This Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. With tender chicken breasts coated in cornstarch and sautéed to golden perfection, then tossed in a savory-sweet sauce made with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this meal is sure to impress. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a beautifully simple dish that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Chili Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal, offering a crispy and savory coating on the chicken with an irresistible balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The sauce is rich and aromatic, thanks to the combination of garlic and ginger, while the crispy chicken pieces add texture. Served over rice or noodles, it makes for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Sweet Chili Chicken

Ingredients

1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (tender and easy to cook)
1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade; adds sweetness and heat)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for a savory depth of flavor)
4 cloves garlic, minced (for aromatic flavor)
1 tablespoon ginger, minced (adds warmth and spiciness)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
1/4 cup cornstarch (for coating the chicken to achieve a crispy texture)
Salt and pepper to taste (for seasoning the chicken)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish and a fresh flavor)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish and a nutty crunch)
Rice or noodles (for serving; jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles of your choice)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until well-coated, shaking off any excess cornstarch.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Serve: Serve the Sweet Chili Chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh crunch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: If you like it spicier, add some red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
Sauce Adjustments: You can adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce by adding more chili sauce or a splash of honey.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Sweet Chili Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water to thin the sauce if it has thickened.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs would work great for this recipe. They are slightly juicier and will still crisp up nicely.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with other oils like canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil for cooking.

Is the sweet chili sauce spicy?

Sweet chili sauce has a mild heat, but it’s more on the sweet side. If you prefer more spice, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sweet chili sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just reheat it when you’re ready to use it.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Fresh chicken is preferred for this recipe, but if using frozen chicken, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before coating in cornstarch.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.

Can I use noodles instead of rice?

Absolutely! This dish pairs well with noodles such as ramen, soba, or rice noodles.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the chicken after it’s cooked. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat by cooking in a skillet or in the oven.

How do I make this recipe less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce and add a bit more soy sauce to balance the flavor.

Can I make this dish in advance?

While the chicken is best served crispy, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when ready and coat the freshly fried chicken in the sauce.

Conclusion

Sweet Chili Chicken is a deliciously easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor. The crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce make it a satisfying meal that’s perfect for serving over rice or noodles. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!

Chef MARTHA