If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, wonderfully sticky, and just downright addictive, this Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken Recipe is the one to try. It combines tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness from honey and chili sauce, complemented by the subtle tang of rice vinegar and the zing of fresh garlic and ginger. This recipe is quick to whip up, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in building its irresistible flavor and texture. From the lightly crispy exterior of the chicken to the rich, sticky sauce coating every piece, each component brings something special to the table.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken: Cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking and perfect sauce coverage.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps achieve a lightly crispy coating on the chicken for great texture.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds depth and umami to the chicken marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle background warmth.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce: The star of the recipe, delivering sweet and mild heat all at once.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy kick to balance the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Boosts the natural sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides additional savory depth within the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brings a zesty, slightly spicy freshness.
- Optional garnish – sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Adds color, crunch, and a final burst of flavor.
How to Make Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces in a medium bowl with the cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. This step is crucial because the cornstarch creates a light crust on the chicken, helping it hold onto all that delicious sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and stir frequently for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want the chicken to turn golden brown and cook completely through — that lovely caramelization adds both texture and flavor dimension.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This combination ensures the sauce is perfectly balanced between sweet, tangy, and savory with a hint of spice.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat every juicy piece, then lower the heat to let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken just enough to cling to the chicken, giving that irresistible glossy finish.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions sprinkled on top lend a bright, slightly sharp crunch, while toasted sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and texture contrast. These garnishes elevate the dish both visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines when served alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every drop of that luscious sauce. For a more vibrant plate, pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas—adding color and a fresh bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving this Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken Recipe as a filling inside crunchy lettuce wraps for a fresh handheld option. Or spoon it over a bed of noodles for a comforting Asian-inspired bowl. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce seals in moisture, so the chicken stays tender and tasty when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken in its sauce for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great because they stay juicy and tender during cooking. Just cut them into bite-size pieces like the breasts.
How spicy is this Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken Recipe?
The sweetness of the chili sauce balances most of the heat, making it mild and approachable. To increase spice, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to suit your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Regular soy sauce contains gluten, so be sure to check labels if you need a gluten-free option.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken by cutting and coating it a few hours ahead. The sauce is quick to mix up fresh right before cooking to keep flavors vibrant.
What’s the best way to reheat the leftovers without drying out the chicken?
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of water if the sauce is too thick. This keeps the chicken moist and prevents overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken Recipe is a true keeper—so flavorful, fast, and comforting that you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish delivers a winning combination of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that feel like a warm hug at any table. Go ahead and make it tonight; I promise it’s one you’ll cherish!
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Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make Asian-inspired stir-fry dish featuring tender bite-sized pieces of chicken coated with a tangy and sweet chili sauce infused with garlic and fresh ginger. Perfectly cooked in a skillet, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors that pair wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the bite-size chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until fully coated. This coating helps achieve a crispy texture and locks in flavor during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked thoroughly through.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger in a small bowl to combine all the flavorful ingredients.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss the chicken to ensure every piece is well coated with the sauce. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Transfer the sweet chili sauce chicken to plates and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot alongside steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce before simmering.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if you require a gluten-free version of this recipe.
