Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Easy & Healthy Chinese-Inspired Dish

Transform your weeknight dinners with this incredibly flavorful sweet chili chicken that brings authentic Chinese takeout taste straight to your home kitchen. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious sweet and spicy glaze that creates the perfect balance of flavors your family will crave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4-6

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for crispy coating)

For the Sweet Chili Glaze:

• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 3 green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper. For extra crispiness, lightly dust with cornstarch and let rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the sauce ingredients.

Step 2: Perfect Sear

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer, don’t overcrowd. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Step 3: Build the Glaze

Reduce heat to medium-low. Push chicken to one side, add minced garlic and ginger to empty space. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sweet chili sauce.

Step 4: The Magic Moment

Toss chicken through the bubbling sauce for 2-3 minutes until every piece is beautifully glazed and the sauce becomes sticky. The chicken should have a lustrous, caramelized coating.

Step 5: Perfect Finish

Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately over steamed rice.

Pro Tips & Variations

Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat for searing, then reduce for sauce building to prevent burning while ensuring proper caramelization.

Quick Variations:

• Protein Swaps: Try shrimp (5-minute cook time), crispy tofu, or mixed vegetables
• Spice Level: Add chili flakes for heat, or honey for extra sweetness
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce

Perfect Pairings: Serve over jasmine rice, lo mein noodles, or with stir-fried vegetables. Steamed broccoli and snap peas make excellent healthy sides.

Storage & Meal Prep

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days – the flavors actually improve overnight! This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water, or microwave for quick meals.

Meal Prep Tip: Cook a double batch on Sunday and portion with rice and vegetables for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Why This Recipe Works

This sweet chili chicken delivers restaurant-quality results at home by focusing on proper technique and quality ingredients. The combination of the perfect sear, aromatic base, and glossy sauce creates layers of flavor that make this dish absolutely irresistible. It’s approachable for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress guests, making it the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.