Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, color, and just a touch of sweetness, this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy chicken pieces coated in a glossy sweet chili glaze, mixed with vibrant veggies, and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions — it’s the kind of dish that’s both cozy and show-stopping. Whether you’re spicing up a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next get-together, this recipe ticks every box for taste, simplicity, and pure satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe starts with a handful of essential ingredients that each bring something special to the party — from the succulent chicken and tangy-sweet sauce, to the crisp bell peppers and fragrant aromatics. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it soaks up every bit of the sauce for juicy bites.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Delivers that signature balance of sweet heat you crave in this dish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Cornstarch: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and gives the sauce its perfect gloss.
• Olive Oil: Gives everything a golden sizzle and helps crisp up the chicken edges.
• Minced Garlic: Brings aromatic intensity and mouthwatering flavor from the very first bite.
• Ginger (Minced): A pop of freshness that wakes up all the other flavors.
• Bell Pepper (Sliced): Adds crunch, color, and a subtle sweetness.
• Broccoli Florets: These greens soak up any extra sauce and provide wholesome texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Just enough to draw out the natural flavors of your ingredients.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle on top adds nutty crispness and a subtle toasty flavor.
• Green Onions (Sliced): The finishing touch for freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by making sure your chicken is prepped and cut into bite-sized pieces — this ensures every piece gets evenly coated and cooks quickly. In a bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the chicken pieces, tossing to coat everything thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes; this step is where all that incredible flavor starts to build!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces in an even layer. Give them plenty of space so they brown instead of steam. Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside — don’t worry, it’ll be back!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet (so you keep all those tasty browned bits), add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for a minute until fragrant, then toss in the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are just tender but still vibrant. This step brings fresh crunch and color that makes this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe shine.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in any remaining marinade for extra sauce, and stir everything together. Let it all cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and everything is glossy and fragrant. This final toss makes sure every bite is just as saucy and delicious as the last.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your Sweet Chili Chicken to a serving platter or dish. Now for the fun part — sprinkle over a shower of sesame seeds and plenty of sliced green onions. These final touches add a gentle crunch and a fresh, peppery lift that instantly make the dish irresistible.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing isn’t just for looks — it’s a way to add those last bursts of flavor and texture. A generous sprinkle of sesame seeds provides nutty crispness, while fresh green onions add brightness and a gentle bite. If you like a bit of spice, a few thin slices of red chili make a stunning garnish as well.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is stellar over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, soaking up all that irresistible sauce. Noodles are another fantastic option, especially rice noodles or soba for an Asian-inspired twist. If you’re looking to keep things lighter, try serving it with a crisp cucumber salad or quick-pickled veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe into a showstopper by serving it in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld appetizer. Pile it into a warm bowl and top with extra veggies for a hearty grain bowl. You can even skewer the chicken pieces and veggies for a playful, party-ready presentation that brings a little fun to the dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed to save some for later, transfer your leftover Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making leftovers extra tasty!

Freezing

Sweet Chili Chicken freezes beautifully! Let everything cool completely, then pack it into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Sweet Chili Chicken back to life, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce if things look a bit dry, and don’t forget to sprinkle on some fresh garnish!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is more sweet than spicy, making it very family-friendly. If you want a little heat, feel free to add some sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Just adjust the cook time as needed to keep everything tender and delicious.

What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?

You can mix things up by using snap peas, carrots, snow peas, or baby corn. The Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is extremely versatile, so use whatever crisp veggies you love or have on hand!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check the label on your sweet chili sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free. With those simple swaps, the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe will work perfectly for gluten-free diners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick and rewarding crowd-pleaser, give this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe a try — you’ll be amazed by how something so simple can taste so vibrant and satisfying. Gather your favorite people, fire up your skillet, and enjoy every sweet and savory bite!

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