Craving a flavorful dinner that hits the perfect balance between sweet and spicy? This Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken recipe will light up your taste buds with its sticky glaze, tender meat, and bold Asian-inspired flavors. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a game-changer for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken:
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1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for crispiness)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sweet Chili Sauce:
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1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
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2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar (for added sweetness)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but recommended)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
Optional Garnish:
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Sliced green onions
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Toasted sesame seeds
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Lime wedges
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Cutting board and knife
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Large non-stick skillet or wok
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Tongs or spatula
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Grater or microplane (for ginger)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1: Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken into even, bite-sized chunks. Pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper, then lightly dust with cornstarch if you want a crispier finish.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F or 74°C). Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.
4: Add the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat all the pieces evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until slightly thickened and glossy.
5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Helpful Tips for Making or Serving
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Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef for variety.
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Crispy Option: For crispier chicken, coat pieces in cornstarch and shallow-fry them until golden before tossing in sauce.
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Vegetable Boost: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the skillet for a one-pan veggie-packed dinner.
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Serve With: White or jasmine rice, rice noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
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Meal Prep Friendly: This dish holds up well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making it a great lunchbox option.
Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Serves 4)
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Calories: 360 kcal
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Protein: 28g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 2.5g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Sugar: 18g
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Sodium: 780mg
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Chicken Dinner
This sweet chili chicken is more than just another stir-fry—it’s a crave-worthy, restaurant-style meal you can make right at home. The sauce is the star: sweet, tangy, garlicky, and spicy enough to add excitement without overwhelming your palate. Pair that with juicy chicken and you have an easy yet elevated dinner that satisfies on every level.
Busy weekday? This dish cooks fast. Hosting friends? It looks and tastes impressive. Want to keep it light? Pair it with steamed veggies. Looking for comfort food? Serve it over fluffy rice. Whatever your dinner goals are, this recipe delivers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a go-to dinner recipe that’s bold in flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to wow, this Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken checks all the boxes. It’s a perfect fusion of sweet and heat with an Asian twist that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
So why not spice up your weeknight routine with this delicious dish? Bookmark this page, grab your skillet, and bring the takeout vibes straight to your kitchen tonight.
