Description
Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious sweet chili sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering a vibrant taste that pleases any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 fresh chili, chopped (optional, adjust to taste)
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice your boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips for quick and even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure better searing and caramelization in the next step.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Stir well until the honey is fully dissolved, creating a balanced and flavorful sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook without moving them for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Add the Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens, coating every piece beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for added color, texture, and flavor. Serve hot.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry to help achieve a great sear and prevent steaming.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain tenderness and caramelization.
- Adjust the sweetness and heat by tasting the sauce before adding to chicken; add more honey or chili based on preference.
- Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to avoid burning the sugars and keep the sauce smooth.
- Use fresh garlic and fresh lime juice or rice vinegar to enhance the brightness and freshness of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg