Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings both vibrant color and irresistible flavor to your table, you’ll fall in love with Sweet Chili Chicken. This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken with the dazzling balance of tangy-sweet and mildly spicy notes from the sauce, all tossed with crisp veggies for an unforgettable skillet meal. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to serve when company comes over, making Sweet Chili Chicken a perennial favorite you’ll want to have on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such simple pantry staples and everyday fresh ingredients can build a meal that feels restaurant-quality. Each ingredient in Sweet Chili Chicken adds its own note, bringing together just the right taste, texture, and pop of color.

• Chicken breast: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all the bold flavors of the sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: The secret to the dish’s addictive balance of sweet and gentle heat—don’t skip this flavor powerhouse.
• Soy sauce: Adds a deep savoriness and that essential salty edge that makes every bite pop.
• Cornstarch: Coats the chicken and helps the sauce cling, while giving a beautiful light crispness.
• Olive oil: For sautéing to perfection, this oil gives a richness that’s subtle but noticeable.
• Minced garlic: Brings bright, aromatic depth and a little bite to the savory base.
• Ginger: Just a teaspoon is enough for a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that lifts the sauce.
• Bell pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and color—choose your favorite hue for extra brightness.
• Broccoli florets: A classic pairing; they soak up the sauce and taste fantastic slightly crisp.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors in the skillet.
• Sesame seeds: These are the finishing touch, bringing a gentle crunch and appealing garnish.
• Green onions: Fresh, sliced, and sprinkled on top for color and a burst of flavor.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. Make sure every piece is well coated—this quick marinade gives the chicken incredible flavor and lets it absorb all that saucy goodness. Let it sit for about 15 minutes while you prep your veggies.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your marinated chicken. Let the pieces cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes so they get nicely browned, then turn them until cooked through—this takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Set the chicken aside once it’s golden and fully cooked.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In that same skillet (no need to clean it), toss in the minced garlic, ginger, sliced bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Sauté everything together for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender but still vibrant. This step lets them soak up any bits of flavor left from the chicken.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return your cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies, pouring over any leftover marinade. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until heated through and perfectly saucy. This final toss brings all the flavors together and guarantees every bite is coated in the addictive sweet chili glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your Sweet Chili Chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. Shower with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a beautiful finish—the crunchy seeds and fresh greens turn this from everyday dinner into something you’ll want to show off!

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the magic of garnishes! A sprinkle of sesame seeds makes each bite a little more interesting, while sliced green onions add color and a crisp, peppery contrast. These easy additions not only make your Sweet Chili Chicken look restaurant-ready but also add the perfect final layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish shines with a simple side of steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up that glorious sauce, but you can also pair it with quinoa, rice noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. If you want to go all-out, serve with spring rolls and a light cucumber salad for a fresh, Asian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Sweet Chili Chicken inside lettuce wraps for a crisp, handheld version, or pile it onto a grain bowl with extra veggies. You could even scoop it over a bed of greens for a warm, saucy salad—don’t forget to drizzle with a bit of reserved sweet chili sauce for extra oomph!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have Sweet Chili Chicken left over, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even more delicious!

Freezing

Sweet Chili Chicken freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Sweet Chili Chicken on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. The chicken stays tender and the veggies retain their texture if you don’t overheat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay juicy, making them a great choice in Sweet Chili Chicken. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

You can substitute with a mix of honey, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a homemade version. However, store-bought sweet chili sauce really gives the most authentic balance of sweet and heat.

Can I add different vegetables?

Definitely. Snow peas, carrots, snap peas, or even zucchini work beautifully in Sweet Chili Chicken. Just adjust cooking time so all your veggies stay crisp and bright.

Is this recipe spicy?

Sweet Chili Chicken is generally mild, but the spice level depends on your sweet chili sauce. If you like it hotter, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a few slices of fresh chili to the skillet.

How do I make this gluten free?

Swap in tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten free. That’s all it takes to make a gluten-free version!

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to get excited about a dish as colorful, easy, and downright delicious as Sweet Chili Chicken. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this is one meal you’ll want in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try and watch everyone at the table reach for seconds—you may just find it becomes your new favorite, too!

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