Sweet Chili Chicken

Sweet chili chicken reminds me of the first time I experimented with Asian-inspired sauces at home. I combined a few simple ingredients to create a glaze that was sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. The chicken came out so flavorful that it instantly became a family favorite.

Since then, I’ve perfected the recipe by coating crispy chicken bites in a glossy sweet chili sauce and topping them with sesame seeds and green onions. It’s a dish that feels like takeout but is easy to make right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe, and you can adjust the spice level to your liking!

• Chicken breast – Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy coating.
• Cornstarch – Helps the chicken get a crispy texture when cooked.
• Egg – Acts as a binder for the coating.
• Sweet chili sauce – The star of the dish, giving it that sweet and spicy flavor.
• Soy sauce – Adds depth and a savory balance to the sauce.
• Honey – Enhances the sweetness while thickening the glaze.
• Garlic – Brings aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Sesame seeds – Adds a nutty crunch as garnish.
• Green onions – Fresh and vibrant for topping.
• Vegetable oil – For frying the chicken to golden perfection.

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet – To fry the chicken pieces until crispy.
• Mixing bowls – For coating the chicken and preparing the sauce.
• Whisk – To mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs – For turning chicken pieces easily.
• Plate with paper towels – To drain excess oil after frying.

Instructions

Step 1:

I coat the chicken pieces in beaten egg, then dredge them in cornstarch to create a crispy outer layer.

Step 2:

I heat oil in a skillet and fry the chicken until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3:

In a separate pan, I whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic, bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4:

I add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing until every piece is coated in the sticky glaze.

Step 5:

I sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken for garnish.

Step 6:

I serve it hot, either as an appetizer or over rice for a complete meal.

Tips

I love adding a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness. You can also make the chicken in an air fryer for a lighter version.

Ways to Serve

This sweet chili chicken is perfect as a party appetizer, over steamed rice, or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a full dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought sweet chili sauce?

Yes, it works perfectly, but homemade sauce gives an extra fresh flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild heat, but you can adjust by adding more or less chili sauce to suit your taste.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this sweet chili chicken and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory! It’s quick, flavorful, and always a hit.

Happy Cooking!

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