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Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Quick & Easy Chinese Dinner

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 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
  • 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
  • Steamed white or brown rice
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables

Method
 

Instructions
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.

Notes

For the best texture, cut your chicken into uniform pieces. Thighs will be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts will be leaner. Adjust sauce thickness to preference - for thicker glaze add more cornstarch slurry.