Easy Sweet Chili Chicken

If you’re craving something sweet, tangy, and with a gentle kick of spice, this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken is your ultimate comfort food! 😋 Juicy, tender chicken pieces are coated in a sticky, flavorful sweet chili glaze that’s both quick and irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a party appetizer, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. Each bite is bursting with sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes that will keep you coming back for more!

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The Story Behind the Recipe

One busy weeknight, I wanted something quick, bold, and satisfying. I had chicken in the fridge and a bottle of sweet chili sauce on the counter. 🌶️🍯 I decided to experiment by tossing chicken in a mix of garlic, honey, and chili sauce — and the result was pure magic. The sauce clung to every bite, glossy and sticky, giving off that irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen and invites everyone to the table. From that day forward, Easy Sweet Chili Chicken became a household favorite — the kind of dish that disappears before anyone can take a second helping!

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What Makes This Recipe Special?

✨ Balanced Sweet & Spicy Flavor: The sweet chili sauce brings a perfect harmony of sugar and heat.
🍗 Tender Juicy Chicken: Lightly crisped outside and juicy inside.
🥢 Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
🌿 Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, noodles, or as a finger-food appetizer.
💛 Kid & Adult Friendly: Mild enough for kids, with optional spice adjustments for adults.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Sweet Chili Glaze:

• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sriracha or red chili flakes (optional for extra heat)

Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This ensures the chicken stays crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through. 🔥

Step 3: While chicken is cooking, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a small bowl. This will create a perfectly balanced glaze.

Step 4: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Toss to coat all pieces evenly. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky. 🍯

Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more chili for heat or honey for sweetness as desired.

Step 6: Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro before serving. 🌿

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

🍚 Steamed Rice: Jasmine, basmati, or sticky rice works perfectly to soak up the glaze.
🥢 Noodles: Toss with rice noodles or chow mein for a saucy, flavorful meal.
🥗 Vegetables: Serve with stir-fried or roasted veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
🥬 Lettuce Wraps: Use as a filling for crunchy, handheld bites.
🍜 Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: Healthy low-carb alternatives for meal prep.

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Customization & Variations

🌶️ Extra Spicy: Add 1–2 tsp of chili paste or more red chili flakes.
🍍 Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-sour flavor.
🧄 Garlic Lovers: Add an extra clove or two of minced garlic for bold aroma.
🥬 Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or broccoli directly to the skillet for a colorful stir-fry.
🍋 Tangy Kick: Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for bright flavor.

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Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave for 1–2 minutes. The glaze stays sticky and flavorful, making it perfect for meal prep lunches.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 28g
• Sugar: 18g

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Just avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.

Q2: Can this be made gluten-free?
A: Absolutely — substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Q3: Can I bake it instead of pan-cooking?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then toss in sauce.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, cook chicken and prepare sauce separately, combine when ready to serve.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely! Stir-fried bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli work beautifully.

Q6: Is this dish very spicy?
A: Mild by default. Adjust sriracha or chili flakes for your heat preference.

Q7: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze cooked chicken separately from sauce for up to 2 months.

Q8: How do I thicken the sauce?
A: Simmer uncovered or add ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water for extra thickness.

Q9: Can I serve as an appetizer?
A: Absolutely — serve bite-sized with toothpicks.

Q10: What pairs well with this for meal prep?
A: Rice, noodles, roasted veggies, or cauliflower rice.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Sweet Chili Chicken is the ultimate weeknight winner — sweet, sticky, and spicy in all the right ways. 🌶️🍯 Perfect for busy evenings, meal prep, or even impressing guests, it’s flavorful, colorful, and completely addictive. Serve it over rice, toss it with noodles, or enjoy as finger food — every bite is a little taste of heaven! 😍

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🍽️ Tried This Recipe?

If you loved this sweet, sticky, and spicy chicken, follow @mamacooksdinner on Pinterest for more easy, flavor-packed, and family-friendly recipes! 💛

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