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Olivia

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Sweet Chili Chicken is a vibrant fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy, delivering bold flavor in every bite. Tender chicken is coated in a sticky glaze made from sweet chili sauce, garlic, and soy, then pan-seared or baked until caramelized. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into something unforgettable—perfect over rice, tucked in lettuce wraps, or served alongside stir-fried veggies.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 –2 tbsp vegetable oil for searing
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 2 tsp sriracha optional, for extra heat
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger optional for depth
Garnishes (Optional):
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

Prep the Chicken:
  1. Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Coat evenly to ensure a crispy golden sear when cooked.
Cook the Chicken:
  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan.
  3. Sear for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook until chicken is golden and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes total.
  4. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sweet Chili Sauce:
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
  2. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Pour in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar or lime juice, and sriracha if using.
  4. Stir and simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Coat:
  1. Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
  2. Toss to coat every piece in the sticky, glossy sauce.
  3. Cook for another minute, just until everything is heated through.

Notes

Cook up a batch today, let the sweet and spicy aroma fill your kitchen, and dig in. Snap a photo of your plate and share it in all your social media accounts!—be sure to tag me so we can celebrate your cooking win. Happy cooking!