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Sweet Chili Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a little bit of heat, making it an ideal Flavorful Weeknight Dish. With crispy, golden chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that is quick and easy to make. The combination of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and a hint of garlic and ginger brings a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or with stir-fried vegetables, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Chili Chicken

I love this Sweet Chili Chicken because it hits all the right flavor notes – it’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a deliciously tangy sauce that has just the right amount of sweetness and heat, creating a Flavorful Weeknight Dish. The crispy chicken paired with the flavorful sauce creates a satisfying combination that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Plus, it’s customizable! I can easily adjust the spice level with extra chili flakes or sriracha depending on how much heat I want. It’s also versatile enough to serve with rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need for Sweet Chili Chicken (serves 4):

Chicken:

500 g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste
2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan-frying)

Sweet Chili Sauce:

½ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Garnish (optional):

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Fresh cilantro

Equipment:

Large skillet
Two shallow bowls
Tongs
Paper towels
Plate

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Thighs for juicier texture; breasts for leaner bites.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Store-bought for convenience; adjust with honey for sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium to control salt; tamari for gluten-free.
Cornstarch: Ensures crispiness; don’t skip for best texture.
Ginger: Freshly grated for zing; ground ginger (¼ tsp) as a substitute.

Directions for Sweet Chili Chicken

Let’s create this irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken!

Prepare the Chicken

I season 500 g chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
In one shallow bowl, I combine ½ cup cornstarch and ½ cup flour.
In another, I beat 2 eggs.
I dip each chicken piece in the eggs, then coat in the flour mixture.

Cook the Chicken

I heat 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
I fry the chicken in batches, cooking 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internally).
I transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, I remove excess oil, leaving 1 tbsp.
I sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger (if using) for 1 minute until fragrant.
I add ½ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar, simmering for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Coat

I return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce, cooking for 2 minutes until glossy and well-coated with the Sweet Chili Chicken sauce.

Garnish and Serve

I garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or cilantro.
I serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete Flavorful Weeknight Dish.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 30g protein, 18g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Sweet Chili Chicken

Try these twists on Sweet Chili Chicken:

Lighter Option: Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb Flavorful Weeknight Dish.
Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a colorful Flavorful Weeknight Dish.
Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha for extra heat.
Protein Swap: Use shrimp, pork, or tofu instead of chicken for variety.
Nutty Twist: Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil or sprinkle with crushed peanuts for richness.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili for a diverse dinner spread.
Serve with jasmine rice or lo mein noodles to soak up the Flavorful Weeknight Dish sauce.
Offer with a side of cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Storage

I store leftover Sweet Chili Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, adding a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce to keep it moist. Alternatively, I microwave in 30-second intervals, but the skillet method preserves texture better.

FAQs About Sweet Chili Chicken

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding the sauce?
To keep the chicken crispy, try to serve it right after tossing it in the sauce. If you need to reheat, I recommend doing so in a skillet rather than a microwave, as this helps retain the crispiness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the chicken will stay crispy best when freshly made, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and combine just before serving.

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a different variation of this dish.

What can I serve this Sweet Chili Chicken with?
I often serve it over steamed rice or noodles, but stir-fried vegetables or even in lettuce wraps are great alternatives for a lighter meal.

Is this dish very spicy?
The recipe can be as spicy or mild as you like! I add red pepper flakes for heat, but you can skip them or add more depending on your preference.

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Conclusion

This Sweet Chili Chicken is a perfect balance of crispy, savory, and sweet flavors, making it an irresistible dish that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The best part is, it’s versatile enough for a variety of sides and can be adjusted to suit any spice level. I’m sure this will become one of your go-to recipes, just like it’s become one of mine!