Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for impressing anyone at the table, this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe absolutely delivers. This dish brings together tender chicken pieces, crisp sautéed veggies, and a luscious sweet-and-spicy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s as quick and satisfying for a weeknight as it is dazzling when entertaining friends, and you’ll love how easy yet rewarding it is to make. Bright, savory, and hinting at a gentle heat, this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of those staples you crave again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something so refreshing about recipes that rely on straightforward, everyday ingredients—each one pulling its weight to create a balanced and colorful dish. In this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe, every element serves its purpose, whether it’s adding a pop of texture, a hint of spice, or a touch of sweet depth.

• Chicken breast: Go for boneless, skinless for easy cutting and quick, juicy cooking.
• Sweet chili sauce: This star ingredient infuses the dish with that irresistible mix of sweetness and gentle heat.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami backbone that perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Ensures your sauce clings to each chicken piece and delivers a silky finish.
• Olive oil: Just enough to sear the chicken and veggies, adding depth without heaviness.
• Minced garlic: Brightens the whole dish and delivers aromatic flair.
• Ginger (minced): A zingy kick that plays beautifully against the sweet and savory flavors.
• Bell pepper (sliced): Adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness.
• Broccoli florets: Lends a fresh, earthy note and a pleasing tenderness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors and letting all the other seasonings shine.
• Sesame seeds: The perfect garnish for a nutty finish and visual appeal.
• Green onions (sliced): A final touch of freshness and color right before serving.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth and glossy. Add the chicken pieces, making sure each one is fully coated in the marinade’s vibrant goodness. Give the mixture a gentle toss, then let it rest for 15 minutes; this time will infuse the chicken with all those craveable flavors and help lock in moisture for a tender bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook, undisturbed, for a couple of minutes to get a nice golden sear, then stir and continue cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through (this should take about 7 to 10 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside—it’s about to get even better.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet (no need to clean it—those little browned bits add tons of flavor!), add a bit more oil if needed, followed by the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about a minute, just until fragrant, then toss in the bell pepper slices and broccoli florets. Sauté everything together for 5 to 7 minutes, until the veggies are bright and just tender, keeping some crunch for contrast.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour over the remaining marinade from earlier, and stir so everything is evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully over the chicken and veggies.

Step 5: Serve with Garnish

Take the skillet off the heat and transfer your Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and scatter sliced green onions on top for a bright, fresh finish. Dinner is officially ready to wow!

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to add character and a final splash of freshness to your Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Sesame seeds offer a pleasing nutty pop, while vibrant green onions bring color and a slight tang. Feel free to get playful—a squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or some chili flakes if you like extra heat can take your plate to the next level.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines alongside a simple bowl of steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every last drop of that mouthwatering sauce. For even more texture, you could serve it over rice noodles or pair it with a cool Asian-style slaw. Don’t be afraid to add some stir-fried snap peas, edamame, or even a refreshing cucumber salad to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to turn casual dinner into something a bit more special, try serving the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe family-style in a wide, shallow bowl so everyone can help themselves. You could also spoon it over lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer, or pile it onto crisp tostadas for a playful twist. However you choose to present it, there’s no wrong way to make it look as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It’ll keep well for up to three days, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy meal prep. Just be sure the container is tightly sealed to keep the flavors fresh and the chicken tender.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely first. Transfer portions of the chicken and veggies (plus any remaining sauce) to freezer-safe bags or containers. This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe can be frozen for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring halfway through to ensure everything is evenly warmed. Avoid overcooking to preserve that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor to this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a minute or two longer than breast pieces.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Not at all—the sweet chili sauce brings gentle warmth without overwhelming heat, making it perfect for all palates. If you love extra spice, feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or serve with sriracha on the side.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Just make sure to press excess moisture from the tofu and give it a quick sear for best results. The sauce and veggies are delicious with or without meat.

What other vegetables can I use?

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is wonderfully flexible—try adding snap peas, carrots, zucchini, or baby corn to mix it up. The key is to keep the veggies crisp and colorful for contrast with the savory-sweet sauce.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 15 minutes really helps the chicken absorb those delicious flavors and creates the signature silky coating. In a hurry? Even a short rest in the marinade will make a difference, but the longer it sits (up to 30 minutes), the better the result!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about preparing a dish that’s both simple to make and guaranteed to please every palate at the table. Give this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe a try next time you need a reliably delicious, colorful, and crowd-pleasing meal. You’ll be delighted by how quickly it comes together—and how fast it disappears!

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