Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers big on flavor? This Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken has become my go to recipe when I’m craving something with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, flavor packed sauce that’s simply impossible to resist. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless iterations, finding the ideal balance of ingredients that create that restaurant quality taste at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Chili Chicken isn’t just delicious it’s designed to make your life easier while still impressing everyone at your table:
- Ready in just 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
- Easily adjustable heat level to suit both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors
- Versatile main dish that pairs with multiple sides for a complete meal
Let me tell you a little secret the quick cornstarch coating on the chicken creates the perfect texture to grip that amazing sauce. Trust me on this one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (store bought or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnish:
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
The key ingredient here is definitely the sweet chili sauce it provides that perfect balance of sweetness and heat that forms the foundation of this dish.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls for chicken and sauce
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Don’t worry if you don’t have a wok any large non stick skillet will work perfectly for this recipe.
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Make Ahead: Sauce can be prepared 1-2 days in advance
Step by Step Instructions
Preparation
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure better cornstarch adhesion.
- In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces to the cornstarch mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Chop green onions, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
Cooking Method
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if necessary).
- Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a plate.
- If needed, add a little more oil to the pan, then add minced garlic and ginger.
- Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in the sweet chili sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
- Cook sauce for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
How to Know When It’s Done
The sauce is ready when it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon but is still pourable. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.
Finishing Touches
- Return cooked chicken to the pan with the simmering sauce.
- Toss to coat every piece thoroughly in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Tips for Perfect Results
Your kitchen is going to smell amazing when the garlic and ginger hit the pan! Here are some professional tips to make this dish even better:
- Don’t skip patting the chicken dry this helps the cornstarch coating stick properly
- For extra crispy chicken, let the coated pieces rest for 5 minutes before frying
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness, but breasts work well too if you prefer
- Adjust the sauce consistency by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding a tablespoon of water if it gets too thick
A common mistake is cooking the chicken at too high a temperature keep it at medium high to prevent burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
Variations to Try
This recipe is in regular rotation at my house, but we love these variations too:
- Sweet Chili Tofu: Substitute extra firm tofu for a vegetarian option
- Pineapple Sweet Chili Chicken: Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks during the last few minutes of cooking
- Orange Sweet Chili Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 1 teaspoon of zest to the sauce
For meal prep, this chicken reheats beautifully and can be made ahead for lunches throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Sweet Chili Chicken with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Simple stir fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas
- A fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
- Coconut rice for an extra flavor dimension
For a complete Asian inspired feast, pair with vegetable spring rolls or a simple miso soup starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mixes well with sweet chili sauce?
Sweet chili sauce pairs beautifully with many ingredients! Try mixing it with soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil for a balanced marinade. It also works wonderfully with peanut butter for a quick Thai inspired sauce, or combined with mayonnaise for a creamy dipping sauce. For this chicken recipe, the combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates the perfect flavor profile to complement the sweet chili base.
How do you air fry crispy sweet chili chicken?
For air fryer sweet chili chicken: First, coat your chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper as in the original recipe. Spray your air fryer basket with oil, then place chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce on the stovetop until slightly thickened. Once the chicken is crispy and fully cooked, toss with the warm sauce in a large bowl before serving.
How to use sweet chili sauce for chicken?
Sweet chili sauce is incredibly versatile with chicken! Beyond this recipe, you can use it as a simple marinade (combine with soy sauce and lime juice), as a glaze for grilled or baked chicken (brush on during the last few minutes of cooking), as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders or nuggets, or even as a flavor boost in stir-fried. The sauce’s balance of sweet and spicy flavors complements chicken perfectly regardless of your cooking method.
Is sweet chili sauce full of sugar?
Yes, traditional sweet chili sauce does contain a significant amount of sugar, which gives it that signature sweet spicy balance. Store bought versions typically contain around 4-5 grams of sugar per tablespoon. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can make a lower sugar version at home using honey or a natural sweetener like monk fruit, or look for reduced sugar varieties at specialty grocery stores. You can also use less sauce and complement it with other flavors like lime, ginger, and herbs.
Time to Get Cooking!
Now you’re ready to create this Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken that will become a regular in your dinner rotation! This flavorful dish comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love my Easy Teriyaki Chicken or 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp.
What’s your favorite side dish to serve with sweet chili chicken? I’d love to hear your combinations in the comments below!
