Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 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; Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles of your choice

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that balances sweet, spicy, and savory perfectly, then this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish. Juicy chicken pieces get marinated, coated, and cooked until crispy before being coated in a luscious sweet chili glaze that is rich in flavor and simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this recipe is straightforward, delicious, and packed with bold tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays an important role — from the tender chicken breast to the punchy garlic and warming ginger, plus the sweet chili sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

Chicken Breast: 1.5 to 2 pounds, boneless and skinless for easy handling and quick cooking.
Sweet Chili Sauce: 1 cup – either store-bought or homemade, this is the heart of the recipe, providing sweetness and heat.
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons to deepen the savory notes and balance the sweetness.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced to add aromatic richness.
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced for a subtle spicy warmth.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for frying the chicken until golden and crispy.
Cornstarch: ¼ cup to coat the chicken pieces, ensuring a perfectly crispy crust.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, to elevate and season the chicken perfectly.
Green Onions: 2, finely sliced for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon to sprinkle on top for nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Rice or Noodles: Your choice of jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles to serve alongside.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—perfect for quick cooking and easy eating. In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to create a flavorful marinade. Toss the chicken in this mixture until well coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the chicken absorbs those vibrant flavors, making each bite juicy and tender. If you’re pressed for time, even 15 minutes will work wonders here!

Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch

In a separate bowl, season your cornstarch lightly with salt and pepper. This coating is the secret to achieving that crave-worthy crispiness on the outside of the chicken. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off before dredging them evenly in the seasoned cornstarch. Set aside—your crispy chicken is almost ready!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add your coated chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if needed. Fry the chicken pieces for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil—this keeps things crispy and light.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Lower the heat to medium and pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and watch it thicken into a glossy glaze that’s packed with flavor. Toss the fried chicken back into the pan, coating each piece thoroughly with this luscious sauce. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. At this stage, feel free to adjust the spice level by adding a splash of sriracha or extra sweet chili sauce if you want more kick.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds generously over the glazed chicken. These garnishes add freshness and a satisfying crunch, turning every bite into a flavor-packed experience.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fragrant jasmine rice or nutty basmati rice, both of which soak up the sauce beautifully. If noodles are more your style, stir-fried or rice noodles tossed lightly with sesame oil provide a lovely base. For a complete meal, add some colorful vegetable stir-fry or steamed greens to balance the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow your guests? Serve the chicken atop a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant salad twist or in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option. You can also offer dips like a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce to contrast the sweetness and heat. Presentation is your playground with this adaptable recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Sweet Chili Chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture. Make sure to cool the chicken before sealing to keep the sauce thick and the chicken tender.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It’s best eaten within 2 months for optimal flavor and freshness. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, warm the Sweet Chili Chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken crispy and the sauce luscious. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the coating soggy. Add a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce if the glaze has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more tender texture and can work wonderfully in this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Is the sweet chili sauce spicy?

Most sweet chili sauces have a gentle heat that balances with their sweetness, making them accessible for most palates. However, you can always adjust the spice level by adding more chili or sriracha if you prefer extra heat.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

While 30 minutes is ideal for good flavor absorption, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute soak in the marinade will enhance the dish nicely.

What if I don’t have cornstarch for coating?

If cornstarch isn’t available, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a substitute, though cornstarch tends to give the crispiest finish.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and check that your sweet chili sauce does not contain gluten. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is a true winner for any occasion. Its combination of crispy tender chicken wrapped in a sweet, mildly spicy glaze is pure comfort on a plate. The best part? You don’t need a complicated list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make it happen. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved classic in your recipe collection—flavorful, fun, and bursting with bold flavors that everyone will love.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Sweet Chili Chicken recipe featuring crispy chicken bites coated in a flavorful sweet chili glaze. This dish is perfect for pairing with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles, making it an ideal weeknight dinner with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with salt and pepper to lightly season. This coating will create a crispy exterior when cooked.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade using a slotted spoon, letting excess sauce drip off. Dredge each piece evenly in the seasoned cornstarch.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add coated chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Drain the Chicken: Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil and keep it crispy.
Glaze the Chicken: Reduce heat to medium and pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Bring to a simmer to thicken slightly, creating a glaze.
Toss Chicken in Glaze: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning or add sriracha for extra spice if desired.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer glazed chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to fully develop flavor; for best results, marinate up to 2 hours.
Cook chicken in batches if needed to prevent steaming and to maintain crispiness.
Use a slotted spoon when removing chicken from marinade to avoid excess sauce diluting the coating.
Adjust the heat level by adding sriracha or more sweet chili sauce to taste.
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to retain crispiness; consider reheating in a skillet rather than a microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: Asian