Tender Sweet Chili Chicken

Category: Wholesome Meals for Every Day

This vibrant dish combines tender chicken pieces with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy chili sauce. Marinating the chicken ensures maximum flavor absorption before it's cooked to golden perfection. Bell peppers and broccoli add color, texture, and nutrition, while the sauce creates a glossy coating that clings to every bite. Finished with sesame seeds and green onions, this 30-minute meal delivers restaurant-quality taste without the wait. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete dinner that's sure to become a family favorite.

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Updated on Mon, 19 May 2025 11:40:31 GMT
A bowl of chicken and rice. Save
A bowl of chicken and rice. | recipesbylena.com

This sweet chili chicken transforms ordinary chicken breast into an extraordinary weeknight dinner that delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors without hours in the kitchen. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements makes this dish irresistible even to picky eaters.

I created this recipe when I was craving Chinese takeout but didn't want to leave the house during a rainstorm. My family was so impressed they requested it twice the following week, and it's been in our regular rotation ever since.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: The lean protein that stays tender when quickly cooked. Choose boneless skinless for easiest preparation
  • Sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient providing sweet heat balance. Look for authentic Thai brands for best flavor
  • Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness. Low sodium works great if watching salt intake
  • Cornstarch: Creates the perfect thickened sauce texture and helps seal in chicken moisture
  • Olive oil: For sautéing with a healthy fat. Use regular rather than extra virgin for higher heat cooking
  • Minced garlic: Aromatic foundation flavor. Fresh provides brightest taste but jarred works in a pinch
  • Minced ginger: Adds essential warmth and Asian flavor profile. Fresh gives zingy brightness
  • Bell pepper: Adds color crunch and sweetness. Red or yellow peppers offer more sweetness than green
  • Broccoli florets: Perfect texture contrast and nutrition boost. Cut to uniform size for even cooking
  • Sesame seeds: Optional garnish adding subtle nuttiness and visual appeal
  • Green onions: Fresh finish that brightens the entire dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the marinade:
Whisk sweet chili sauce soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium bowl until completely smooth ensuring there are no cornstarch lumps. This creates the foundation for your glossy sauce that will perfectly coat each piece of chicken.
Marinate the chicken:
Add your bite sized chicken pieces to the sauce mixture and gently toss to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature so the flavors begin to penetrate the meat while the cornstarch helps tenderize the protein.
Sear the chicken:
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure proper browning. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes turning occasionally until golden brown on multiple sides and cooked through to 165°F. Remove to a clean plate to prevent overcooking.
Cook the aromatics and vegetables:
In the same skillet with all those flavorful chicken bits add your garlic and ginger and stir quickly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Add bell pepper and broccoli florets and cook for 5 to 7 minutes stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender crisp maintaining some texture.
Combine and finish:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan mixing well with the vegetables. Pour any remaining marinade over everything and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles thickens and becomes glossy coating everything in delicious flavor.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions adding fresh color visual appeal and a flavor boost right before bringing to the table.
A bowl of chicken and rice. Save
A bowl of chicken and rice. | recipesbylena.com

The sweet chili sauce is truly the secret ingredient here. I discovered this versatile condiment years ago at an Asian market and now keep multiple bottles in my pantry at all times. My children have started referring to this as "sticky chicken" because of how the sauce creates that perfect clingy coating they love.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can easily adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a spicier chili sauce to the marinade. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to achieve your preferred spice level.

→ What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you don't have sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick substitute by combining 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sriracha, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Alternatively, apricot or peach preserves mixed with a bit of hot sauce can work in a pinch.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and often provide more moisture and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

→ What vegetables work well in this dish?

This versatile dish works with many vegetables. Try snow peas, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or water chestnuts. Just adjust cooking times as needed - harder vegetables should be added earlier than quick-cooking ones.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The completed dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of water and warm gently over medium heat until just heated through.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check your sweet chili sauce ingredients as some brands may contain gluten.

Sweet Chili Chicken

Juicy chicken pieces glazed with sweet chili sauce, paired with crunchy vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal.

Prep Time
15 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Total Time
30 min
By: Lena

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: Asian

Yield: 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences: Lactose-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
03 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 1 tablespoon cornstarch
05 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 1 tablespoon minced garlic
07 1 teaspoon minced ginger
08 1 bell pepper, sliced
09 1 cup broccoli florets
10 Salt and pepper to taste
11 Sesame seeds, for garnish
12 Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and let marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add minced garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.

Step 04

Return chicken to the skillet and pour any remaining marinade over. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 05

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweet chili sauce.
  2. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a health professional if necessary.
  • Contains soy due to soy sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for general reference only and don't replace expert medical advice.
  • Calories: 300
  • Fats: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Proteins: 25 grams