🍗 Asian Sweet Chili Chicken – A Sweet & Spicy Weeknight Winner!
Looking for a flavorful and quick chicken dinner that’s better than takeout? This Asian Sweet Chili Chicken is the perfect combo of sticky, sweet, and spicy — and it’s ready in just 40 minutes! With juicy chicken thighs tossed in a luscious chili-garlic-ginger glaze, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. 🌶️🍚
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
Add chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Coat with Cornstarch
Once marinated, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch in a separate bowl to help achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally until browned and cooked through.
4. Finish the Sauce
Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet.
Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
5. Serve & Garnish
Remove from heat.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or even lettuce cups for a low-carb twist.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Fluffy jasmine rice or garlic fried rice
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy
- A side of pickled cucumbers or kimchi for contrast
- Great for meal prep — keeps well in the fridge up to 3 days
⏱️ Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (with marination)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
💡 Pro Tips
- Crispier chicken? Use a nonstick or cast-iron skillet and avoid overcrowding.
- More heat? Add a spoonful of sriracha or chili flakes.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Asian Sweet Chili Chicken is the kind of dish that keeps you coming back for seconds. It’s got that irresistible blend of flavors — sticky, tangy, savory, and sweet — all coming together in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser!
