Easy Sweet Chili Chicken
All you foodies out there get ready to earn some souvenir points by making the Sweet Chili Chicken for your dinner. This one is loaded with just the right amount of sweetness, tang and a touch of heat and will quickly become a weeknight staple in your house. If you’re a novice taking your first steps or an experienced home cook, this recipe is easy, fast and incredibly tasty.
So stick around and learn about what you need to know about the this delicious dish, including prep and cook times, serving suggestions, nutritional breakdown and frequently asked questions. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So Delicious : The combination of sweet, spicy and sour/sour, the maturing of flavors it creates when mixing; An unmatched flavor.
- Simple Ingredients : Most if not all the ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Quick & Easy : With only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, dinner’s on the table in a flash.
- Versatile : Serve with crispy lettuce wraps for a low carb option.
- Customizable : Want less heat or more sweetness? The sauce can be easily modified to your liking.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or sesame works best)
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken
- Coat your chicken in corn starch or flour and soy sauce. Mix well to coat evenly. This will allow the chicken to be crispy when cooked!
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken pieces and cook, turning, until golden brown on both sides (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 2. Make the Sweet Chili Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, and add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Afterwards, add in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey and red chili flakes. Cook sauce for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- It is literally a matter of adding the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to thoroughly coat each piece with sauce.
- Cover and simmer 3 minutes longer to let flavors blend.
Step 4. Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. Serve hot with your favorite side dish (or some steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles).
Quick Tip: Want extra heat? Add a little squeeze of Sriracha or chopped fresh chilies.
Notes
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken
This Sweet Chili Chicken is SO versatile and you can serve it with almost any side! Here are some serving ideas:
- Rice: A classic option! Serve with jasmine, white or brown rice.
- Noodles: Fried egg noodles or soba will absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Salad Wraps: To keep it low-carb, serve in crisp butter lettuce leaves.
- Steamed Veggies: You can’t go wrong pairing broccoli, bok choy, or asparagus with your grilled meat.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on brands and specific ingredients used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! In place of: Soy sauce Use: Tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce Also, verify the sweet chili sauce you’re using is gluten-free (check the label).
2. Can I use a different protein instead of the chicken?
Absolutely! This sauce is great with shrimp, tofu or even pork. The cooking time should be modified accordingly.
3. How long is Sweet Chili Chicken good for in the fridge?
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, either microwave or warm on the stove over medium-high heat.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you present make the sauce in advance and keep it for up to a week in the fridge. For best texture, cook the chicken fresh.
5. Is this dish spicy?
I say this because you can control the spice factor based on the chili flakes and sweet chili sauce you use. It is also so easy to make milder or spicier.
Take Your Dinner to the Next Level
Sweet Chili Chicken is the answer to super quick, super easy, super drool worthy dinners. Sweet, tangy, spicy, and full of flavor with every bite making your taste buds do the cha cha cha. This dish is sure to impress anyone, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or casual meal with friends.
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