Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful dish that’s perfect for those who crave a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy in every bite. This recipe features tender chicken glazed with a homemade sweet chili sauce that packs a punch without being overly spicy. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and sure to satisfy!
Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet Chili Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Coated in a homemade chili sauce, this recipe is ideal for a satisfying family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for serving with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Coat each chicken breast in cornstarch, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts and place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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Serve the Sweet Chili Chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables and enjoy!
Notes
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
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For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
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Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked, Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Chili Chicken is a delicious fusion of flavors that blend together perfectly. The crispy chicken, coated in a slightly spicy and sweet chili sauce, provides a taste that’s irresistible. Whether you serve it as a main dish or as part of a meal with rice or vegetables, it’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy a family dinner. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it an ideal option for busy nights when you crave something comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/4 cup cornstarch
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon grated ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Coat each chicken breast in cornstarch, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
-
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts and place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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Serve the Sweet Chili Chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Sweet Chili Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a sliced fresh chili for a spicier version.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
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Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian alternative.
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Add Vegetables: For a complete meal, consider adding bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat and cover to retain moisture, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. Is Sweet Chili Chicken spicy?
The sweetness of the chili sauce balances out the spice, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes or fresh chili.
3. Can I make the sweet chili sauce from scratch?
Yes, you can make your own sweet chili sauce by combining ingredients like sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili peppers. However, store-bought versions are often quicker and convenient.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Simply bake the chicken and coat it with the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
5. What can I serve with Sweet Chili Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. You can also serve it with a light salad for a refreshing side.
6. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Simply add the sauce ingredients over the chicken and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
7. How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it to your desired consistency.
8. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Frozen chicken breasts should be fully thawed before cooking. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
9. Can I freeze Sweet Chili Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat.
10. Can I make Sweet Chili Chicken without cornstarch?
Yes, you can skip the cornstarch coating if you’d prefer. The chicken will still be flavorful, but you’ll miss out on the crispy texture.
Conclusion
Sweet Chili Chicken is an easy-to-make dish that delivers an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious meal in under an hour. Give it a try and discover why it’s a favorite in many households!
