Hey y'all! Craving something that packs a punch of flavor, has that irresistible sticky glaze, and is a cinch to whip up on any weeknight? This Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner is the answer to your comfort food prayers! It's perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing friends at your next casual get-together. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner
- Sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce coats every juicy bite of chicken perfectly.
- Quick and easy weeknight meal—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Packed with bold, fresh flavors that rival your favorite takeout.
- Versatile enough to serve with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies.
- Kid-friendly and easily adjustable for any spice level.
Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce (find more here)
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for extra kick)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), garlic, and ginger.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove any excess oil if necessary.
Step 4: Coat and Simmer
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat and reduce the heat to medium. Mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then add it to the pan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and sticky.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or paired with your favorite stir-fried veggies!
Notes for the Best Sticky & Spicy Sweet Chili Chicken Dinner
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but chicken breast works in a pinch.
- Adjust the sriracha to control the heat—or skip for a milder flavor.
- Check out these stir-frying tips for perfect texture every time.
Variations for Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for crispy tofu cubes and follow the same steps.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your chili sauce is gluten-free.
- Low-Sugar: Replace honey with a sugar substitute and use a reduced-sugar chili sauce.
Required Equipment for Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store leftover Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot. Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Ideas for Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner
- Serve over jasmine or basmati rice for a classic combo.
- Pair with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy alongside crispy spring rolls or a fresh cucumber salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner
- Toss chicken in a little cornstarch before sautéing for extra crispy edges.
- Let the sauce simmer just long enough to get really sticky—don’t rush it!
- Check out more chicken dinner tips for easy meal prep ideas.
FAQ: Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
- Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcook breast meat, as it dries out faster than thighs.
- Is Sweet Chili Chicken – Sticky & Spicy Dinner very spicy?
- It has a balanced sweet-heat kick, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding less or more sriracha.
- Can I meal prep this dish?
- Yes! It reheats well and is perfect for meal prep lunches for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
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2Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
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3In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
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4Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat and simmer for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
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5Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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