Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe – Quick & Easy Chinese Dinner
Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe – Quick & Easy Chinese Dinner
Are you craving takeout but want something healthier and more budget-friendly? This irresistible sweet chili chicken recipe brings the delicious flavors of Chinese cooking right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes! With crispy chicken pieces coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce, this dish will become your new go-to chicken dinner recipe.
What makes this recipe special is its incredible versatility. Serve it over steamed rice for a classic Asian dishes experience, pair it with noodles, or even use it as a filling for lettuce wraps. The sweet chili glaze caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, creating that signature sticky texture we all love in Chinese chicken dishes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Serving:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, egg white, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Chili Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Set aside. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry – this will help thicken the sauce later.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Reduce heat to medium. Pour the sweet chili sauce mixture into the same skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for another minute until everything is heated through and well-coated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the sweet chili chicken to a serving plate over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your favorite vegetables on the side.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Chili Chicken
Chicken Cut Matters
For the best texture, cut your chicken into uniform pieces. Thighs will be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts will be leaner. Either works beautifully in this recipe.
Sauce Consistency
Adjust the sauce thickness to your preference. For a thicker glaze, add more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, reduce the amount. The sauce should cling to the chicken without being too sticky.
Spice Level Control
Sweet chili sauce varies in heat levels. Taste yours first – if it’s too spicy, add a bit more honey. If you want more heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Make it a Complete Meal
Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a balanced dinner. The sweet chili sauce pairs wonderfully with all kinds of vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Then toss with the sauce.
How long does sweet chili chicken keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before coating and cooking to ensure proper browning.
What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
You can make a simple substitute by mixing honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, but store-bought sweet chili sauce works best for authentic flavor.
Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe – Quick & Easy Chinese Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, egg white, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Sweet Chili Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Set aside. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry – this will help thicken the sauce later.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Combine and Simmer: Reduce heat to medium. Pour the sweet chili sauce mixture into the same skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for another minute until everything is heated through and well-coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the sweet chili chicken to a serving plate over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your favorite vegetables on the side.
