Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Introduction
The Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe delivers a perfect blend of aromatic Chinese-inspired spices, tender chicken, and a glossy, sticky-sweet and spicy sauce. This dish stands out for its irresistible balance of sweetness with just the right hint of heat, making it a dependable weeknight favorite or an instant party hit that vanishes before your eyes.
Why This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Try
What sets this dish apart is its bold flavor profile and healthy twist. Using fresh, simple ingredients, you get restaurant-level results at home—without excess oil or complicated steps. The slight crisp on the juicy chicken, coupled with the vibrant sweet chili sauce, hits all the right notes and caters to anyone craving easy Chinese cooking recipes. Plus, this dish can be served as a main course or as a protein-rich component in healthy meal prep bowls.
How to Prep Your Chicken and Vegetables
To streamline chopping a medley of colorful bell peppers and onions, use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. It saves time and guarantees even pieces for uniform cooking.
Pat your boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs dry using paper towels, then cut them into 1-inch chunks for bite-sized perfection.
For an oil-efficient and healthy sear, spritz your skillet lightly with the YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking. This ensures just enough oil for crispiness without excess calories.
Searing Chicken and Building Flavor
Heat a heavy skillet like the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on all sides—this locks in juices and creates a crave-worthy texture.
Set the chicken aside, then stir-fry the vegetables until just tender, ensuring they keep their natural crunch and color for a vibrant presentation.
Making the Signature Sweet Chili Sauce
Whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, a splash of rice vinegar, and a hint of honey. Add minced garlic and ginger for a kick of aromatic complexity. Let the sauce bubble until thickened, then toss the cooked chicken and veggies back in to coat every piece in that gleaming, sticky glaze.
If you’re craving that extra-crispy finish or want to cut down on oil, cook your chicken in a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt before tossing in the sauce.
Serving and Storing Sweet Chili Chicken
Serve over steamed jasmine rice or fresh greens for a lighter take. For easy meal-prepping, pack portions into Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl to keep your protein and veggies crisp and ready for lunch all week.
This dish is flavorful straight from the stove, but leftovers taste just as delicious, making it a top candidate for healthy recip repeats.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe yields 4 servings. Each portion is approximately 320–350 calories, packed with lean protein and loaded with fresh veggies. The sauce is lighter and less sugary than many takeout versions, so you can enjoy it more often!
Delicious Sweet Chili Chicken Recap
A delicious marriage of sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy flavors, this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is a staple for anyone exploring chicken dishes recipes and Chinese cooking recipes with a healthy twist. Quick to make, family-friendly, and easy to customize—it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry and toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat; spritz with oil. Sear chicken on all sides until golden brown; remove and set aside.
- Add peppers and onions to the pan and stir-fry until just tender.
- In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Return chicken to the pan, pour over the sauce, and toss to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and everything is well glazed.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or salad greens.
- For air-fried chicken: Toss chicken in oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, then toss in sauce as above.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Enjoy this vibrant, flavor-packed Sweet Chili Chicken—it’s healthy, versatile, and pairs seamlessly with all your favorite Chinese cooking recipes!