Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

Sweet chili chicken recipe lovers know there is nothing more satisfying than crispy golden bites of chicken coated in a glossy sauce that balances sweet heat and tang. This recipe is designed for busy weeknights when you need a quick win in the kitchen but still crave bold and comforting flavors.

I first learned to love cooking from my grandmother who always believed meals should bring joy to the table. Later, during the busier periods of my life when days felt long and exhausting, I leaned on simple recipes like this one that felt like a reward even on the most tiring nights. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce you can create a meal that feels both special and effortless.

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This sweet chili chicken recipe is quick crispy and coated in a glossy homemade sauce that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe?

This easy sweet chili chicken is the kind of dish that checks all the boxes. It is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and versatile enough to fit into any dinner rotation. The chicken cooks up crisp on the outside while staying juicy inside and the homemade sauce clings to every bite with a glossy finish.

You will love how the balance of sweet honey or maple syrup with tangy vinegar and a gentle kick of heat makes this meal both family friendly and satisfying for spice lovers. It is also lighter and fresher than takeout since you control the ingredients. For another ‘better than takeout’ favorite, you have to try this healthy beef and broccoli stir fry.

What is Thai Sweet Chili Chicken?

Thai sweet chili chicken is a dish that combines tender chicken with a sauce made from the traditional flavors of Thai sweet chili sauce. The sauce blends sweetness from honey or sugar with tangy vinegar and just enough spice from chili to create balance.

In this recipe the sauce is made fresh at home so you get that authentic sweet and spicy flavor without added preservatives. It is a weeknight version of a takeout favorite that delivers comfort and bold taste in every bite.

Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

You only need a few fresh and pantry staples to make this recipe come together.

For the chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
  
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
  
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
  
• 2 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
  

For the vegetables and aromatics

• 1 red bell pepper diced
  
• 3 cloves garlic minced
  
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  

For the homemade sweet chili sauce

• 1/2 cup water
  
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten free
  
• 1 to 2 tsp sriracha or garlic chili sauce adjust to taste
  
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water slurry
  

For garnish optional

• Sliced green onions
  
• Toasted sesame seeds
  

Learn more about the potential benefits and safety of ginger.

The Secret to the Perfect Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

The secret to making sweet chili chicken that is crisp instead of soggy is all about timing and technique. First coat the chicken in a light layer of cornstarch. This gives the outside a delicate crunch while keeping the inside juicy. Second cook the chicken in a single layer and avoid crowding the pan. If you add too much chicken at once it will steam instead of brown. Finally keep the skillet at medium high heat so the chicken sears quickly and locks in flavor.

Another key step is adding the sauce at the right moment. Once the chicken is golden remove it from the pan before making the sauce. After the sauce has thickened return the chicken and toss until every piece is coated in the glossy sweet chili glaze. These simple steps transform the dish into a comfort food that tastes just as good if not better than takeout.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe?

Making this sweet chili sauce chicken is simple and takes just a few steps.

Step 1. Prep the chicken
In a medium bowl toss the cubed chicken with cornstarch salt and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2. Make the sauce
In a small bowl whisk together water honey or maple syrup rice vinegar soy sauce and sriracha.

Step 3. Cook the chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan.

Step 4. Sauté the vegetables and aromatics
Add diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp tender. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for one more minute until fragrant.

Step 5. Combine and thicken
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 6. Finish and serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss until coated in the sauce. Serve hot and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Variations of Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

This recipe is flexible and can be adapted to fit your taste or occasion.

Sweet chili chicken wings
Use the same sauce and coat baked or air fried chicken wings for a game day snack.

Gluten free sweet chili chicken
Swap regular soy sauce for tamari to keep the dish completely gluten free.

Veggie boost
Add vegetables such as broccoli snap peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.  If you love broccoli in a creamy sauce, this chicken broccoli pasta bake is a must-try.

Milder version
Reduce the sriracha to make the dish more family friendly while still keeping all the sweet and tangy flavor.

Serving and Storing Your Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Sweet chili chicken is best served fresh with simple sides that let the sauce shine. Pair it with steamed rice jasmine or brown noodles or even quinoa for a lighter option. A cool and creamy Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad also makes a fantastic, refreshing side dish

If you have leftovers allow the chicken to cool before placing it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat until hot. This helps the chicken stay crisp and prevents it from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals stirring halfway through.

Key Takeaways

• Coat the chicken in cornstarch and cook in batches to keep it crisp
  
• A quick homemade sweet chili sauce makes this meal healthier and fresher than takeout
  
• This recipe is flexible with options for wings gluten free swaps and added vegetables
  
• Perfect for weeknight dinners and can be stored for easy meal prep
  

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Lena

A quick and flavorful sweet chili chicken recipe with crisp chicken coated in a glossy homemade sauce perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian Inspired

Servings 4 people

Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated

For the Simple Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten free
• 1 to 2 tsp sriracha or garlic chili sauce adjust to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water slurry

For Garnish optional

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl toss the cubed chicken with cornstarch salt and pepper.
• In a small bowl whisk water honey or maple syrup rice vinegar soy sauce and sriracha.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Remove from the skillet.
• Add bell pepper to the skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
• Pour sauce into the skillet bring to a simmer then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened.
• Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

• For extra crispiness cook the chicken in batches and avoid crowding the pan.
• Add vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to boost nutrition and color.

Keyword easy sweet chili chicken, sweet chili chicken recipe, thai sweet chili chicken

Conclusion

Cooking at home should feel joyful and never overwhelming. This sweet chili chicken recipe proves that you do not need to be an expert to create a meal that is both comforting and impressive. With just a few simple steps you can bring crisp chicken and a glossy homemade sauce to the table in under thirty minutes.

What’s your favorite quick and easy weeknight dinner? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! For another comforting one-pot wonder, don’t miss this creamy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe: Your Questions Answered

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Sweet chili chicken FAQs cover how to make the sauce keep the chicken crispy add vegetables and store leftovers safely.