Sweet Chili Chicken
A crispy and golden chicken dish coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy chili sauce, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or weekend treat.4
Ingredients
- 500 g 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 –3 tbsp vegetable oil for pan-frying
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In one bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken piece into the eggs, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving 1 tablespoon. Add minced garlic and grated ginger (if using), and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- For a lighter version, serve in lettuce wraps.
- Add sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicier dish.
- Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Add sesame oil to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.