If you’re in search of a dish that balances sweetness, heat, and irresistible savory flavors, look no further than Sweet Chili Chicken. Tender pieces of bite-sized chicken are coated in a glossy, garlicky sauce that’s both tangy and gently spicy, hitting every note that makes comfort food truly memorable. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends without a ton of fuss, this family favorite comes together in less than 30 minutes and always gets rave reviews. Trust me, once you try Sweet Chili Chicken, it’s destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role: from the chicken’s juicy texture to the vibrant sauce and zesty accents. These simple staples work together to create the signature Sweet Chili Chicken flavor, so don’t skip a thing!

Chicken (1 1/2 lbs, boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): Choose your favorite cut—thighs for richness, breasts for a leaner bite. Cut them into even, bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Tossing the chicken with cornstarch gives every piece a light, crisp exterior for extra texture once sauced.
Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp): Just enough to sear the chicken until golden while keeping it moist.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with heady aroma and depth—don’t skimp!
Sweet Chili Sauce (1/2 cup): The backbone of the dish, providing sweetness, tang, and a gentle chili heat. Use your favorite bottled brand or homemade.
Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Adds umami and saltiness to balance out the sweet notes.
Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp): Brightens the sauce, lifting all the flavors.
Honey (1 tbsp, optional): For those who like their Sweet Chili Chicken with extra sweetness, a little honey rounds it out perfectly.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): A sprinkle here brings a gentle punch of spice—adjust to your heat preference!
Sliced Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: These make for a fresh, visually appealing garnish and a subtle crunch.
Cooked White Rice: The perfect bed for saucy chicken, catching every last drop of flavor.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with cornstarch in a large bowl. This quick step is the secret behind that light, irresistible crispness on the outside of the chicken, while the inside stays super tender.

Step 2: Sear for Golden Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the chicken in a single layer. Let it sizzle for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re looking for golden, slightly crispy edges and chicken that’s fully cooked.

Step 3: Add Garlic for Flavor

Toss in the minced garlic and stir quickly for around 30 seconds. The fragrance tells you it’s time for the next step—don’t let the garlic burn!

Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (if using), and red pepper flakes. Pour this vibrant sauce over the cooked chicken and toss everything to ensure every piece gets glossy and coated.

Step 5: Simmer and Glaze

Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce thicken and develop a beautiful sheen, soaking into every nook and cranny.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon your Sweet Chili Chicken hot over fluffy white rice. Sprinkle on some green onions and sesame seeds for a delicious finishing touch—dinner is served!

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken

Garnishes

A scatter of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds over your Sweet Chili Chicken not only adds color and crunch, but it also brings a lively freshness that perks up each delicious bite.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a side of steamed white rice to soak up all that sauce. For a more complete spread, try serving it with steamed broccoli or a quick veggie stir-fry—these add texture, color, and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving Sweet Chili Chicken in a big shallow bowl, family-style, so everyone can help themselves, or tuck it into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner. Want something portable? Stuff leftovers into a wrap with crunchy slaw for a flavorful lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Sweet Chili Chicken tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as scrumptious for lunch the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooled Sweet Chili Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To avoid mushy texture, freeze without rice and add fresh rice when serving.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot but still tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for Sweet Chili Chicken, lending a little extra juiciness and richer flavor. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cut into even pieces.

What if I want less spice?

Skip the red pepper flakes or use just a pinch for a milder dish. You can also choose a milder sweet chili sauce to suit your taste—it’s easy to adjust.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make Sweet Chili Chicken gluten-free, opt for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and check that your sweet chili sauce doesn’t contain wheat-based ingredients.

Can I prep this dish ahead?

Yes! You can cut and coat the chicken up to a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, then proceed with cooking when ready. The sauce can also be whisked ahead and kept chilled until you’re set to cook.

What veggies pair well with Sweet Chili Chicken?

Steamed broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or baby bok choy are lovely stir-fried or steamed alongside this dish. Their crispness adds great contrast and color to your plate.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Chili Chicken is one of those unforgettable recipes that truly delivers on bold flavor with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick to make, family-friendly, and consistently delicious, this one is tough to beat. Give it a try—your taste buds (and dinner table!) will thank you.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Sweet Chili Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving:

sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
cooked white rice

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Instructions

Toss Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden.
Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Make Sauce: Whisk sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken and toss.
Simmer: Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.