Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe – Sticky, Spicy & Delicious

I love recipes that balance sweet, savory, and just a little bit of heat, and this Sweet Chili Chicken recipe does exactly that. It’s the perfect dish when you want something flavorful but easy to prepare. The combination of tender chicken coated in a sticky, glossy sauce makes every bite irresistible.

This meal works for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even when you’re craving something that feels like takeout but fresher and homemade. The sauce is a mix of sweetness, tang, and mild spice, which pairs perfectly with juicy chicken and fluffy rice. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

There’s so much to enjoy about this dish. The sauce is simple but packs an incredible punch of flavor with just the right mix of sweet and spicy. The chicken cooks up golden on the outside while staying tender inside, and the glaze clings to every piece beautifully. It tastes like something you’d order from a restaurant, but it’s made right at home in less than an hour. Plus, it pairs easily with rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables, so you can make it your own.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Chicken breasts give you lean, tender bites, while thighs add a little extra juiciness and flavor. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks so it cooks evenly and is easy to coat with sauce. If you want even more flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in soy sauce before cooking.

Options for Substitutions

Here are some simple swaps you can make if needed:

Chicken: Use shrimp, tofu, or even pork instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Sweet Chili Sauce: If you don’t have bottled sauce, you can make a quick version with honey, chili flakes, vinegar, and a little garlic.
Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives for a gluten-free option.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini to stretch the dish and add more nutrition.
Rice: Swap for noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice depending on your preference.

Ingredients for This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Sweet Chili Sauce: The star ingredient that provides a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth to balance the sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic boosts the flavor of the sauce.
Ginger: Optional, but gives a fresh, zesty kick.
Cornstarch: Coats the chicken for a light crispiness and helps the sauce stick.
Vegetable Oil: For pan-frying the chicken pieces.
Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh bite.
Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch on top.
Cooked Rice or Noodles: For serving and soaking up the extra sauce.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken into even bite-sized chunks. Toss them lightly in cornstarch until coated. This helps them brown nicely in the pan and gives the sauce something to cling to.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden on the outside and cooked through inside, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic (and ginger, if using) until fragrant. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let it bubble for a minute so it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat every piece in the glossy sweet chili sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors really meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken. Serve hot over a bowl of fluffy rice or noodles, making sure to drizzle extra sauce over the top.

How Long to Cook Sweet Chili Chicken

This recipe comes together quickly. The chicken itself cooks in about 5–6 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. The sauce only takes a few minutes more, so the whole dish is ready in under 30 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Chili Chicken

Cut Chicken Evenly: Keeps the pieces cooking at the same rate.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Work in batches if needed so the chicken browns instead of steaming.
Adjust Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like it hotter.
Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a noticeable difference in the flavor.
Thicken Sauce: If you want a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and stir it in.
Double the Sauce: Great if you like extra for drizzling over rice or veggies.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Chicken: Small pieces cook fast—pull them off the heat once they’re just done.
Too Much Cornstarch: A light coating is all you need, otherwise the chicken can turn gummy.
Burning the Garlic: Keep the heat moderate when sautéing garlic so it doesn’t turn bitter.
Skipping the Garnish: Green onions and sesame seeds add freshness and crunch you don’t want to miss.
Using Cold Chicken: Let the chicken rest at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking for even results.
Forgetting the Sauce Ratio: Balance the sweetness with soy sauce or vinegar so it doesn’t taste overly sweet.

What to Serve With Sweet Chili Chicken

Steamed Rice – The classic choice—simple and perfect for soaking up sauce.
Stir-Fried Vegetables – Adds color and crunch while making the meal healthier.
Fried Rice – For a heartier side, pair with egg and vegetable fried rice.
Noodles – Lo mein or rice noodles make a great base for the saucy chicken.
Asian Slaw – Fresh cabbage slaw with sesame dressing adds a crisp contrast.
Spring Rolls – Crunchy rolls with dipping sauce complete the takeout-style meal.
Cucumber Salad – Light and refreshing, with a tangy bite to balance the sweetness.
Egg Rolls – Another favorite appetizer that pairs perfectly with the sweet chili flavors.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings

Calories	410
Protein	32g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	3g
Carbohydrates	38g
Sugar	20g
Cholesterol	95g
Sodium	780g

These are approximate values and may vary based on ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is everything you love about takeout but so much better homemade. It’s quick, flavorful, and coated in a sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy. Pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies, and you’ve got a meal that everyone at the table will enjoy. Once you try it, this recipe will definitely make its way into your regular dinner lineup.