Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Sweet Chili Chicken is one of those irresistible recipes you’ll want to keep in heavy rotation — sweet, tangy, just a bit spicy, and bursting with crisp veggies and tender bites of chicken. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it your go-to for busy weeknights or even a casual dinner party. Every element is designed to hit the mark: the chicken soaks up all that wonderful sauce, the bell peppers and broccoli bring vibrant color and crunch, and there’s just the right hint of heat to keep things interesting. Trust me, when you want easy comfort food with serious flavor, this Sweet Chili Chicken shines.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken are blissfully simple but each plays a starring role. The chicken acts as a canvas for the sticky, sweet sauce, while the vegetables add color and freshness — every addition is purposeful and transformative.

• Chicken breast: Cutting it into bite-sized pieces ensures super-fast cooking and maximum sauce coverage.
• Sweet chili sauce: The heart of this dish, it brings the perfect mix of sweetness and gentle heat.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and that addictive savory note which balances the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Not only helps thicken the sauce but gives the chicken a silky coating.
• Olive oil: For sautéing — keeps everything tender without overpowering flavors.
• Minced garlic: Adds a punchy warmth that infuses every bite.
• Minced ginger: Freshness and zing in one, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• Bell pepper: Brings pops of color, a hint of sweetness, and glorious crunch.
• Broccoli florets: Their mild flavor and hearty texture make each forkful more satisfying.
• Salt and pepper: To taste — season thoughtfully so every ingredient feels elevated.
• Sesame seeds (garnish): These little gems amp up the crunch and eye appeal.
• Green onions (garnish): For a final shower of fresh, mildly spicy flavor and a burst of color.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch together in a bowl. Once you have a smooth, glossy mixture, toss in your bite-sized pieces of chicken. Give everything a good stir so that each morsel is evenly coated and can soak up the flavors during its quick marinade. Let it rest for about 15 minutes — this little wait is worth every second!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add your marinated chicken pieces, spacing them out so they can brown nicely. Sauté until each piece is beautifully caramelized and cooked through — usually about 7 to 10 minutes. Once ready, scoop them onto a plate and keep them warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and ginger first. Let them sizzle for a minute until fragrant, then add in the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Sauté these for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until softened yet still crisp enough to add refreshing texture to your Sweet Chili Chicken.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return your chicken to the skillet with the veggies and pour any juices and leftover marinade right over the top. Give it all a careful but thorough stir, letting everything cook together for an additional 2 or 3 minutes. This final step ensures the chicken is succulent and the sauce clings to every single piece.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and shower the skillet with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These finishing touches add both crunch and color, making your Sweet Chili Chicken look as good as it tastes. Serve immediately while it’s steamy, sticky, and oh-so-tempting.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken

Garnishes

For a truly vibrant plate, go bold with your garnishes. A generous sprinkle of sesame seeds lends irresistible crunch, while a scatter of bright green onions keeps things fresh. If you want a little fire, add a few thinly sliced red chilies over top — they’re perfect for those who love an extra kick.

Side Dishes

Sweet Chili Chicken practically begs to be swooped up with something delicious on the side. I recommend fluffy jasmine rice or buttery noodles for soaking up every drop of sauce. Steamed dumplings or a crunchy Asian-style slaw would also be fantastic for extra texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

If you feel like having fun with your Sweet Chili Chicken, try serving it in lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld experience. Or, pile it onto steamed bao buns for the ultimate comfort snack. Even layering it on top of a vibrant salad makes for a satisfying light meal that feels restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Sweet Chili Chicken? Just pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making for a truly tasty next-day treat.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the cooked Sweet Chili Chicken to cool completely. Transfer it into a freezer-safe bag or container, squeeze out any excess air, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, a quick turn in a skillet over medium heat will revive the sauce’s signature stickiness without drying out the chicken. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works well too — just cover to retain moisture and give it a good stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Chili Chicken with chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

How spicy is Sweet Chili Chicken?

The beauty of Sweet Chili Chicken is its perfectly balanced heat — most store-bought sweet chili sauces are more sweet than spicy. If you love more heat, you can toss in a dash of chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Definitely! Try swapping the chicken for tofu or tempeh. The sauce and veggie combo will carry all the same flavors, making it a fantastic plant-based option.

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to swap in carrots, snap peas, or even mushrooms — whatever you have on hand. The beauty of Sweet Chili Chicken is its flexibility with what’s in your crisper drawer.

Can I prep Sweet Chili Chicken in advance?

You can! Marinate the chicken a day ahead or pre-chop your veggies for a lightning-quick dinner when you’re ready to cook. Just assemble and cook right before serving for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Chili Chicken is pure magic in a skillet — quick, colorful, and gloriously flavorful. If you’re seeking a meal that’s as easy as it is impressive, this recipe delivers every time. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your trusty weeknight hero! Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of sweet, zesty goodness.

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