Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

This Easy Sweet Chili Chicken is a weeknight savior that never fails to bring bold flavor to your table. Tender bites of chicken are slicked in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce tossed with just-cooked vegetables—it’s fast, effortless, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or planning a relaxed family night, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering results everyone can agree on.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of essential pantry and fresh ingredients, Easy Sweet Chili Chicken packs huge flavor without extra fuss. Each element brings something special, from vibrant color to rich taste, ensuring the perfect balance in every bite.

• Chicken breast: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy, tender texture and fast cooking.
• Sweet chili sauce: This is the heart of the dish, giving every piece of chicken that signature sticky-sweet kick with a gentle heat.
• Soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and helps balance the sweetness, making the dish rich and savory.
• Cornstarch: Coats the chicken for the perfect sear and helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every piece.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables, ensuring a golden, slightly crisp finish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic layers in irresistible aroma and a depth of flavor you don’t want to skip.
• Ginger: Just a teaspoon of minced ginger brightens the entire dish with a warm, zesty spark.
• Bell pepper: Sliced bell pepper offers sweetness and a pop of color for visual and tasty appeal.
• Broccoli florets: These bring crunch and color, making every bite feel wholesome and satisfying.
• Salt and pepper to taste: It’s all about seasoning to bring out every flavor in the pan; adjust to your preference.
• Sesame seeds (for garnish): Sprinkle at the end for subtle nutty flavor and irresistible presentation.
• Green onions (sliced, for garnish): Fresh, sharp, and vibrant—they finish your Easy Sweet Chili Chicken beautifully.

How to Make Easy Sweet Chili Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together your sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. Toss in the chicken pieces and give them a good mix so each one gets coated. Let this sit for about 15 minutes. This quick marination makes the chicken extra tender and infuses every bite with savory-sweet flavor from the inside out.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your marinated chicken and let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. You want those golden-brown edges! Cook for about 7–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping all those flavorful browned bits in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in your minced garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli. This is when your kitchen will start to smell amazing! Sauté everything for about 5–7 minutes, just until the veggies are crisp-tender and beautifully bright.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the chicken (and any juices) back into the skillet. Pour over any leftover marinade and stir well. Let it all cook together for another 2–3 minutes, so the sauce thickens up and hugs every piece. Taste and adjust the seasoning with some salt and pepper, if you like.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon your Easy Sweet Chili Chicken onto plates and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. That last touch of fresh, nutty, and green makes all the difference. Serve it while piping hot!

How to Serve Easy Sweet Chili Chicken

Garnishes

For the perfect finish, a shower of sesame seeds and a handful of fresh green onions take Easy Sweet Chili Chicken to new heights. They’re not just pretty—the seeds add a toasty note, and the onions bring a zingy crunch that’s downright addictive.

Side Dishes

This dish is versatile enough to cozy up with all your favorites. You can never go wrong with fragrant steamed rice or soft noodles; both soak up the luscious sauce. If you’re watching carbs, try serving it over cauliflower rice. Even simple jasmine or coconut rice will make every bite feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

Mix things up by serving Easy Sweet Chili Chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fresh twist. Or pile it into a bowl with extra veggies for a simple, satisfying meal prep option. For parties or casual get-togethers, skewer the cooked chicken and veggies for sweet chili kebabs—guests will devour them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, let Easy Sweet Chili Chicken cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeknight lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Want to enjoy Easy Sweet Chili Chicken even later? Just portion cooled chicken and veggies into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To rewarm, simply pop leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also use the microwave—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even results. Enjoy that just-cooked flavor all over again!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work just as well for Easy Sweet Chili Chicken, offering a juicier and more robust flavor. Just adjust cooking time as needed since thighs can take a bit longer than breast pieces.

What’s the best way to get the sauce to thicken?

Cornstarch in the marinade helps create a glossy, thick sauce right in the pan. If you like it even thicker, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it at the end.

Can I make Easy Sweet Chili Chicken vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the chicken for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein, and keep all the other components the same. The sauce and veggies make it just as satisfying.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Easy Sweet Chili Chicken is more sweet and tangy than hot, but you can always amp up the heat with a dash of red pepper flakes or a slice of fresh chili if you want extra zing!

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe scales beautifully! Just use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding and make sure each batch of chicken gets nicely seared. Portion into containers for grab-and-go meals all week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hungry for a meal that is as easy as it is delicious, Easy Sweet Chili Chicken truly delivers. It’s the kind of dish you’ll reach for whenever you crave something bold, comforting, and reliably good—so give it a try and watch it become a regular in your kitchen!

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