If you’ve been craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and a little kick of heat, you’re going to fall in love with this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. It’s that kind of meal that feels as comforting as a warm hug but is packed with vibrant flavors that dance on your tongue. Made with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a luscious sauce that clings to every bite, it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends. This is the recipe I turn to when I want something flavorful, quick, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating that irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s adding depth, texture, or a pop of color to your plate. The ingredients are straightforward but come together to form a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Chicken breast (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect sauce absorption.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/2 cup): The star ingredient for that signature sweet and mildly spicy flavor.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a salty umami punch that balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a nice glaze.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Adds aromatic zest and a savory backbone.
- Minced ginger (1 teaspoon): Lends a warm, peppery note that brightens up the dish.
- Bell pepper (1, sliced): Provides color and a sweet crunch.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Adds fresh green goodness and satisfying texture.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for sautéing and bringing everything together with a subtle richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Offers a toasty finish and a bit of texture contrast.
- Green onions (sliced for garnish): Adds fresh, mild oniony crunch and a pop of brightness.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. This marinade is where all that wonderful flavor begins to build. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the mixture until they’re fully coated. Letting the chicken sit for 15 minutes allows the sauce to seep into the meat, promising juicy and flavorful bites once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet to medium-high, then add the marinated chicken. Cooking the chicken in this way locks in moisture and creates a slightly caramelized exterior that’s pure perfection. Stir occasionally for 7 to 10 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, set it aside to prepare the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet keeps all those delicious chicken flavors intact. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing briefly until fragrant—this is a critical step; the aroma is incredible. Next, add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes so the vegetables become tender while still retaining a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any leftover marinade from the bowl. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This final step melds the flavors and thickens the sauce to a glossy coating that clings to each piece of chicken and vegetable. You can almost taste the richness just imagining this!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These garnishes add a wonderful texture and fresh note, making the dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Serve it hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a meal that’s hearty and satisfying.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and sliced green onions isn’t just for looks—these garnishes bring extra layers of flavor and a delightful crunch that contrast beautifully with the tender chicken and crisp veggies. You can also add a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick or sprinkle a few red chili flakes if you want to dial up the heat.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every bit of that luscious sauce. If you prefer noodles, rice noodles or even stir-fried udon make excellent companions. For a refreshing balance, toss together a crisp cucumber salad or some lightly steamed green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving the chicken in lettuce cups for a finger-food style meal. Another option is layering the chicken over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. You could even turn it into a vibrant wrap with some shredded cabbage and a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing so the flavors remain fresh and the veggies keep their crunch.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this dish freezes well. Place the cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive the sauce’s thickness and keep the chicken moist. Adding a splash of water or broth while warming can prevent it from drying out. Microwaving works too but be careful not to overdo it to avoid soggy veggies.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you want a juicier, more flavorful result. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breasts and adjust cooking time as needed since thighs might take a minute or two longer.
Is sweet chili sauce spicy?
Sweet chili sauce typically has a mild heat with a sweet undertone, making it approachable for most palates. If you prefer spicier dishes, you can always add fresh chilies or red pepper flakes to amp up the kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your sweet chili sauce for any gluten ingredients. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and safe to use.
What vegetables work best besides bell pepper and broccoli?
You can experiment with snap peas, carrots, baby corn, or bok choy. The key is to choose veggies that hold up well to stir-frying and add a nice crunch and color contrast.
How do I get the sauce to thicken properly?
Ensuring you use cornstarch and letting the sauce simmer with the chicken and veggies for a couple of minutes helps it thicken. If it’s too thin, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in gently while cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is truly a winner when you want a quick, tasty meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or fun. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful sweet chili and soy sauce mixture, then stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and broccoli. The dish is garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a delicious, slightly sweet, and savory meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger, cooking briefly until fragrant. Then add sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Sauté the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in any remaining marinade from the bowl. Stir and cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade.
- Use any crisp vegetables you prefer, such as snap peas or carrots, as substitutes.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to keep its vibrant color and crisp texture.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine or basmati rice, or noodles for a comforting meal.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
