Sweet Chili Chicken Delight
Craving something with a kick of sweet heat and sticky deliciousness? This Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken brings bold Asian-inspired flavor to your dinner table in just 35 minutes. Juicy chicken is pan-seared until golden, then bathed in a luscious garlic-ginger sweet chili sauce. The glossy finish is sprinkled with sesame seeds and scallions, all served over warm steamed rice or noodles. Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking recipes or just want a fuss-free meal packed with flavor, this savory chicken dish delivers every single time.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 20 mins | 35 mins | 4 | Easy | Asian | Year-round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Flavorful: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights without compromising on bold flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like sweet chili sauce, garlic, and ginger—no complicated sauces or hard-to-find spices.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores beautifully, reheats like a dream, and pairs well with rice or noodles.
- Customizable Heat Level: Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its sticky, savory-sweet glaze, this is a dish everyone from kids to adults will devour.
Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Sticky, savory, sweet and just the right amount of spicy—this irresistible sweet chili chicken is a fast and flavorful dinner you’ll crave weekly!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup sweet chili sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
¼ tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Steamed rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
1. Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken, season with black pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (5–7 minutes).
4. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in sweet chili sauce and stir to coat. Simmer 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
7. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
Toast sesame seeds before using for a nuttier flavor.
Add a cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker sauce.
Customize spice level by adding chili flakes or Sriracha.
This dish reheats well and freezes for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Steamed rice or noodles (for serving)
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | Thighs work too for extra tenderness and juiciness |
| Vegetable Oil | Use neutral oils like canola or avocado for a clean taste |
| Sweet Chili Sauce | Choose Thai-style sauce for that authentic sweet-heat flavor |
| Garlic & Ginger | Fresh is best, but paste or jarred versions work in a pinch |
| Black Pepper | Adds mild heat; increase if you prefer more kick |
| Sesame Seeds | Toast lightly for extra nutty flavor and a pretty finish |
| Green Onions | Adds fresh crunch and color—slice thinly on a diagonal |
| Rice or Noodles | Jasmine rice or udon noodles make for a flavorful, cozy base |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks, ensuring even cooking and quick searing.
- Heat Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken to the skillet and season with black pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Mix in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add Sweet Chili Sauce: Pour in the sweet chili sauce. Stir to coat the chicken well and let simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top, if using, for flavor and color.
- Serve: Dish up the sweet chili chicken over warm rice or noodles and enjoy immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Use a non-stick skillet to avoid sticking and ensure even browning.
- Keep ingredients prepped ahead of time for a smooth cooking flow.
- Stir the sauce frequently to prevent burning as it thickens.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed for crispier chicken.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Marinate for Flavor Boost: Let chicken sit in 2 tablespoons of chili sauce and pepper for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Simmer to Thicken: Simmer the sauce gently; it naturally thickens without cornstarch.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: It makes a noticeable difference in aroma and flavor.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or broccoli during the last few minutes for color and nutrition.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Thai-Inspired: Add a splash of fish sauce and a squeeze of lime for Thai flavor depth.
- Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken: Dredge chicken in cornstarch before frying for a crispy coating.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute tofu or cauliflower for the chicken—same sauce, same satisfaction.
- Honey-Chili Fusion: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey into the chili sauce for extra sweetness and a sticky glaze.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
To make ahead, cook the chicken and sauce, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For freezer storage, cool the dish completely and freeze in meal-sized portions. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your sweet chili chicken over fluffy jasmine rice, stir-fried noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter twist. Garnish with extra scallions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and crunch. A wedge of lime on the side adds a refreshing contrast.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Riesling or a cold Thai iced tea. For sides, consider egg rolls, sautéed bok choy, or a fresh cucumber salad. The flavors also work well with garlic noodles or sesame broccoli.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and hold up well to sautéing and saucy dishes.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mildly spicy due to the sweet chili sauce, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili flakes or sriracha.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free and serve with gluten-free noodles or rice.
What vegetables go well with this?
Bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli are excellent additions—add them toward the end for crunch.
Can I double the sauce?
Definitely. If you love extra sauce on your rice or noodles, doubling the sauce works beautifully.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, then toss in sauce on the stovetop for 3-5 minutes.
Is it good for meal prep?
Very! It holds up well in the fridge and makes a fantastic lunch the next day.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate (¼ recipe) | 300 kcal | 35g | 15g | 10g | 1g | 8g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken is the perfect balance of savory and sweet with just enough kick to keep things exciting. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this dish is sure to win hearts and fill plates. Try it tonight and taste the magic yourself!