Description
This Sweet Chili Chicken features tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy chili sauce. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Sweet Chili Sauce
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated, ensuring the cornstarch helps achieve a slight crispiness when cooked.
- Heat the Olive Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking to ensure proper searing.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined.
- Add the Sauce to the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring to thoroughly coat the chicken pieces with the sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium and let the chicken and sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the chicken beautifully.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Sweet Chili Chicken hot. It’s delicious over jasmine rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
- Serve this dish over jasmine rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
