If you’re craving something bold, saucy, and just the right amount of sweet-meets-spicy, then this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Inspired by classic Asian chicken recipes, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen—without the hassle. It’s quick, it’s versatile, and it delivers that sticky, garlicky, sweet chili glaze that we all secretly want to lick off the plate.
Here at Virilerecipes, we believe cooking should be joyful, not stressful. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to get dinner on the table before 8 PM, this recipe fits the bill.
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Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
You don’t need anything fancy to make this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade sweet chili sauce)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Cooked jasmine or basmati rice, or noodles (for serving)
Want to crank up the heat? Toss in a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.
Equipment You’ll Need to Make Sweet Chili Chicken
No need to dig out your stand mixer or food processor. All you need are:
- A sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Nonstick skillet or wok
- Tongs or spatula
- Serving platter or bowl
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe was made to be fuss-free.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Step by Step
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Set aside about 1/4 cup of this mixture—this will become your glaze.
Toss the chicken pieces in the remaining marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
2. Coat the Chicken
Right before cooking, sprinkle the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss everything until the pieces are evenly coated. This step helps create that irresistible crispy crust.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—you want that golden sear!
Cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and beautifully crisp.
4. Glaze the Chicken
Pour in the reserved sauce and stir to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the glaze thickens and clings to the chicken.
Finish with a squeeze of lime juice or a drizzle of sesame oil, if you’re feeling fancy.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serving Ideas for Sweet Chili Chicken
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe plays well with:
- Jasmine or basmati rice
- Rice noodles or garlic noodles
- Stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas
- Spring rolls or lettuce cups
- A bed of slaw for a light lunch bowl
You can even make it a full-on Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl, paired with cucumbers, pickled carrots, and a soft-boiled egg.
Want something similarly sticky and satisfying? Try our sticky honey chicken.
Storage and Leftovers
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store Sweet Chili Chicken:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
- Repurpose: Use leftovers in wraps, salads, or fried rice.
For more tips on using leftover chicken, check out our dedicated post.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t fall into these kitchen traps:
- Skipping the marinade. This is where the flavor happens.
- Overcrowding the pan. It leads to steaming, not searing.
- Not tasting the sauce before serving. Sweet chili sauces vary by brand.
- Using low-quality sauce. Trust me, it makes a difference.
If you’re into spicier dishes, you might also love our black pepper chicken.
Extra Tips for the Best Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Want to go homemade? Mix red chili flakes, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and water for your own quick sauce.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli directly to the skillet for a one-pan meal.
- Garnish with lime zest for a fresh kick.
- Swap chicken breast for thighs if you want a juicier bite.
- Turn it into a stir-fry with noodles and veggies.
Looking for another spicy twist? Try our crispy Bang Bang chicken or hearty chicken drumsticks with vegetables.
FAQs
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and just as delicious in this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe.
Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it gluten-free.
Absolutely. Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.
Sure! Tofu or tempeh are great substitutes. Just press out moisture and follow the same steps.
Add a splash of vinegar or lime juice to balance it out.
Nope. You can whip up a homemade sweet chili sauce in under 10 minutes.
Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick, bold, and flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe with a sticky, garlicky glaze—perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Cooked jasmine or basmati rice, or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Reserve 1/4 cup for glaze.
- Toss chicken pieces in the remaining marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper before cooking.
- Heat oil in a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer for 6–8 minutes until crisp and fully cooked.
- Pour in reserved sauce and stir to coat. Simmer 2–3 minutes until glaze thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For extra spice, add chili flakes or sriracha. Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a weeknight winner, a family favorite, and a guaranteed way to make your kitchen smell like a dream. Whether you serve it in bowls, wraps, or straight from the skillet, it brings comfort and flavor every time.
Ready for more dinner inspiration? Check out our honey garlic chicken or cheesy baked Caprese chicken next. For something buttery and fast, our garlic butter chicken bites hit the spot.
And add at the end with links (Follow us for more drool-worthy comfort food on Pinterest and join the conversation on Facebook.)