Sweet Chili Chicken

30-Minute Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Célia BrooksRecipe Author
Ingredients
4
Person(s)
  • Boneless, skinless thighs are tender and juicy when cooked.
  • The star ingredient—provides sweet heat and sticky glaze.
  • Freshly minced garlic adds bold flavor and aroma.
  • Brings savory umami flavor and depth to the sauce.
  • Adds a tangy bite to balance the sweetness.
  • Boosts the sticky sweetness in the sauce.
  • Used to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken.
  • For seasoning.
  • balance.
  • Used for frying the chicken pieces to golden crisp.
  • Adds color and freshness as a garnish.
  • Optional topping for texture and nutty aroma.

Each ingredient is chosen to create the perfect balance of flavors—sweet, spicy, and savory.

Directions

🍽️ How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken

  • Classic Style: Over white rice for a filling, balanced meal.

  • Healthy Bowl: With quinoa and steamed broccoli.

  • Asian-Inspired Wraps: Wrap in lettuce or tortillas with cucumber and carrots.

  • Meal Prep: Store in containers with rice and green beans.


💡 Tips & Variations

  • Spicier Kick: Add 1 tsp of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower bites.

  • Crunch Factor: Add crushed peanuts or crispy shallots on top.

  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.


🍷 Drink Pairings

  • White Wine: Try a chilled Riesling to balance the heat.

  • Sparkling Water: With lemon or lime for a refreshing contrast.

  • Thai Iced Tea: Sweet and creamy to complement the chili flavor.


❓ FAQs About Sweet Chili Chicken

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Just be careful not to overcook it—it dries out faster than thighs.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), bake coated chicken pieces for 20 minutes, then toss in sauce.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze sweet chili chicken?
Yes, but the texture of the sauce might change slightly. Best to freeze chicken separately from the sauce if possible.


❤️ Final Thoughts

This Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavor explosion that will keep everyone coming back for more. It’s easy to make, super adaptable, and pairs well with so many sides. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a kitchen pro, this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

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  • Prepare the Chicken
    • Cut 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces.

    • Season with salt and pepper.

    • Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.Golden crispy chicken glazed in a sticky sweet chili sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

  • Mix the Sweet Chili Sauce

    n a medium bowl, mix:

    • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

    • 2 tablespoons honey

    • 3 cloves of garlic, minced

    Whisk everything until smooth and set aside.

    Juicy chicken pieces coated in a glossy sweet chili glaze, served hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

  • Sear the Chicken
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

    • Add the coated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.

    • Remove from heat and set aside.Juicy sweet chili chicken pieces coated in a glossy red sauce, served hot with a sprinkle of herbs and steamed rice.

  • Add the Sauce to the Pan
    • Sweet chili chicken pieces sizzling in sauce, topped with chopped scallions and sesame seedsIn the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
    • Pour in the prepared sweet chili sauce.

    • Simmer for 2–3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

  • Toss Chicken in Sauce
    • Return the chicken to the skillet.

    • Stir to coat all pieces in the sauce.

    • Let it simmer together for 3–4 minutes so the sauce sticks to the chicken.Crispy chicken coated in a glossy sweet chili glaze, served with lime wedges and fresh herbs.

  • Garnish and Serve
    • Turn off the heat.

    • Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

    • Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or veggies.Close-up of sweet chili chicken with a thick red glaze, garnished with sesame seeds and chili flakes.

Nutritions

This dish offers a nice mix of protein and flavor with a moderate calorie count. Great for when you want comfort food with a little kick!

  • Calories:
    420 kcal
  • Protein:
    32 g
  • Fat:
    18 g
  • Carbohydrates :
    35 g
  • Sugar:
    20 g
  • Fiber:
    1 g
  • Sodium:
    850 mg

Love meals that pack a punch? This one brings together sweet heat, savory depth, and serious flavor in the best way possible.
Enter: Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken.

Delicious sweet chili chicken with fresh green garnish

This easy sweet chili chicken recipe is packed with bold flavors and a sticky, glossy glaze that clings to tender, juicy pieces of chicken. It’s bold without being overpowering—sweet, a touch spicy, and super satisfying no matter your heat tolerance.

Whether you serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, toss it with stir-fried noodles, or pair it with roasted vegetables, this sweet chili glazed chicken will have your family asking for seconds. It’s one of those meals that manages to taste like takeout—but better—because it’s homemade with fresh ingredients and zero mystery additives.

🥢 Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Chicken

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also quick, simple, and practical for busy home cooks. No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients required.

  • Quick dinner idea – ready in 30–40 minutes
  • ✅ Made with common pantry staples
  • ✅ Versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, wraps, or salads
  • ✅ Easily customizable for spice levels or dietary preferences
  • ✅ Great for meal prep—leftovers reheat beautifully

This sticky sweet chili chicken is inspired by the bold, comforting flavors of Asian-style cuisine, but adapted for weeknight ease. It’s a dinner that works just as well for a cozy night in as it does for impressing guests at a casual gathering.

🍯 What’s in This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken

The magic of this dish lies in its sauce—a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory. The ingredients come together to form a thick, rich glaze that caramelizes slightly as it coats the chicken.

Sweet Chili Sauce Ingredients:

  • Sweet chili sauce – the backbone of the glaze, giving it that signature flavor
  • Honey – adds stickiness and natural sweetness
  • Soy sauce – for depth and umami richness
  • Rice vinegar – provides acidity and balance
  • Minced garlic and fresh ginger – to give the sauce aromatic warmth and complexity
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) – for an extra kick of heat

Together, these ingredients create a sauce that’s bold, bright, and totally addictive. The chicken gets tossed in this glossy coating until every bite is bursting with flavor.

🔥 How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken at Home

This easy sweet chili chicken recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep. You don’t need to marinate the chicken for hours or follow complicated steps—it’s all about simplicity with maximum flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces—boneless thighs or breasts both work great. Then, season them with a little salt, pepper, and a light coating of cornstarch to help them crisp up beautifully when cooked.
  2. Sear the chicken – Cook in a hot skillet or wok with a bit of oil until golden and crispy on all sides.
  3. Mix the sauce – In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
  4. Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens up and coats the chicken in a rich, glossy glaze.
  5. Garnish and serve – Top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Serve this dish hot and fresh, ideally over a bed of steamed rice, but it also works great with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter option.

🕒 Perfect for Busy Nights – A Quick Dinner That Delivers

Let’s face it—weeknights can be hectic. That’s why having a go-to quick dinner recipe like this one is a total lifesaver. With just one pan, a handful of pantry staples, and less than 40 minutes, you can have a meal that tastes like it took hours.

What makes this sweet chili chicken so special is how effortless it is to pull off. Even if you’re tired, short on time, or just not in the mood for something complicated, this dish comes together quickly and reliably. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prepping a few portions in advance.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who appreciates bold flavor and minimal cleanup, this sticky chicken recipe is a must-try.

📝 Final Thoughts

It’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner: easy, tasty, kid-approved, and totally crave-worthy. It’s a dinner you’ll come back to again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it genuinely delivers on taste.

So next time you’re wondering what to make with that pack of chicken thighs or breasts in the fridge, give this sticky sweet chili chicken a try. It’s bold, balanced, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

If you like bold flavors, don’t miss my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl—it’s another quick, flavor-packed meal perfect for busy nights.

Craving comfort food? Don’t miss my Chicken and Pasta Recipes: A Love Story in Every Bite—it’s the perfect combo of cozy and delicious!

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