Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet ready in a flash, Sweet Chili Chicken is your answer. This dish brings together tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a sweet, zesty sauce that perfectly coats every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, Sweet Chili Chicken delivers a gorgeous balance of heat, sweetness, and savory satisfaction. Get ready to make your new favorite go-to chicken recipe—it’s honestly as delightful to look at as it is to eat!

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the amazing ingredients that make Sweet Chili Chicken such a showstopper. Each one is simple, easy to find, and brings something special to the table—whether that’s a pop of color, a burst of flavor, or that irresistible sauciness.

Chicken breast: The lean, juicy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors while staying tender and satisfying.
Sweet chili sauce: The real star! This sauce brings the addictive sweet heat that gives Sweet Chili Chicken its signature flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds depth and umami, making the sauce even more savory and memorable.
Cornstarch: Helps the sauce cling to every chicken piece, and guarantees a silky, glossy finish.
Olive oil: For perfectly golden chicken and crisp-tender veggies; a little healthy richness goes a long way here.
Minced garlic: Essential for a fragrant, irresistible aroma that makes everyone hungry.
Minced ginger: Adds a whisper of fresh zing to balance the sweet chili glaze.
Bell pepper: A burst of color and subtle crunch, plus a little natural sweetness.
Broccoli florets: Earthy and vibrant; they soak up flavor and bring healthy greens to each bite.
Salt and pepper: Simple, effective seasoning to bring out every ingredient’s best.
Sesame seeds: The perfect final touch for crunch and nutty notes—plus they look gorgeous!
Green onions: Fresh, bright, and a pop of green to finish.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. You want every piece evenly coated—this does double duty, infusing the meat with flavor and giving the sauce just enough body to cling. Even a quick 15-minute soak makes a huge difference!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken. Let it sizzle undisturbed for a few moments so it gets that beautiful golden color before flipping and finishing the cook. In about 7-10 minutes, the chicken will be cooked through and tinged with glorious caramelization. Set it aside to rest while the veggies get their turn.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Don’t wipe out the skillet—you want every last bit of flavor! Toss in minced garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir and sauté for 5-7 minutes, just until the veggies brighten in color and turn crisp-tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma is mouthwatering and the vegetables still have their lovely snap.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour over any remaining marinade. Stir well so everything is coated. Let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes—this bit of time turns the sauce glossy and integrates all those bold, fresh flavors into one irresistible dish.

Step 5: Serve with Garnishes

Once everything is hot and saucy, plate it up and shower with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This final flourish takes Sweet Chili Chicken from home-cooked to “wow, did you really just make this?” in seconds.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing your Sweet Chili Chicken is about more than looks—it’s the finishing touch that brings everything together. Scatter on some toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a fresh, peppery contrast to the sticky-sweet glaze. These simple toppings not only look beautiful but also add layers of taste and texture!

Side Dishes

This vibrant dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to catch every drop of that sweet chili sauce. If you’re feeling a little extra, try serving it with coconut rice or over a bed of noodles. For something lighter, a crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed greens on the side make for a wonderfully balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your plating. Spoon Sweet Chili Chicken into lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held appetizer. Serve atop a big platter of rice with extra veggies for a stunning family-style presentation, or even pile it into wraps with a bit of shredded cabbage and carrot for a zippy lunch on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken keeps beautifully! Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once cooled, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and mellow, making it just as scrumptious the next day. If storing with rice, keep them separate for best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze Sweet Chili Chicken for future meals—simply portion into freezer-safe containers. It’s best to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid excess condensation. Frozen chicken and veggies will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the easiest weeknight dinner.

Reheating

Reheat Sweet Chili Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent hot spots and keep everything tasting fresh and lively.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative, offering extra juiciness and rich flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would with breasts, and cook them until fully done. The marinade and sauce will work their magic on both cuts.

Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, try mixing together a bit of honey, a splash of vinegar, and a little sriracha or chili paste—it’ll give you a quick homemade replacement that keeps the signature sweet heat alive.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For those who love a little extra kick, stir in some chopped fresh chili, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of sriracha to the sauce. You can customize it as spicy (or mild) as you like!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Sweet Chili Chicken welcomes all kinds of veggie additions. Snap peas, carrots, or even baby corn would fit right in, so go ahead and use what you love or have on hand.

Is this recipe gluten free?

It can be! Just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce (such as tamari) and double-check your sweet chili sauce’s label, as some brands contain gluten. Then you can enjoy this meal with no worries at all.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Sweet Chili Chicken in your own kitchen! It’s vibrant, quick, and packs in so much flavor that even picky eaters find it irresistible. Give it your own twist and share it with family and friends—there’s a good chance it’ll earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with tender chicken bites coated in a sticky sweet chili sauce. Served with colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and aromatic ginger, this dish is quick to make and bursting with delicious Asian-inspired taste.

Instructions

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and marinate for 15 minutes.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet and pour any remaining marinade over. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian