Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe 🍯🌶️🍗
Sweet, spicy, sticky, and oh-so-delicious — this Sweet Chili Chicken is the perfect blend of flavors you’ll crave again and again! 😋 Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a luscious sweet chili glaze that’s both savory and addictive. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner but tasty enough to impress guests at a casual get-together. Serve it over fluffy rice, noodles, or alongside fresh veggies for a meal that will have everyone licking their plates clean!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
½ cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional but recommended)
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
For Garnish & Serving:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Steamed rice or noodles
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This gives the chicken a light, crispy coating when cooked.
2. Cook the chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the sweet chili sauce:
In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tsp. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine chicken & sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing well to coat each piece in the sticky, flavorful sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes more to let the flavors blend.
5. Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips & Variations:
✅ Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
✅ Add colorful bell peppers or snap peas for a veggie boost.
✅ Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a tasty variation.
✅ Adjust sweetness and heat by adding more honey or chili flakes.
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
Why you’ll love it:
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is quick, flavorful, and versatile — the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. It’s ideal for weeknights but fancy enough for guests.