Why Make This Recipe
Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines the perfect mix of sweetness and spice. It’s simple to prepare and is sure to please both family and friends. This recipe allows you to enjoy a taste of Asian cuisine right at home without needing any fancy ingredients or techniques. If you want a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty meal for a gathering, Sweet Chili Chicken is a great choice!
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- Rice or noodles for serving
Directions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and marinate it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Place cornstarch in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess sauce drip off, and dredge it in the cornstarch until well coated.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.
- In the same pan, simmer the remaining marinade until it thickens slightly to make a glaze.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss it until evenly coated, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken
Sweet Chili Chicken is best served hot. You can place it over a bowl of steamed rice or alongside some noodles. Garnish it with fresh green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a beautiful presentation. This dish is great for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
How to Store Sweet Chili Chicken
To store leftover Sweet Chili Chicken, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it properly before reheating.
Tips to Make Sweet Chili Chicken
- For extra flavor, try adding sliced bell peppers or broccoli while cooking the chicken.
- If you like a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken to get that perfect golden brown color.
Variation
If you’re looking for a twist, you can substitute chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. The cooking times will vary; be sure to adjust accordingly.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to fully thaw it before cutting and marinating.
2. Is this dish spicy?
Sweet Chili Chicken has a mild spice due to the sweet chili sauce, making it suitable for most palates.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! You can replace soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.

Sweet Chili Chicken
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Description
A flavorful dish combining sweetness and spice, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- Rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and marinate it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Place cornstarch in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess sauce drip off, and dredge it in the cornstarch until well coated.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.
- In the same pan, simmer the remaining marinade until it thickens slightly to make a glaze.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss it until evenly coated, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Can be served over rice or with noodles. To store, cool completely and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.