Description
An incredibly easy and flavorful sweet chili chicken recipe that's faster and tastier than takeout. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, featuring succulent chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (or other high-smoke-point oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
2 green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Step 4: Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1 minute until thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly with the sweet chili sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce and optional red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg