\Sweet Chili Chicken: The Ultimate Flavorful Recipe
Introduction to Sweet Chili Chicken
Sweet chili chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed to guide you through every step with clear instructions and helpful tips.
A Personal Story Behind My Sweet Chili Chicken Journey
My love for sweet chili chicken began during a family gathering where a dear friend introduced this dish. The combination of crispy chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce was a hit, and it quickly became a staple in my own kitchen. I enjoy making this dish for my family, as it never fails to bring everyone together around the dinner table.
What Makes This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe Special?
This sweet chili chicken recipe stands out due to its unique blend of flavors and textures. The chicken is first seasoned and coated for a crispy finish, while the sweet chili sauce brings a tangy sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served with a variety of sides, making it a fantastic choice for any meal.
The Full Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
CHICKEN
- 1 lb 5 oz (600 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 egg
- ½ cup (60 g) cornflour (cornstarch)
- Oil for frying
SWEET CHILI SAUCE
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tsp freshly minced ginger
- ½ cup (125 ml) sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup (60 ml) tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
- ¼ cup (60 ml) rice wine vinegar, plain white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or
- lime juice
TO SERVE
- Steamed rice
- 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, sweet paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, cracked black pepper, egg, and cornflour. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.
- For the sauce, in a medium bowl, mix together the freshly minced garlic, freshly minced ginger, sweet chili sauce, tamari or soy sauce, and vinegar. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Drain the chicken on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Discard any excess oil from the pan and wipe it clean. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the sauce to the pan, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Turn off the heat and return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Serve the sweet chili chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sliced spring onion and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Air Fryer Instructions: Prepare the chicken with egg, spices, and seasoning as directed, excluding cornflour. Coat each piece with cornflour for a crispy coating. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, place chicken in a single layer, and spray the top generously with oil. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 6-8 minutes, shaking or turning halfway, until golden and cooked. Make the sauce on the stovetop and toss the crispy chicken in the sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Sweet Chili Chicken
This sweet chili chicken is best served with a side of steamed rice, but you can also pair it with noodles or a fresh salad for a lighter option. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli in the stir-fry for extra nutrition. You can also adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce to your liking by adding more chili sauce or a splash of lime juice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Chili Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before starting the recipe.
What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing equal parts of honey and soy sauce with a bit of hot sauce for heat.
Is sweet chili chicken gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure that your sweet chili sauce is also gluten-free.
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 350
- Servings: 4
Sweet Chili Chicken
Equipment
- Frying Pan For frying the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Medium Bowl For mixing the sauce.
- Large Bowl For marinating the chicken.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 cup oil for frying
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced ginger
- 0.5 cup sweet chili sauce
- 0.25 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 0.25 cup rice wine vinegar or substitute with apple cider vinegar or lime juice
To Serve
- 1 cup steamed rice
- 1 spring onion finely sliced for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, sweet paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, cracked black pepper, egg, and cornflour. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.
- For the sauce, in a medium bowl, mix together the freshly minced garlic, freshly minced ginger, sweet chili sauce, tamari or soy sauce, and vinegar. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Drain the chicken on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Discard any excess oil from the pan and wipe it clean. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the sauce to the pan, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Turn off the heat and return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Serve the sweet chili chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sliced spring onion and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Air Fryer Instructions: Prepare the chicken with egg, spices, and seasoning as directed, excluding cornflour. Coat each piece with cornflour for a crispy coating. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, place chicken in a single layer, and spray the top generously with oil. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 6-8 minutes, shaking or turning halfway, until golden and cooked. Make the sauce on the stovetop and toss the crispy chicken in the sauce before serving.