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 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; ¼ cup cornstarch; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Rice or noodles, for serving (jasmine, basmati, or choice of noodles)

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If you love bold flavors that perfectly balance sweet, spicy, and savory elements, then you are going to fall in love with this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that takes tender chicken breast and dresses it in a crispy coating, then lovingly bathes it in a luscious sweet chili glaze that is bursting with garlicky, gingery warmth and just the right kick of heat. Whether you’re cooking weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this dish brings a joyful explosion of taste and texture to every bite.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role, whether adding vibrant flavor, delightful crunch, or that inviting color that makes this dish so irresistible. From the crispy cornstarch coating to the tangy marinade, every component ensures this chicken is nothing short of spectacular.

Chicken Breast: 1.5 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide tender, juicy meat that’s ideal for quick cooking.
Sweet Chili Sauce: 1 cup, either store-bought or homemade, delivers the signature sweet heat that defines this dish.
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons add a savory depth that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced for an aromatic punch that elevates the flavor profile.
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced, bringing warm spiciness and freshness.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, essential for frying the chicken to golden crispiness.
Cornstarch: ¼ cup, to coat the chicken and create that irresistible crispy texture.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, seasoning the chicken for balanced flavor.
Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced for garnish and a fresh, mildly sharp contrast.
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted or plain, for a nutty crunch on top.
Rice or Noodles: Your choice of jasmine, basmati rice, or noodles acts as the perfect vehicle to soak up the luscious sauce.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized morsels for even cooking and easy eating. Combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade. Toss the chicken pieces in, making sure every piece is generously coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so flavors meld deeply, or up to 2 hours if you have more time. Even a brief marinade will boost the taste significantly, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In another bowl, place cornstarch, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. This coating is what gives the chicken its coveted crispy crust. Remove the chicken from the marinade with a slotted spoon, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the cornstarch, ensuring an even, light coating that will fry up golden and crunchy.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking to achieve the perfect fry. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, careful not to overcrowd, which would cause steaming instead of crisp frying. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to keep oil temperature consistent and the chicken perfectly crispy. Drain the cooked pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Reduce heat to medium and pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Let it simmer gently, thickening into a sticky, flavorful glaze. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing well so each crispy piece is enveloped in sweet chili goodness. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken. Adjust the seasoning here with extra sweet chili sauce or a splash of sriracha if you love more heat.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the glazed chicken right before serving. These garnishes add bursts of freshness and a delightful textural crunch that complements the richness of the dish perfectly. Plus, they make the plating look absolutely stunning and inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve your Sweet Chili Chicken over a bed of steaming jasmine or basmati rice, allowing each bite to be soaked up with the delicious glaze. Alternatively, serve it alongside or on top of your favorite noodles for a fun twist. A simple side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers pairs wonderfully and adds a vibrant balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special dinner, serve the Sweet Chili Chicken on a large platter garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds scattered liberally around. You can also offer small bowls of extra sweet chili sauce or sriracha on the side for dipping. For a hands-on meal, place the chicken in lettuce wraps with thin slices of cucumber and shredded carrots for a fresh contrast to the warm, saucy chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture. Keep the chicken separate from any rice or noodles if you want to reheat them evenly and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Place cooled, fully cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Sweet Chili Chicken can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispiness of the coating and warm the sauce without overcooking the chicken. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly, though the texture will be less crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will bring a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through and reach that perfect crispy exterior.

Is it possible to make the sweet chili sauce from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade sweet chili sauce typically uses ingredients like sugar, vinegar, garlic, red chili flakes, and sometimes fish sauce for authenticity. Making your own allows you to control sweetness and spice levels.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure the sweet chili sauce you choose doesn’t contain gluten. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so no changes needed there.

How spicy is this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe?

This recipe has a gentle heat that balances sweetness, making it approachable for most palates. You can always add more heat by mixing in sriracha or fresh chili if you prefer it spicier.

What are some good substitutions if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use potato starch or tapioca starch as a 1:1 replacement for cornstarch. These will also deliver a nice crisp coating on the chicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a home-cooked Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe that manages to be both comforting and exciting on the plate. Whether you’re serving it up for family dinner or bringing it to your next potluck, this recipe will charm taste buds and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite chicken dinner!

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Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe features tender, bite-sized chicken breasts coated in a crispy cornstarch crust and glazed with a flavorful sweet chili and soy sauce mixture. Enhanced with aromatic garlic and ginger, this quick and easy dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Ideal served over jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper to season. This will create the crispy exterior for the chicken.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade using a slotted spoon, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned cornstarch to coat evenly, which will yield a crispy texture after frying.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, suitable for frying.
Cook the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Use tongs or a spatula to turn pieces evenly.
Drain Excess Oil: Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, preserving crispiness.
Make the Glaze: Lower heat to medium. Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer, letting it thicken slightly to form a flavorful glaze.
Combine and Toss: Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the glaze. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add sriracha or additional sweet chili sauce for more heat, if desired.
Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over jasmine rice, basmati rice, or your preferred noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for better flavor; up to 2 hours is ideal.
Cooking chicken in batches helps maintain oil temperature and keeps the coating crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken from marinade to avoid sogginess during coating.
For spicier glaze, add sriracha or extra sweet chili sauce when simmering the marinade.
Serve immediately for best texture; leftover chicken may lose crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: Asian