The BEST Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Welcome to a truly delightful culinary adventure! This sweet chili chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen. Imagine tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a luscious, sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy glaze. It’s the perfect “fakeaway” meal, offering all the deliciousness without the fuss. Get ready to create a memorable meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Chicken

This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for your weeknight rotation. Here’s why you’ll adore this homemade sweet chili chicken:

• Irresistibly Crispy: Each bite offers a delightful crunch, thanks to our simple coating method.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: The balance of sweet, tangy, and a touch of heat creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Lightning Fast: You can have this delicious meal on the table in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Minimal Cleanup: We keep things simple with a one-pan (or wok) approach, making post-dinner tidying a breeze.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Everyone, even picky eaters, will ask for seconds of this flavorful dish.

Sweet Chili Chicken Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible crispy chili chicken. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already!

Chicken:

• 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces

Marinade/Coating:

• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp sea salt flakes
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (60 g) cornflour (cornstarch)

Sauce:

• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 1 tsp freshly minced ginger
• ½ cup (125 ml) sweet chili sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) rice wine vinegar, plain white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lime juice

For Serving:

• Steamed rice
• 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Optional Additions/Notes:

You will need a high smoke point oil for frying, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil. A drizzle of honey in the sauce can enhance its sweetness if you prefer. This ensures your homemade sweet chili chicken reaches its full potential.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this fantastic sweet chili chicken recipe. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick:

• Large bowl (for coating chicken)
• Medium bowl (for sauce)
• Large, deep frying pan (or wok)
• Paper towel (for draining cooked chicken)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Optional: Air fryer (for alternative cooking)

How To Make Sweet Chili Chicken

Creating this flavorful sweet chili chicken is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious meal everyone will love.

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add the sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, egg, and cornflour. Mix well until the ingredients form a paste around the chicken pieces. Set the coated chicken aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced ginger, sweet chili sauce, tamari (or soy sauce), and rice wine vinegar (or your chosen alternative). Whisk all the sauce ingredients together until they are well combined. Set this flavorful sauce aside.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes, turning halfway through, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Drain any remaining oil from the frying pan and quickly wipe the pan clean. Return the pan to medium-low heat. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Stir the sauce for 2–3 minutes until it begins to bubble gently and thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Turn off the heat under the pan. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the thickened sauce. Stir gently to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated in the rich, sweet and spicy glaze. Serve the delicious sweet chili chicken immediately, heaped on top of fluffy steamed rice. Garnish with finely sliced spring onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch.

Optional Step: Sauce Thinning

If you prefer a thinner glaze or want more sauce for your rice, add 1–2 tablespoons of boiling water (from a kettle) to the bottom of the pan once you’ve removed the chicken. Use a spoon to stir the water into the remaining sauce, creating an extra pourable glaze for your dish.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Mastering this crispy chili chicken is simple with these helpful tips and tricks. Achieve perfect results every time.

• Achieving Extra Crispiness: For truly crispy chicken, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Double-coating the chicken (egg, then cornflour) also enhances crispness.
  To understand the culinary principles behind perfectly crispy textures, exploring the science of fried chicken can provide valuable insights.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the simmering time for your desired sauce thickness. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water or broth to thin it slightly. If it’s too thin, simmer for an additional minute or two.
• Flavor Adjustments: For more heat, stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce with the other sauce ingredients. Adjust sweetness by adding a teaspoon of honey or a pinch of brown sugar to the sauce.
• Troubleshooting: If your chicken isn’t crispy, check your oil temperature and avoid overcrowding. If the sauce is too thin or thick, simply adjust the simmering time as noted above.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

This versatile sweet chili chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides and is great for meal prepping.

Serving:

• Serve this delicious chicken over steaming hot jasmine or basmati rice for a classic meal.
• Alongside steamed green vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas, for a balanced dinner.
• Add some thinly sliced cucumber or a simple side salad for a refreshing contrast.

Storage:

• Store any leftover sweet chili chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 3 days for the best quality and flavor.
• Note that the crispy coating may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavor remains fantastic.

Variations:

• Air Fryer Method: Coat the chicken in egg, spices, and seasoning (without cornflour yet). Individually dip each piece into cornflour for that signature crispy coating. Spray your air fryer basket with oil, place chicken in a single layer, and spray generously with oil. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and cooked through. Prepare the sauce on the stovetop as per the recipe, then toss the crispy chicken through the sauce to serve.
• Oven Baking Method: Arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and golden. Then toss with the prepared sauce.
• Other Proteins: Feel free to substitute chicken with firm tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef for delicious variations.
• Vegetable Additions: Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli florets alongside the chicken or in the sauce for added nutrition and color.

Sweet Chili Chicken Nutrition

Enjoying a satisfying meal doesn’t mean compromising on knowing what you eat. This sweet chili chicken offers a good balance of macronutrients.
For a deeper understanding of how these vital components contribute to your overall well-being, learning more about understanding macronutrients is essential.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	440 calories
Sugar Content	14.9 g
Sodium Content	1662.7 mg
Fat Content	10 g
Saturated Fat	1.9 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Carbohydrate	45.6 g
Fiber Content	2.8 g
Protein Content	40.6 g
Cholesterol	156 mg

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients and preparation methods. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and serving sizes.

FAQ

You’ve got questions about making the perfect sweet chili chicken, and we have answers!

• Can I make this ahead of time? You can definitely prepare the chicken by coating it with spices, egg, and cornflour, then refrigerate it for up to 4 hours.
• How do I make it spicier? To kick up the heat, simply add a pinch of red chili flakes, a few slices of fresh red chili, or a dash of hot sauce to the simmering sauce.
• What kind of chili sauce should I use? Use a standard sweet chili dipping sauce, readily available in the Asian section of most grocery stores.
• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice, often more forgiving and moist, enhancing the richness of this chili-glazed chicken.

Sweet Chili Chicken Final Thoughts

You now have all the tools and inspiration to create this incredible crispy sweet chili chicken right in your own kitchen. This recipe delivers on flavor, convenience, and satisfaction, proving that restaurant-quality meals are easily achievable at home. We encourage you to try this delightful dish and experience the joy of cooking something truly special. Share your creations, explore new flavors, and confidently bring more memorable meals to your table with Amarinda!