Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe: A Sticky, Spicy, and Totally Crave-Worthy Dinner

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s sweet, spicy, and comes together in under 30 minutes, Sweet Chili Chicken is it. This dish is packed with flavor, has the perfect sticky glaze, and works great with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps. It’s an easy weeknight meal that feels like takeout — but even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavor: The sweet chili sauce is tangy, garlicky, and has just the right heat.
• Fast to make: It’s on the table in about 25 minutes.
• Versatile: Serve with rice, veggies, or tucked into a wrap.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)

Toppings (optional):

• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds
• Crushed peanuts
• Lime wedges

How to Make It

Step 1: Prep and season the chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Toss them in cornstarch until fully coated.

Step 2: Sear the chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Work in batches if needed.

Step 3: Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger.

Step 4: Combine and cook
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat evenly and cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce bubble and thicken.

Step 5: Garnish and serve
Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts. Serve over rice or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Tips and Variations

• Extra crispy? Double-fry the chicken or use an air fryer for crunch.
• Spicier version: Add a spoon of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Swap proteins: Try with shrimp or tofu for a different spin.

What to Serve With It

• Steamed jasmine or coconut rice
• Stir-fried vegetables or bok choy
• Rice noodles or vermicelli bowls
• Lettuce cups or wraps

Why This Recipe Works

This Sweet Chili Chicken hits all the notes — sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory — with very little effort. It’s the perfect balance of sticky and saucy, making every bite flavorful. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers