the top for a nutty aroma and subtle crunch.
Green onions (sliced, for garnish): Add a fresh finish and vibrant color just before serving.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Let’s kick things off by giving the chicken a flavor bath! In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, making sure each one is nicely coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—this step infuses the chicken with that sweet, tangy, and soy-rich flavor we adore in every bite of the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering hot, add the marinated chicken (leave any extra marinade in the bowl for now). Let the pieces brown, undisturbed, before flipping so they develop those irresistible golden edges. It takes about 7 to 10 minutes for the chicken to cook through—transfer to a plate and set aside once done.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—that’s flavor!), lower the heat slightly and add more oil if needed. Throw in your minced garlic and ginger, letting them sizzle till aromatic. Next, add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are just tender yet still vibrantly crisp.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Time for the grand reunion! Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any reserved marinade. Stir well so the sauce evenly coats the chicken and veggies, then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything’s glossy, saucy, and steaming hot. Now your Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is ready for its finishing touches!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, generously sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These garnishes add aroma, crunch, freshness, and a pop of color—making each plate as stunning as it is flavorful.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

This dish shines brightest when topped with a shower of sesame seeds and heaps of fresh, thinly sliced green onions. Both add texture and a final flourish that really sets off the sweet chili glaze. If you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of lime or a scattering of fresh cilantro also works beautifully.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairing is fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every drop of the zesty sauce. For something lighter, try cauliflower rice or nutty brown rice. If you want the full takeout experience at home, serve alongside crispy spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe’s heat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe family-style, piled onto a big platter for everyone to dive in. For a fun twist, spoon it into lettuce wraps for a light and crunchy handheld meal, or toss it over noodles for a cozy noodle bowl. The possibilities are as endless (and tasty) as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the dish cool completely before refrigerating—the flavors will actually meld and deepen, making the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe even better the next day!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for future meals, simply divide the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers. It’ll happily hang out in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and vegetables together, but cook fresh rice when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each one, until everything is hot and glossy again. Just be careful not to overcook, especially if you want the veggies to keep some crispness!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and full of flavor. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and follow the same marinating and cooking steps. The Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe adapts beautifully to either cut.

Is this dish very spicy?

Not at all—it’s more sweet and tangy with just a gentle nudge of heat. For those who love extra spice, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha to the sauce before cooking.

Can I use other vegetables?

Definitely! The Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is perfect for whatever veggies you have on hand. Snap peas, carrots, or zucchini would work well. Just adjust the sauté time depending on their texture.

What’s the best type of sweet chili sauce?

Any good-quality store-bought Thai-style sweet chili sauce will work great. If you have a favorite brand, use that one! Homemade versions are fantastic too if you want to get adventurous.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep everything gluten-free. Double-check your sweet chili sauce (most are gluten-free, but it’s always wise to check labels).

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe the next time your cravings call for bold flavor and easy comfort. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a meal prep hero, and a delicious way to add a pop of color and zing to your dinner table. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is a delightful harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Tender chicken breast morsels are glazed in a luscious sweet chili sauce and paired with colorful bell peppers, crunchy broccoli, and aromatic garlic and ginger.

Instructions

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for 15 minutes.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, pour any remaining marinade over, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the dish by varying the amount of sweet chili sauce.
For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian