Tangy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe That Sizzles with Flavor

Crafting a delectable sweet chili chicken dish promises an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate.

Memories of street food markets in southeast asia inspired this vibrant culinary creation.

Bold spices and tangy notes combine in a harmonious blend that surprises and delights.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive meal with just a few ingredients.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, zesty sauce will make dinner feel like a special occasion.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.

This recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast you won’t soon forget.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a similar flavor profile and cooking method.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The sweet chili sauce provides a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by choosing a mild or hot sweet chili sauce, or adding red pepper flakes.

• Do I need any special cooking equipment?

No, just a large skillet or wok and basic kitchen utensils are needed to make this recipe successfully.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.

Sweet Chili Chicken That Packs a Punch

• Combines sweet, tangy, and savory notes with a perfect balance of chili sauce, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables that'll tantalize your taste buds.
• Packed with protein-rich chicken and colorful vegetables, this dish offers a balanced meal that's both healthy and satisfying without creating a mountain of dirty dishes.
• Easy to customize with different vegetables or serve over rice, noodles, or salad, making it a flexible option for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.

Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken Dinner

• Chicken: A lean protein that forms the main component of this delicious sweet chili dish.

• Sweet Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch: A flavorful blend that provides a tangy and slightly thick coating for the chicken.

• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• Bell Pepper, Broccoli: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and nutritional balance to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Toppings that add visual appeal and a fresh, nutty finish to the dish.

Quick Steps for Cooking Sweet Chili Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up Marinade Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and blend together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.

Drop chicken pieces into the mixture, twirl them around to get completely coated, then let them soak up all those incredible flavors for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Slide in the marinated chicken pieces and cook them until they transform into a gorgeous golden brown and are fully cooked through, roughly 7-10 minutes.

Scoop out the chicken and park it on a plate.

Step 3: Veggie Flavor Boost

• minced garlic
• fresh ginger
• sliced bell pepper
• chopped broccoli

Stir and dance these veggies around for 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Reunite and Simmer

Bring the chicken back to the skillet and pour any leftover marinade over everything.

Let everything mingle and heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Create Delicious Presentation

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for a final burst of color and crunch.

Serve hot and enjoy your flavor-packed meal!

Tips for Getting the Sauce Just Right

• Ensure chicken pieces are evenly coated with marinade to maximize taste and tenderness throughout cooking.
• Use a large skillet and cook chicken in batches if needed to achieve perfect golden-brown edges without steaming.
• Modify sweet chili sauce quantity to make the dish milder or more intense based on personal heat preference.
• Cut bell peppers and broccoli into similar-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and maintain crisp texture.
• Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising overall flavor profile.

Best Practices for Storing Chili Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor quality.
• Pack cooled chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 2 months for best taste and texture preservation.
• Place portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying.
• Warm slightly with a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain moisture, heating until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serving Ideas for Sweet Chili Chicken

• Pair with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy white jasmine rice perfectly complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken, absorbing the delicious sauce and providing a neutral base.
• Complement with Crisp Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling wine balances the spicy-sweet notes of the dish, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Match with Asian Slaw: A fresh, crunchy Asian-style coleslaw with a light rice vinegar dressing adds texture and a cool contrast to the warm, saucy chicken.
• Enhance with Cucumber Salad: A chilled cucumber salad with a light sesame-ginger dressing provides a refreshing and light side that cleanses the palate between bites of the flavorful chicken.

Ways to Add a Twist to Chili Chicken

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. Use cornstarch-coated chicken for a crispy texture without wheat-based flour.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing the protein before marinating. Follow the same cooking method for a plant-based alternative that maintains the sweet chili flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Modification: Substitute bell peppers and broccoli with lower-carb vegetables like zucchini and cauliflower. Use a keto-friendly sweet chili sauce or make a homemade version with sugar substitute to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for extra heat. Include diced jalapeños while sautéing vegetables to boost the spice level and create a more intense flavor experience.

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling sweet chili chicken brings Asian-inspired flavors right to your dinner table. Crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces glazed with tangy sauce create a quick and delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a mixing container to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring each morsel is evenly coated. Allow flavors to meld for 15 minutes at room temperature.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Carefully place marinated chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior. Cook for 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure uniform cooking.
5. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate, keeping warm and preserving its juiciness.
6. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger, creating an aromatic base for the vegetables.
7. Introduce bell peppers and broccoli to the skillet, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables reach a tender-crisp consistency.
8. Reintroduce chicken to the vegetable mixture, pouring any remaining marinade over the contents.
9. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to integrate and sauce to slightly thicken.
10. Plate the dish, generously sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by allowing chicken to marinate longer, ideally 30 minutes to 2 hours for deeper taste penetration.
• Ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness, using a meat thermometer for precise checking.
• Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean beef for dietary preferences or variety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg