Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup cornstarch; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Cooked jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles, for serving

Jump to Recipe

“`html

If you want a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and perfectly balances sweetness with a gentle kick of spice, this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch crust are tossed in a luscious sweet chili sauce, accented by the warmth of garlic and ginger, resulting in a plate that delivers comfort and excitement all at once. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat, this recipe always brings a smile to the table and keeps everyone coming back for more.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and texture that make the dish truly sing. From the tender chicken breasts to the zingy ginger, every component contributes to a perfect balance of taste, aroma, and vibrant color.

Chicken Breast: Use 1.5 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which cook quickly and stay juicy.
Sweet Chili Sauce: 1 cup will bring that signature blend of sweetness and subtle heat that defines the dish.
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons add a savory depth that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced for aromatic richness that wakes up your taste buds.
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced delivers warmth and gentle spiciness to round out the flavors.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking the chicken to a golden, crispy finish without overpowering the sauce.
Cornstarch: 1/4 cup to coat the chicken and create that irresistible crunchy texture.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, seasoning the chicken for balanced flavor.
Green Onions: 2, sliced for a fresh, bright garnish that adds crunch and color.
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon for a subtle nutty crunch that’s perfect on top.
Rice or Noodles: Choose your favorite jasmine rice, basmati, or noodles as a comforting base to soak up all the sauce.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces, stirring well to coat each one thoroughly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This marination step is key because it not only infuses the chicken with incredible layers of flavor but also helps keep the meat tender and juicy once cooked. If you’re in a hurry, even 15 minutes will bring noticeable flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is soaking up the sauce, prepare the cornstarch coating. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture is essential because it creates the crispy, slightly crunchy crust that contrasts wonderfully with the saucy chicken. When ready, take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and let the excess marinade drip off before dredging each piece in the cornstarch. Make sure every piece has an even, light coating for the best texture.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the chicken turns beautifully golden and crispy. The cornstarch crust should be nice and crunchy, locking in moisture while the chicken cooks through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 4: Toss in the Sauce

In the same pan, pour in the remaining marinade (if any) or additional sweet chili sauce, along with a splash of soy sauce if desired for extra depth. Warm it gently to bring out its rich aroma. Then, add the crispy chicken back into the pan, tossing quickly to coat every juicy piece in the glossy, sticky sauce. This final step marries the crunchy texture of the chicken with the sweet, spicy sauce in perfect harmony—you’ll notice a beautiful shine and irresistibly fragrant finish.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and add fresh contrasts, sprinkle the dish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These simple garnishes lend a pop of color and a pleasing crunch, while the green onions add a subtle sharpness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. They transform your plate from everyday to truly appetizing and inviting.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried noodles or steamed vegetables like broccoli and snap peas for a balanced, satisfying meal full of texture and color that complements the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a little adventurous or entertaining guests, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld version. Alternatively, pile the chicken on a bed of fluffy coconut rice and drizzle with some extra chili sauce and a squeeze of lime to add a tropical twist. Either way, this dish is versatile and sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, place any leftover Sweet Chili Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its flavors or texture, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Sweet Chili Chicken for up to 2 months. Simply spread the chicken pieces on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to thaw just the amount you need.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, warm your chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to help retain crispiness. Microwaving works too but may soften the coating. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep the chicken moist and flavorful during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and can stay juicier, making them a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it better to use store-bought or homemade sweet chili sauce?

Both work well. Store-bought is convenient and tasty, but homemade versions let you control the sweetness and spice level, making it customizable to your preferences.

What can I do to make the chicken extra crispy?

Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in cornstarch and cook in a hot pan with enough oil. Avoid overcrowding so the chicken fries evenly. Double coating with cornstarch is another trick for extra crunch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free sweet chili sauce, or make your own. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and perfect for the coating.

How spicy is this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe?

The spice level is mild with a pleasant sweetness and subtle heat. To make it spicier, you can add extra fresh chili or hot sauce to the marinade or drizzle some on top before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in vibrant flavors and textures. It’s easy enough for busy nights but impressive enough to serve friends and family with pride. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!

“`

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet Chili Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken breasts coated in a crispy cornstarch crust and tossed in a flavorful sweet and spicy chili sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines aromatic garlic, warming ginger, and savory soy sauce for a well-balanced Asian-inspired meal served best with jasmine rice or noodles.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add chicken pieces, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to let the flavors infuse and tenderize the chicken.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, season cornstarch with salt and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a crispy exterior after cooking.
Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade using a slotted spoon, letting excess marinade drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned cornstarch until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add coated chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes depending on size. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Toss in Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining marinade from the bowl to the skillet, letting it simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Return cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat well with the glaze.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or your choice of noodles.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; up to 2 hours intensifies flavors.
Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken from marinade so excess sauce doesn’t dilute the coating.
Adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or using spicy sweet chili sauce if desired.
Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
The recipe works well with chicken thighs if preferred, just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-frying and sautéing
Cuisine: Asian