Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe because it’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory all in one skillet. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how quickly it comes together without sacrificing flavor. If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat without spending hours in the kitchen, this is it.

You’ll find that the sauce clings beautifully to the tender chicken pieces and crisp veggies, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Plus, the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, so it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to—whether you’re cooking for your family or need a delicious last-minute meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe work beautifully together to create that perfect sweet-and-savory sauce, while the chicken and crisp veggies keep it hearty and healthy. If you’re shopping, look for fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.

• Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better sauce coverage.
• Sweet chili sauce: The star of the recipe that offers sweetness and gentle spice.
• Soy sauce: Adds the needed depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it that shiny, restaurant-quality gloss.
• Olive oil: For sautéing – you can swap for other oils like vegetable or avocado oil.
• Minced garlic: Fresh is best for pungency, but jarred works in a pinch.
• Minced ginger: Adds a lovely zing that pairs perfectly with the chili.
• Bell pepper: I like red or yellow for sweetness and color contrast.
• Broccoli florets: For texture and a hit of green goodness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
• Sesame seeds: Optional garnish but adds a nice crunch and nuttiness.
• Green onions: Fresh garnish for color and mild onion flavor.

Variations

I love playing around with the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what flavors I’m craving that day. Feel free to swap out veggies or add a little heat if you want things spicier – it’s super flexible.

• Add Heat: For a spicier kick, I sometimes add fresh chopped chili or a dash of sriracha. My husband loves it fiery, so this variation is a hit in our house.
• Veggie Swap: Tried it with snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn when broccoli isn’t on hand—works beautifully and keeps things fresh.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch as is to keep this recipe gluten-free without losing flavor.
• Protein Swap: You can also use shrimp or tofu if you want a change from chicken; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces into this mix and make sure every piece is well coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes—this little wait helps the flavors really sink in and the cornstarch starts to give the sauce that perfect silky texture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet, then add your marinated chicken. Cook it without overcrowding the pan, so it browns nicely instead of stewing. You’re aiming for about 7-10 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside—this step locks in the juiciness.

Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies

In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch—that’s where the texture contrast really shines. The leftover chicken bits and oil in the pan add extra flavor here, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet and pour over any remaining marinade. Stir everything and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and nicely coated. You’ll start smelling those layers of flavor coming together, which is always my favorite moment.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. These small touches make the dish feel special and add a little fresh crunch. Then, dig in!

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions—they add just the right amount of crunch and a pop of color. If you want a little more zing, a squeeze of lime juice on top works wonders, too.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it over rice noodles or alongside a simple salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in mini lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held appetizer vibe. Another fun idea is to plate it over quinoa and garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts—your guests will think you spent hours on it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing to keep it fresh. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even tastier!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times, and it freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat Sweet Chili Chicken is gently in a skillet over medium-low heat so the chicken doesn’t dry out, and the veggies stay tender-crisp. Adding a splash of water or a little extra sweet chili sauce helps keep it saucy and fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s effortlessly delicious and versatile. I always feel a little proud serving it to guests or feeding my family something comforting yet exciting. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner like I did!

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