Why You’ll Love Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
The combination of sweet chili sauce, garlic, and lime creates a mouth-watering glaze that brings out the best in the chicken. The dish is easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients, and it’s versatile enough to be served with rice, vegetables, or even in wraps. The sticky sauce caramelizes while cooking, giving the chicken a beautiful golden color and a deliciously tangy kick. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your flavor preferences.
Ingredients
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Chicken breasts or thighs
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Sweet chili sauce
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Soy sauce
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Garlic (minced)
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Lime juice
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Olive oil
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra spice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
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In a small bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
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Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is 20-25 minutes, so the total time to make this dish is around 35 minutes.
Variations
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Add vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the skillet while the chicken cooks for a complete one-pan meal.
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Grilled version: Grill the chicken instead of cooking it in the skillet for a smoky flavor.
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Spicy version: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers to increase the heat.
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Use chicken wings or drumsticks: For a finger-food-friendly version, swap chicken breasts or thighs for wings or drumsticks.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover Sweet Chili Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or chicken broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for the best texture and even cooking.
2. Can I make the sweet chili sauce from scratch?
Yes, you can make your own sweet chili sauce by combining sugar, vinegar, garlic, chili flakes, and water, and simmering until it thickens.
3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check with a meat thermometer to be sure.
4. Can I use this sauce for other proteins?
Yes, this sweet chili sauce works wonderfully with pork, shrimp, or even tofu. Simply adjust the cooking times as needed.
5. How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a mild heat from the sweet chili sauce and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
7. Can I use honey instead of sweet chili sauce?
While honey can provide sweetness, it won’t have the same flavor profile. Sweet chili sauce adds a unique tangy and spicy flavor to the dish.
8. Can I make this in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes and then drizzle the sweet chili sauce over it for the final few minutes of cooking.
9. What can I serve with Sweet Chili Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
10. Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory. The flavorful sauce and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser, and the recipe is simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you enjoy it with rice, veggies, or a side of your choice, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful sweet chili sauce that adds a mouthwatering kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared and Sauced
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger (fresh, grated or ground)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and honey (if using) in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sweet chili sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and coat the chicken.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve the Sweet Chili Chicken with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- You can also grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
