If you love dishes that burst with flavor and offer the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. With tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious sauce made from sweet chili sauce, honey, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, every bite feels like a warm hug packed with excitement. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with a dish that’s as vibrant in taste as it is in color, this recipe hits all the right notes in just under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient is chosen not just for flavor but also for the texture and color they bring to the dish, ensuring your meal is both delicious and visually appealing.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: The star of the recipe, bringing the signature sweet heat that makes this dish irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Introduces a savory depth and umami that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Enhances the natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant punch that complements the chili kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated: Provides a warm, slightly spicy undertone that lifts the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that makes the flavor profile more complex.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Freshness and a splash of vibrant green color to finish off.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: For a delightful crunch and a touch of visual appeal.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat while you cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Keeping the pieces uniform in size is key to making sure they cook evenly and stay juicy throughout.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Once your pan is hot, pour in the olive oil, then carefully add the chicken pieces. Spread them out so they have their own space to get that beautiful golden brown crust. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re cooked through—your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This mixture is where all the magic happens, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour that luscious sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan, stirring well to coat every single piece. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes. This lets the sauce thicken slightly and really soak into the chicken, making each bite even more flavorful.
Step 5: Finish with Sesame Oil and Toppings
Just before you take the pan off the heat, drizzle the sesame oil over the chicken and stir it in. This little finishing touch adds a hint of toasted nuttiness that rounds out the dish so beautifully. Once plated, don’t forget to sprinkle on the chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These fresh and crunchy toppings take the presentation and taste up a notch.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds are more than just pretty—they add a crisp bite and a burst of color that brighten up the dish. You can even throw in some finely sliced red chili if you want a little extra heat and visual pop.
Side Dishes
Sweet Chili Chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, try serving it alongside stir-fried veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish over crispy lettuce cups or wrap it in warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired chicken wrap. You could also pile it on a bed of noodles with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a colorful, comforting meal that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making the next-day meal just as tasty—if not better!
Freezing
If you want to store it for longer, this chicken freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage to bring back that perfect saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked, making them a great alternative for this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe.
Is this dish very spicy?
The recipe has a balanced heat level from the red pepper flakes and sweet chili sauce, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken?
Cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly and absorb the sauce perfectly. Aim for roughly 1-inch cubes.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! The ingredients scale up well, just make sure your skillet or pan is large enough to cook the chicken evenly without overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is a wonderful blend of ease, flavor, and style all in one pan. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your culinary repertoire for busy nights or when you want to wow friends with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite quick dinners that never fails to delight.
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken pieces cooked in a sweet and tangy chili sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe features a delicious blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Sauce
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: While the skillet is heating, cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Add olive oil: Once the pan is hot, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and help sear the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken pieces evenly in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
- Add sauce to chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet, ensuring all chicken pieces are coated evenly.
- Simmer the chicken: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle the tablespoon of sesame oil over the chicken and stir to incorporate it into the sauce.
- Plate the dish: Remove the pan from heat and transfer the sweet chili chicken to a serving dish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top of the chicken for added freshness and crunch.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the sweet chili chicken hot with your choice of sides such as steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chilies.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- This recipe pairs well with jasmine rice, brown rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
