Sweet Chili Chicken: Your Zesty Asian Adventure 🍗🌶️✨
1. Introduction
Welcome to your next flavorful journey with this delicious sweet chili chicken recipe! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this chili chicken recipe combines the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Plus, it offers a lovely Asian-inspired flavor profile that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Ready to dive into this easy sweet chili chicken? Let’s get started!
2. Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Freshly chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Easy Sweet Chili Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Coat each piece evenly in cornstarch to achieve a crispy exterior when fried.
Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to blend the flavors.
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and glistening with sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken
Store any leftover sweet chili chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until hot and crispy. For a quick reheat, you can also use an air fryer for best results.
5. Serving Suggestions
This chili chicken recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even fried rice. You can also serve it over a bed of stir-fried vegetables or alongside some Asian-style noodles for a hearty meal. For a complete Asian-inspired feast, check out our rich coconut curry dinner.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Sweet Chili Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free for a safe and tasty gluten-free version.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
All in, it takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Make chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients effortless and safe, enhancing your overall cooking experience.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — Keep beverages cold for the perfect Asian dinner pairing or refresh yourself while cooking.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — If you want to make larger batches or prepare ahead, slow cookers are versatile and easy to use.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — A quality cookware set makes stir-frying and sautéing a breeze, ensuring even heat distribution.
8. Related Recipes to Enhance Your Culinary Journey
9. Conclusion
Now that you know how to prepare this flavorful sweet chili chicken, you can enjoy a sensational Asian-inspired dish right in your own kitchen. Its perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors makes it a standout choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Remember to customize it with your favorite sides and garnish for a personalized touch. Happy cooking, and dive into this chili chicken recipe for a zesty culinary adventure!
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken: Your Zesty Asian Adventure
Embark on a flavorful Asian culinary adventure with this crispy and tender sweet chili chicken recipe! Combining the perfect balance of sweetness and spicy heat, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Easy to prepare and loaded with irresistible flavors, it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Freshly chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Coat each piece evenly in cornstarch to achieve a crispy exterior when fried.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to blend the flavors.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and glistening with sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sweet chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free soy sauce)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg