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; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon ginger (minced); 1 bell pepper (sliced); 1 cup broccoli florets; Sesame seeds; Green onions (sliced)

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Sweet Chili Chicken is the kind of dish that brings a spark to even the busiest weeknight dinner, delivering punchy flavors and vibrant color in every bite. Picture tender chicken tossed in a glossy, sweet-spicy glaze, nestled alongside crisp-tender veggies, with just enough sesame seeds and green onion to make every mouthful pop. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice, wrapped up in lettuce leaves, or sneaking joyfully straight from the skillet, this recipe is as craveable as it is quick to put together.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a beautiful dance of simple ingredients, each one playing a crucial part in the overall flavor and texture of Sweet Chili Chicken. As you gather your mise en place, you’ll appreciate how straightforward yet essential every element is—nothing unnecessary, everything purposeful and delicious.

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy, quick-cooking bites that soak up the sauce.
Sweet chili sauce: The star of the show, lending a punchy, sticky, sweet-heat to cloak the chicken in irresistible flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory, salty depth that balances the sweetness of the chili sauce.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce while giving the chicken a glossy, lightly crisp coating.
Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, ensuring everything cooks evenly and picks up beautiful color.
Minced garlic: A little aromatic magic to awaken the senses and layer in flavor.
Ginger (minced): Fresh and zingy, ginger brightens the whole dish with its signature warmth.
Bell pepper (sliced): Adds crunch and a burst of color, plus natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Broccoli florets: Deliver nutrient-packed greens and satisfying bite.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning to taste—don’t overlook this final adjustment!
Sesame seeds (garnish): Just a sprinkling for nuttiness and visual flair.
Green onions (sliced, garnish): Freshness and a little oniony zing to finish things off right.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by making a boldly flavorful marinade. In a medium bowl, combine your sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch—this trio is the key foundation for the Sweet Chili Chicken. Toss the chicken pieces to completely coat them, letting the meat soak in all that sticky-sweet tang. Give it at least 15 minutes to marinate while you prep your veggies; this quick pause makes the difference between good and game-changing chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high so you’ve got a hot pan ready for action. Add the marinated chicken and spread the pieces out so they begin to brown and caramelize on the sides. Let them cook undisturbed until they start developing rich color—about 7 to 10 minutes—or until they are cooked through and irresistibly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping all those delicious bits in the pan for the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In that same skillet, add a little more oil if the pan looks dry, then stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Let their aroma fill your kitchen for about 30 seconds before tossing in the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Sauté everything for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are just tender and still brightly colored—think crisp-tender, not mushy.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return your golden-brown chicken to the skillet along with any remaining marinade left in the bowl. Stir everything together so the sauce coats every piece and the chicken rewarms in the pan. Let this mix cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, which thickens the sauce further and brings all the flavors together into pure Sweet Chili Chicken bliss.

Step 5: Serve it Up!

Time for the grand finale! Plate your Sweet Chili Chicken while it’s still piping hot, then go generous with the garnishes. Sprinkle the whole dish with sesame seeds for nutty crunch and scatter sliced green onions for a welcoming burst of freshness—this visual finish makes the food as beautiful as it is tasty.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken

Garnishes

The right finishing touches truly make everything sing. Try a rain of sesame seeds over the top, with sliced green onions for a crisp pop. If you’re feeling extra, an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice or a few thin slices of red chili can add a unique zing or accent of heat to your Sweet Chili Chicken.

Side Dishes

This saucy stir-fry is just begging for fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of sauce. Feel like changing it up? Try jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter spin. Steamed rice noodles, quinoa, or a bright Asian-style slaw also make delicious partners for your Sweet Chili Chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun, serve your Sweet Chili Chicken tucked into lettuce cups for a hands-on appetizer, or layer it inside a warm tortilla for a playful fusion taco night. It’s also beautiful presented family-style in a large bowl, inviting everyone to dig in and help themselves at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Sweet Chili Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will easily keep for up to three days, and the flavors will actually deepen and meld as it sits—making leftovers a delicious reward.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Sweet Chili Chicken freezes surprisingly well. Simply cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label with the date, and it’ll stay tasty for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating, but stovetop will best preserve texture and richness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a little juicier and work beautifully in Sweet Chili Chicken. Just cut them into small pieces and cook as directed, adjusting for a slightly longer cook time if necessary.

Is there a good vegetarian substitute for the chicken?

Definitely—firm tofu or tempeh are both yummy plant-based options that hold up well to the bold sauce. Simply cube, marinate, and cook until golden, then finish the recipe as written.

Can I make the sauce less spicy?

If you prefer a milder taste, opt for a milder sweet chili sauce or mix in a tablespoon of honey to the marinade. You can also use more bell pepper and less sauce to mellow things out.

What veggies go well if I want more variety?

Sweet Chili Chicken loves extra veggies! Try sugar snap peas, carrots, baby corn, or mushrooms for added crunch and color. Just sauté them along with the bell pepper and broccoli.

Can I prepare Sweet Chili Chicken in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. You can even cook the whole dish and reheat it just before serving—the flavors will be even more pronounced after a little rest.

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a dish guaranteed to wow your table yet stay easy enough for any night you crave something special, it’s Sweet Chili Chicken. It’s bold, colorful, and joyfully easy to put together—give it a try, and you’ll soon be sharing the recipe with everyone who gets a taste.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful sweet chili sauce, served with sautéed vegetables for a delicious and easy-to-make meal.

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.