Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Green onions, sliced, for garnish

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Get ready to fall in love with your new weeknight favorite: Sweet Chili Chicken. This dish perfectly balances the savory flavors of succulent chicken and colorful vegetables with the sweet heat of everyone’s favorite chili sauce. It’s an irresistible combination of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a glossy, sticky sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re craving comfort or cooking to impress, Sweet Chili Chicken delivers every time with flavor, convenience, and a pop of color that brightens any table.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such a quick ingredient list can kick out such bold flavors. Each component brings something just right to the dish — think tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Here’s what makes Sweet Chili Chicken so unforgettable:

Chicken breast: Lean, juicy, and quick to cook, it soaks up all the delicious marinade.
Sweet chili sauce: The star of the show, adding tangy sweetness and gentle heat in every bite.
Soy sauce: Adds depth, saltiness, and that classic savory punch.
Cornstarch: Helps the sauce thicken and coats the chicken for extra silkiness.
Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing, giving everything a golden touch without overpowering flavors.
Minced garlic: Brings out a robust aromatics that are just mouthwatering paired with chili sauce.
Minced ginger: Adds a spicy, zesty lift and brightens the whole dish.
Bell pepper: For color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness that plays so well with the sauce.
Broccoli florets: Soaks up the sauce and gives a beautiful, hearty body.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing all the ingredients in harmony.
Sesame seeds: Lends a subtle nutty flavor and a bit of crunch for the finishing touch.
Green onions: Sliced for a fresh, perky garnish that brings each serving alive.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. This quick marinade not only infuses the chicken with layers of flavor, but the cornstarch also helps tenderize it, ensuring each piece soaks up that signature Sweet Chili Chicken sauce. Toss your chicken pieces until they’re well-coated, and let them sit for about 15 minutes to absorb all those incredible flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in your olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Spread it out so each piece gets nice and golden. Let the chicken sizzle for about 7 to 10 minutes until it’s cooked through and deeply caramelized. Remove the chicken and set aside; don’t worry, it’ll soak up even more flavor soon!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, letting them bloom with aromatic intensity for about 30 seconds. Then, toss in your sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Sauté everything together for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the veggies are tender but still hold a little crispness. The colors should look vibrant and the kitchen will smell unbelievable!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now, return your cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Pour over any extra marinade you might have left in the bowl. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step brings everything together, coating the chicken and vegetables with the luscious Sweet Chili Chicken sauce. The aroma is a promise of flavor to come!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Sweet Chili Chicken to your favorite serving dish. Finish with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and a flourish of fresh green onions. These little touches add so much in both taste and looks, turning your meal into a celebration.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes! A scattering of toasted sesame seeds and a shower of sliced green onions bring freshness and crunch, making every forkful of Sweet Chili Chicken pop with flavor and color. If you’re feeling fancy, a mic drop of chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime adds an extra layer of brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish is a natural with fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, soaking up the extra sauce. For a lighter plate, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a crisp Asian-inspired salad. Even simple noodles tossed in sesame oil can make this Sweet Chili Chicken sing as a quick weeknight feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Sweet Chili Chicken into lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on twist at parties. Or pile it onto a rice bowl with edamame, carrots, and avocado for a vibrant lunch. You can even stuff leftovers into a warm pita or flatbread for the most delicious hand-held meal. The possibilities are truly endless once you see how versatile this recipe is!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Sweet Chili Chicken (which isn’t a guarantee, it’s that good), pop leftovers into an airtight container. They’ll keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld and taste fantastic the next day!

Freezing

Sweet Chili Chicken is freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to two months, and you’ll have a home-cooked meal ready to go whenever hunger calls.

Reheating

From the fridge, reheat Sweet Chili Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce if needed to loosen up the sauce. If reheating from frozen, best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat as usual. The texture and taste hold up beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly here, adding extra juiciness and richness to your Sweet Chili Chicken. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is there a vegetarian version of Sweet Chili Chicken?

Yes! You can swap out the chicken for firm tofu or even tempeh. Just follow the same marinade and cooking steps. It still captures all the saucy, flavorful fun of the original.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Stir-fried snap peas, carrots, baby corn, or mushrooms are all delicious in Sweet Chili Chicken. Mix and match according to what’s in season or what’s in your fridge!

What if I want it spicier?

If you’re craving more heat, add a diced fresh chili, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. Adjust the level to your spice preference — it’s easy to make Sweet Chili Chicken as mild or fiery as you like.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. This tweak keeps the whole meal safe and delicious for anyone avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

If ever a dish could become your new go-to, it’s Sweet Chili Chicken! Whether you’re serving it up on a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe always delivers flavor, fun, and easy satisfaction. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Sweet Chili Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken bites with a flavorful sweet and savory sauce, served with colorful vegetables.

Instructions

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and let marinate for 15 minutes.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet and pour any remaining marinade over. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the dish by varying the amount of sweet chili sauce used.
For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian