Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp cornstarch (for chicken); 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil; 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth; 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar; 1/4 cup (60ml) granulated sugar; 2 tbsp packed brown sugar; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (for sauce); 2 tbsp store-bought sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves minced fresh garlic; 1-2 finely minced fresh red chilies (adjust heat); 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry); 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (garnish); 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (garnish); Thinly sliced green onions (garnish)

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe: Few dishes capture the imagination and tantalize the taste buds quite like the perfect sweet chili chicken. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken, cooked to golden perfection, then coated in a vibrant, sticky glaze that delivers an exquisite symphony of flavors. It’s a dish that effortlessly marries the gentle warmth of chili with a delightful sweetness, creating an irresistible balance that keeps you coming back for more.

The inspiration for such a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy flavors often traces its roots to the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, where the art of balancing multiple taste profiles is paramount. This global favorite has transcended cultural boundaries, becoming a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide for very good reasons. People adore this dish not just for its complex yet approachable taste, but also for its incredible versatility and satisfying textures. The tender interior of the chicken, contrasted with a slightly crisp exterior and that luscious, glossy sauce, is pure comfort food.

Whether you’re seeking a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels gourmet or a crowd-pleasing dish to impress guests, this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe promises to deliver. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary, bringing a burst of excitement to your dining table. I’m thrilled to guide you through creating this delightful culinary experience in your own home.

Ingredients:

For the Sweet Chili Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (approximately 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (cornflour)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral oil like canola or grapeseed) for cooking
For the Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar (not seasoned)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (store-bought, as a base – this boosts the flavor profile considerably)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1-2 fresh red chilies (like bird’s eye or serrano), finely minced (adjust to your spice preference, remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (cornflour), mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry
Optional Garnishes and Serving Suggestions:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish
- Thinly sliced green onions (scallions), for garnish

Preparing the Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken Pieces: Begin by taking your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear later on. Once dried, place the chicken on a clean cutting board and carefully trim away any visible excess fat or sinew. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch (2.5 cm) bite-sized pieces. Aim for consistency in size, as this ensures even cooking for every single piece.
Marinate the Chicken: Transfer the cut chicken pieces into a medium-sized mixing bowl. To this, I like to add 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of fragrant sesame oil, and about 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the chicken pieces are lightly coated. This initial marination step infuses the chicken with a foundational layer of savory flavor that will shine through in our final Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe.
Coat with Cornstarch: Now, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (also known as cornflour) directly over the marinated chicken. Toss the chicken thoroughly until each piece is lightly and evenly coated in the cornstarch. The cornstarch serves a dual purpose: it helps to tenderize the chicken slightly, and more importantly, it creates a wonderfully crispy exterior when the chicken is cooked, providing an excellent texture contrast to the rich sauce. Set the chicken aside while we prepare our magnificent sweet chili sauce.

Crafting the Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce:

Combine Liquid Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of chicken broth (or water if you prefer, but broth adds depth), 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar. The combination of both white and brown sugar provides a more complex sweetness to our Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. Add 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and, for an extra layer of flavor and a little cheat to boost our homemade sauce, 2 tablespoons of good quality store-bought sweet chili sauce.
Add Aromatics and Heat: Next, grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger directly into the saucepan. I find grating releases the most potent ginger flavor. Add 2 cloves of finely minced fresh garlic. For the heat, take 1-2 fresh red chilies (like bird’s eye for serious heat or serrano for a more moderate kick), finely mince them, and add them to the pot. If you’re sensitive to spice, remember to remove the seeds and white membrane from the chilies before mincing, as this is where most of the capsaicin (heat) resides. This blend of fresh ginger, garlic, and chilies is what truly elevates our sweet chili sauce above the ordinary.
Simmer and Thicken the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugars. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together and the aromatics to infuse the liquid. While it’s simmering, prepare your cornstarch slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth.
Achieve Perfect Consistency: Once the sauce has simmered and the flavors are harmonized, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce in a thin, steady stream while continuously whisking. Continue to whisk gently as the sauce thickens. It will transform from a watery liquid into a beautiful, glossy, and slightly thick sauce that clings perfectly to a spoon. Remove the sauce from the heat once it reaches your desired consistency; it will thicken a little more as it cools. Taste and adjust seasonings – you might want a tiny pinch more sugar if you like it sweeter, or a splash more vinegar for more tang.

Cooking the Chicken:

Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or your preferred neutral cooking oil) and let it get nice and hot. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a slight shimmer on the surface of the oil. A hot pan is essential for getting that beautiful crispy crust on our Sweet Chili Chicken.
Cook the Chicken in Batches: Carefully add about half of the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispy chicken! If you add too much chicken at once, the temperature of the pan will drop, and the chicken will steam instead of searing, leading to a softer texture.
Sear for Crispy Perfection: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown and crispy crust. Then, use tongs or a spatula to flip the pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until fully cooked through and golden-brown all over. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove and Repeat: Once the first batch of chicken is perfectly cooked and beautifully golden, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps to keep the chicken crisp. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken, adding a little more oil to the pan if needed. You want each piece to have enough space to brown properly.

Bringing it All Together and Serving:

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once all the chicken is cooked, return all the crispy chicken pieces to the empty skillet (you can wipe out any excess oil first, if desired, or leave a little for extra flavor). Pour the entire batch of your glorious homemade sweet chili sauce over the chicken.
Toss and Coat: Gently toss the chicken in the sauce using tongs or a spatula, ensuring every single piece is thoroughly coated in that glossy, sweet, savory, and subtly spicy sauce. Let it simmer together for just 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through in the sauce and for the flavors to truly meld. This is where our Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe comes alive! The aroma filling your kitchen right now will be absolutely incredible.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Sweet Chili Chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. I love to garnish mine generously. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, a dash of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, and thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh oniony flavor.
Enjoy Your Masterpiece: Serve your incredible Sweet Chili Chicken immediately with freshly cooked white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like crisp broccoli florets, vibrant bell pepper strips, or tender snap peas for a complete and wholesome meal. Every bite of this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a hint of heat, making it an instant family favorite.

Conclusion:

As we come to the end of our culinary journey with this incredible dish, I sincerely hope you’re feeling inspired and excited to roll up your sleeves and try it out for yourself. This isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a vibrant, flavour-packed experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. I truly believe that our Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe stands out as a triumph of taste, balancing that irresistible dance of sweetness and heat that awakens the palate with every single bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight meals feel special and effortlessly elevates a simple gathering with friends or family. You’ll find yourself wondering why you hadn’t discovered this recipe sooner, as it swiftly becomes a cherished staple in your cooking repertoire.

What makes this particular Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe a true must-try is its profound ability to deliver big, bold flavours without demanding hours of intricate preparation. We’ve managed to create a dish that is both approachable for the novice cook and utterly satisfying for the seasoned chef. The succulent pieces of chicken are beautifully coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that is not only visually appealing but also a symphony of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savoury notes. It’s that perfect combination of crispy edges and tender interior, all bathed in that glorious, aromatic glaze. Trust me when I say, once you taste the perfectly harmonized flavours of this dish, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about it. It’s simply irresistible and genuinely lives up to the hype, promising a culinary delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. Imagine the delight on your family’s faces when you present them with such a flavourful and seemingly complex meal that you whipped up with ease!

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal

One of the many beauties of this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is its incredible versatility when it comes to serving. For a classic, comforting meal, I absolutely love serving it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or fragrant basmati rice. The rice acts as the perfect canvas, soaking up all that glorious sauce and complementing the rich flavours of the chicken. If you’re a noodle lover, feel free to toss it with some stir-fried egg noodles or even a simple ramen noodle preparation for a truly satisfying bowl. For those looking to boost their vegetable intake, steamed broccoli florets, snap peas, or julienned bell peppers make fantastic additions, adding freshness, crunch, and a burst of colour to your plate. You can even stir-fry these vegetables directly with the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking, creating a complete one-pan meal.

Creative Variations to Spark Your Culinary Imagination

But don’t stop there! Let your creativity flow. For a lighter meal, consider serving the chicken alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. Or, shred the cooked chicken and use it as a filling for exciting lettuce wraps, adding some fresh cucumber and carrot sticks for extra crunch. It’s also fantastic tucked into soft tortillas for sweet chili chicken tacos, perhaps with a dollop of cool sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. If you’re looking to explore different proteins, this incredible sweet chili sauce works equally well with shrimp, tofu, or even pork tenderloin, making it a truly adaptable recipe for various dietary preferences and pantry staples. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking; if you prefer a milder flavour, simply reduce the amount of chili flakes, or for an extra kick, add a dash of sriracha or a few extra fresh chilies. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions as a garnish always adds that professional touch and extra layer of flavour and texture. Don’t forget, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving can brighten up the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding a delightful tang.

So, now that you have all the tools and inspiration, there’s nothing left but to dive in! I genuinely encourage you to carve out some time this week to try out this amazing Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe. I promise, you won’t regret it. The joy of cooking this dish and then savouring its incredible flavours is an experience I want everyone to have. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch, please don’t keep your success a secret! I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience. Share your thoughts, your photos, and any creative twists you added in the comments section. Your feedback and personal touches not only inspire me but also help build a vibrant community of fellow food enthusiasts. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with!