Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (tender and easy to cook); 1 cup (store-bought or homemade; adds sweetness and heat); 2 tablespoons (for a savory depth of flavor); 4 cloves, minced (for aromatic flavor); 1 tablespoon, minced (adds warmth and spiciness); 2 tablespoons (for cooking); ¼ cup (for coating the chicken to achieve a crispy texture); To taste (for seasoning the chicken); 2, sliced (for garnish and a fresh flavor); 1 tablespoon (for garnish and a nutty crunch); For serving (jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles of your choice)

If you’re ready to wake up your dinner routine with something delightfully sticky, sweet, and just spicy enough to make your tastebuds dance, you need this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe in your life! Imagine tender bites of chicken smothered in a glossy, chili-kissed sauce that balances savory depth with playful heat, and then finished with a shower of fresh green onions and sesame seeds for that irresistible pop of flavor and crunch. Whether you’re looking to wow your weeknight crew or add a star to your next get-together, this dish, inspired by the zingy flavors of Asian-style home cooking, is a top contender for comfort and excitement all on one plate.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no magic here, just everyday ingredients working together to create something extraordinary. Each element of this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe adds a unique layer—color, crunch, and of course, that trademark sweet-and-spicy punch.

Chicken Breast: Use about 1.5 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender, juicy bites that soak up all the delicious sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade, delivers the iconic flavor—go for a good-quality sauce or make your own for the freshest taste!
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons to deepen the savoriness and give the dish a savory backbone.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, to infuse the chicken with warm, aromatic goodness.
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced, adds a touch of brightness and a gentle kick.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for achieving a golden, perfectly crispy chicken exterior.
Cornstarch: 1/4 cup for coating the chicken and delivering that irresistible crunch.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for straightforward seasoning and flavor balance.
Green Onions: 2, sliced, for a fresh, peppery garnish that doubles as edible confetti!
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, sprinkled on top for a nutty crunch and a pretty finish.
Rice or Noodles: For serving—a soft and satisfying base to soak up every last bit of sauce.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add the chicken, making sure every piece is cozy in the marinade. Cover and let this rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours), giving your chicken plenty of time to soak up that zesty, sweet heat.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a separate bowl, add the cornstarch and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove each chicken piece from the marinade (let any extra sauce drip off) and dredge it in the cornstarch until it’s fully coated. This step is crucial for achieving that signature crispy coating that stands up to the sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring all pieces turn golden brown and cook through. For best results, fry the chicken in batches, so every piece gets the attention it deserves—no steaming allowed!

Step 4: Glaze with Sweet Chili Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked and crisp, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Reduce the skillet to medium heat and pour in any leftover marinade. Bring it to a simmer for a minute or two, until thickened just slightly. Return the chicken to the pan, tossing it until glossy and every piece is well coated with that magical sweet chili glaze.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Give the whole skillet a taste and adjust the seasoning if you want more spice or sweetness. Then, pile the sticky, shiny chicken onto a platter or bowl, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and get ready for oohs and aahs all around!

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the toppings! A shower of green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add visual appeal and extra bursts of flavor. If you like a hit of citrus, serve with lime wedges—just a squeeze brightens up every bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe practically begs for a side of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, perfect for soaking up the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, steamed jasmine rice noodles or even a quick vegetable stir-fry on the side rounds out your meal with color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Try serving this dish in lettuce cups for hand-held fun, or skewer the chicken for party appetizers. You can even tuck it into warm bao buns or use it to top a fresh Asian slaw for a light, vibrant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe stores really well in the fridge. Pop any extras into an airtight container and keep them chilled for up to 3-4 days. The flavors soak in even more as it sits, making leftovers almost as exciting as the first meal.

Freezing

If you find yourself with a bigger batch than expected, yes, you can freeze Sweet Chili Chicken! Let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and stash it away for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep things moist. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, covering to trap the steam. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring gently to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are rich and juicy, and they hold up beautifully to the bold flavors of this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces before marinating.

Is there a vegetarian way to make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe?

You sure can make it vegetarian-friendly by swapping the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu first for best texture, marinate it just like the chicken, and coat with cornstarch before crisping up in the pan.

How do I make the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe less sweet?

If you prefer your dish with a bit more zip and a little less sugar, choose a low-sugar sweet chili sauce or make your own, reducing the sugar as desired. A splash of rice vinegar or lime juice right before serving also balances the sweetness nicely.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

You can use frozen chicken—just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating. This ensures the marinade absorbs evenly and the chicken cooks through properly, giving you the best texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to store and reheat Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze for longer storage. When reheating, add a touch of water or broth and gently warm in a covered skillet, or microwave in short spurts, until hot throughout.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s always the first dish to disappear at my dinner table! It’s got crunch, it’s got zing, and most importantly, it’s easy and endlessly customizable. I hope you’ll give it a whirl—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for comfort food with a little kick!