Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Sweet Chili Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something savory with a hint of heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its balance of sweet and spicy flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility. The chicken comes out crispy on the outside and juicy inside, coated with an irresistible glossy sauce. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
5. In a separate pan or the same cleaned skillet, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and rice vinegar. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the chicken absorb the flavors.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Preparation time is around 10 minutes, cooking time is about 20 minutes.

Variations

• Use chicken wings or drumsticks instead of breast or thigh pieces.
• Add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a more complete meal.
• Substitute tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or extra chili sauce.
• Use a tempura batter for an even crispier coating.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes. For best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave if possible.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use store-bought sweet chili sauce?

Absolutely, store-bought sweet chili sauce works perfectly for this recipe.

What is the best cut of chicken for this recipe?

Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too.

How spicy is sweet chili chicken?

It’s mildly spicy; you can adjust the heat level by adding more chili sauce or pepper flakes.

Can I make the sauce from scratch?

Yes, you can make sweet chili sauce using sugar, vinegar, garlic, and red chilies if preferred.

Can I freeze sweet chili chicken?

It’s better fresh, but you can freeze it; the texture may soften slightly upon reheating.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding sauce?

Toss the chicken quickly in the sauce just before serving to maintain some crispiness.

What can I serve with sweet chili chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or a crisp vegetable stir-fry.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your chili sauce is gluten-free.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer the sauce longer or add a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

Conclusion

Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its perfectly balanced sauce and crispy, tender chicken, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, and a little spicy. Whether for a quick dinner or a casual get-together, it’s always a winning choice!

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