Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a mouthwatering combination of sweet, tangy, and just a tiny bit spicy flavors, this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy bites of chicken coated in a sticky glaze, tossed with vibrant veggies, all crowned with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions. This dish is a breeze to pull together, absolutely bursting with color and texture, and it’s sure to impress at any dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how this line-up of everyday ingredients comes together to create such a knockout meal. Each component plays its part—adding flavor, color, or crunch, so don’t skip a thing! Let’s give them their moment in the spotlight.

• Chicken breast: Lean and tender, it soaks up the sweet chili marinade for maximum flavor.
• Sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient gives that irresistible sweet-heat glaze.
• Soy sauce: A splash adds savory depth and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Cornstarch: Helps the sauce cling to every chicken bite, delivering that glossy finish.
• Olive oil: For rich, golden browning and keeping everything sizzling in the skillet.
• Minced garlic: Adds aromatic punch that you’ll taste in every bite.
• Ginger (minced): Brings a gentle warmth and zing to the whole dish.
• Bell pepper (sliced): Pops of color and sweetness, while staying crisp-tender.
• Broccoli florets: For a nutritious, crunchy vegetable contrast.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste so all your flavors sing in harmony.
• Sesame seeds (for garnish): A sprinkle for toasty flavor and a little crunch.
• Green onions (sliced, for garnish): The perfect fresh finish on top.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a medium bowl until smooth—it should be silky and thick enough to coat the chicken. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them well so every bit is enveloped in that luscious marinade. Set aside for at least 15 minutes. This step will infuse the chicken with sweet and savory flavors and ensure a sticky coating later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay in your marinated chicken, letting each piece get a bit of space so it browns, not steams. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Don’t rush here—the color equals flavor! Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those brown bits are pure flavor!), add minced garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. Toss in the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes. You want them just tender but still with some crunch and vibrant color.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return your cooked chicken (plus any juices!) to the skillet with the veggies. Pour over any leftover marinade from the bowl. Stir and let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until hot and glossy. The sauce should cling to the chicken and vegetables, turning the skillet into a glistening, mouthwatering masterpiece.

Step 5: Serve

Once everything is sizzling and perfectly coated, remove from heat. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions—these aren’t just pretty, they add the final layer of flavor and crunch to the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches make a huge difference here: shower your dish with sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness and extra texture. Top with plenty of fresh green onions for a crisp, peppery snap that complements the sticky-sweet glaze perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe loves a steaming bowl of jasmine or basmati rice, but if you want to keep things light, try serving it over cauliflower rice or even a crisp salad. For a heartier meal, mix in stir-fried noodles—the sauce coats them beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just stop at the standard plate! Serve this chicken as a filling in lettuce wraps for a hands-on meal or skewer the cooked chicken and veggies for a fun party platter. Leftovers (if you have any) also work fabulously tucked into wraps with crunchy slaw for lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe keeps brilliantly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely, then pack it into an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier for lunch or a speedy dinner tomorrow.

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly! Allow the chicken to cool, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy. It’s a real lifesaver to have this stash on hand for busy evenings.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each until heated through. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and the veggies retain some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe even juicier and add a bit more richness. Just trim any excess fat and follow the same directions.

Is this dish very spicy?

This recipe is more sweet than spicy, but you can easily add more heat by stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dollop of sriracha to the sauce if you like things with a little extra kick.

What vegetables can I substitute for broccoli or bell pepper?

Feel free to mix it up! Snap peas, carrots, zucchini, or even baby corn are all delicious in this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Just aim for veggies that hold their shape and add crunch.

Do I need to marinate the chicken for the full 15 minutes?

While you can skip the full marinating time if you’re in a hurry, even a quick 5-minute soak will help the chicken soak up more flavor and ensure that signature sticky coating.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute extra-firm tofu or tempeh for the chicken, and follow the exact same method. It’s just as tasty and satisfies everyone at the table.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe delivers the ultimate combination of flavor, ease, and color to your table—trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Don’t wait another day to give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!

Print