Make this delicious sweet chili chicken recipe for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Crispy chicken coated in a savory, sweet, and lightly spicy sauce.
Author:Andrew
Prep Time:15 Minutes
Cook Time:15 Minutes
Total Time:30 Minutes
Yield:4-6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Asian-inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch (for chicken coating)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry)
2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Lime wedges (optional garnish)
Instructions
Cut chicken breasts or thighs into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
In a medium bowl, toss chicken with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until evenly coated.
In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasonings.
In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until no lumps remain. Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add coated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd (cook in batches if necessary).
Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Pour the prepared sweet chili sauce mixture into the same skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring.
Whisk the cornstarch slurry again, then slowly pour into the simmering sauce while continuously stirring. Continue to stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss gently until all chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the sauce and warmed through (about 1 minute).
Transfer Sweet Chili Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice and vegetables.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your sweet chili sauce is certified gluten-free.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
For crispier chicken, cook in batches and ensure the pan is hot.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.