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Crispy sweet chili chicken glazed in sticky sauce served over jasmine rice with sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Sweet Chili Chicken

Crispy golden chicken pieces tossed in a bold, sticky sweet chili glaze with garlic and ginger. A fast, flavor-packed weeknight dinner ready in under an hour.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, patted dry
  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 4 cloves garlic minced fresh
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch for dredging
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions sliced, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted, for garnish
  • jasmine rice or noodles for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  2. Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade using a slotted spoon, letting excess sauce drip back into the bowl. Reserve the marinade. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deep golden brown and cooked through to 165 degrees F.
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in the reserved marinade. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
  5. Add the chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the glaze. Cook for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust heat with sriracha if desired. Transfer to a platter, top with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for better sauce adhesion. Do not overcrowd the pan, cook in batches for a crispy crust. Reserve the marinade to make the glaze. For extra heat, add sriracha or red pepper flakes. Chicken thighs can be substituted for juicier results. Great for meal prep, store over rice in portioned containers for up to 4 days.