Description
This Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy chili sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, delivering an irresistible Asian-inspired glaze that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Mix well to create a balanced sauce that blends sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
- Heat the oil: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sweet chili sauce mixture over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer and glaze: Reduce heat slightly and simmer the chicken in the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and glaze the chicken, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Optionally garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs or breasts based on preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
- For a vegetarian alternative, use firm tofu and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding more honey/maple syrup or a splash of sriracha.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its best consistency.
