Succulent bites of chicken glazed in a vibrant, glossy sweet chili sauce—this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is your ticket to a quick, flavorful dinner that feels gourmet without the hassle. The chicken is tender on the inside with a caramelized exterior, tossed in a perfectly balanced sauce that hits all the notes: sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory. Each bite is elevated with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding texture and brightness.

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Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself to something delicious, this dish delivers satisfaction without requiring hours in the kitchen. Served over steamed jasmine rice or your favorite grain, it transforms into a comfort meal you’ll want to return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Minimal ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples.
Versatile: Works great with chicken breast, thighs, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Balanced flavor: The homemade sauce brings together sweetness, heat, and tang effortlessly.
Crowd-pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike, with customizable spice levels.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and Why They Matter)

Before diving into the delicious cooking process, having the right tools on hand will streamline your experience and ensure the best results for your Easy Sweet Chili Chicken.

Essential Tools & Their Purpose:

Non-stick skillet or wok: This ensures even heat distribution and prevents the sauce from burning or sticking. A wok adds an authentic touch and makes tossing the chicken easier.
Sharp chef’s knife: For clean, efficient cuts of chicken and vegetables.
Cutting board: Use separate boards for meat and veggies to maintain food safety.
Mixing bowl: Needed for coating the chicken with cornstarch or prepping your sauce ahead of time.
Tongs or silicone spatula: Helps turn the chicken evenly during cooking without tearing it.
Measuring spoons and cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results, especially for the sweet chili sauce.
Rice cooker or saucepan: For perfectly steamed rice to serve alongside the chicken.

Having these ready ahead of time helps create a smooth workflow, allowing you to focus on layering flavors rather than scrambling for equipment mid-recipe.

Preparation Tips

Pat the chicken dry before coating or cooking. Excess moisture can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, making it soggy.
Pre-mix your sauce ingredients in a small bowl before cooking. This ensures a balanced flavor and quicker thickening when added to the pan.
Cut chicken evenly into bite-sized pieces. Uniform sizes cook evenly, avoiding undercooked or overcooked pieces.
Use medium-high heat to sear the chicken quickly and lock in juices while creating a delicious crust.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed to achieve a crisp sear.
Finish with garnishes like sesame seeds and chopped scallions right before serving for a fresh crunch and visual appeal.

Ingredients for This Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Every component in this dish works together to create an irresistible flavor balance. Below is everything you’ll need to recreate this flavorful sweet chili chicken at home.

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
(Thighs offer more moisture, but breasts work great too.)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
(Creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken when seared.)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
(For frying the chicken and achieving a golden crust.)

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
(The base of the glaze, sweet with a gentle heat.)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
(Adds a salty, umami depth.)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
(Provides tang and balances the sweetness.)
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
(Enhances the glaze with a deeper sweetness.)
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
(For a sharp aromatic kick.)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
(Adds warm spice and freshness.)
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
(For an extra spicy edge, adjust to taste.)

For Garnish & Serving:

Sesame seeds, toasted
Chopped green onions
Steamed jasmine rice or white rice, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Sweet Chili Chicken

Follow these straightforward steps to create a restaurant-quality dish right at home. The process is simple and quick—perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into uniform bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss the pieces in a bowl with cornstarch until evenly coated. This light coating helps create a crispy exterior when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Sear each side for about 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, honey (if using), garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Make sure everything is well combined for a consistent flavor blend.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the sauce mixture to the pan and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce. It should begin to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and cling to the chicken pieces.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or your favorite grain.

Notes

Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness and flavor, but breasts work just as well for a leaner option. Just avoid overcooking them to maintain tenderness.
Make it spicier: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to increase the heat level without compromising the sweet balance.
Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets. Make sure to press and dry tofu before pan-searing.
Double the sauce: Love extra sauce for drizzling over rice? Simply double the sauce ingredients for a richer experience.
Meal prep-friendly: This dish reheats beautifully and can be made in advance, making it perfect for lunch boxes or weeknight planning.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the cornstarch coating: This results in less texture and the sauce won’t adhere as well to the chicken.
Overcrowding the skillet: Doing so will steam the chicken instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary.
High heat with sugar-based sauce: The sauce can burn quickly. Once you add it to the pan, reduce the heat to prevent it from caramelizing too fast.
Adding garnishes too early: Green onions and sesame seeds should be added at the end to keep their color, crunch, and flavor intact.
Not drying the chicken: Moisture prevents searing and can create unwanted splatter.
Uneven chicken pieces: Leads to uneven cooking. Use a sharp knife to cut pieces uniformly.
Not tasting the sauce: Always taste the sauce before combining with the chicken. Adjust sweetness, salt, or heat to match your preference.
Forgetting to stir the sauce: The sugar content can stick to the pan if left unattended—keep it moving.

What to Serve With Easy Sweet Chili Chicken?

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a range of sides, from fresh and crunchy to creamy and comforting. The balance of sweet heat in the chicken complements both neutral and bold accompaniments, making it a centerpiece you can build a whole meal around.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice
The ideal canvas to soak up every drop of that sweet and spicy glaze. Light, fluffy, and fragrant.
Garlic Fried Rice
Adds extra depth and savoriness while offering a slight crunch. Perfect if you’re craving more flavor.
Asian Slaw
A refreshing, crunchy salad made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing. Balances out the warmth of the chicken.
Stir-Fried Vegetables
Quick-sautéed bell peppers, snow peas, and baby corn tossed in a light soy glaze complement the sauce beautifully.
Coconut Rice
Creamy and aromatic, this lightly sweet rice balances the chili heat and enhances the tropical feel.
Cucumber Salad with Vinegar Dressing
Cool, crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing offer a perfect palate cleanser.
Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls
Great as appetizers or side snacks. Their crispy exterior and savory filling play well with the glaze from the chicken.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness of the potatoes mirrors the chili sauce and adds a hearty, grounding side to the plate.

Storage Instructions

Easy Sweet Chili Chicken keeps well and reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prepping or next-day leftovers.

Refrigerator Storage:

Let the chicken cool completely before storing.
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Store rice and chicken separately to prevent sogginess.

Reheating Tips:

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.

Freezing Instructions:

The chicken (without garnishes) can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, pressing out excess air.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings)

Please note: values are estimated and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Calories: 350–400 kcal
Protein: 28–32g
Carbohydrates: 25–30g
Sugars: 12–15g
Fat: 15–18g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 700–850mg
Fiber: 1–2g

This dish offers a balanced mix of protein and carbs, with moderate sugar from the sweet chili sauce and honey. Pairing it with a fiber-rich side like veggies or brown rice will round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought sweet chili sauce?

Yes, store-bought sweet chili sauce is perfect for this recipe. Look for Thai-style versions for authentic flavor. You can also enhance it with garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar as described in the recipe.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check the sweet chili sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

3. What’s the best chicken cut to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the top choice for flavor and moisture. If using breasts, be sure not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

4. Can I bake instead of pan-fry the chicken?

Yes. Coat the chicken in cornstarch and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then toss in the sauce.

5. How spicy is this dish?

It has mild to moderate heat depending on your sweet chili sauce and whether you add red chili flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately or together. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

7. What can I substitute for cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch for a similar crisp texture. All-purpose flour works in a pinch, though it’s slightly less crispy.

8. Is this dish suitable for kids?

Yes! Most kids enjoy the sweet and mildly spicy glaze. Simply skip the chili flakes to make it even more kid-friendly.

Conclusion

Easy Sweet Chili Chicken hits that rare sweet spot between flavor, speed, and simplicity. With tender, golden chicken coated in a sticky-sweet glaze full of zest and warmth, it’s a meal that works for both busy weeknights and casual entertaining. The flexibility in heat level, protein choices, and sides makes this dish incredibly customizable.

Give it a go and watch it become a regular favorite in your home kitchen!