This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is your go-to for a fast, flavorful dinner that’s both satisfying and family-friendly. Tender chicken bites are stir-fried to perfection and coated in a sticky-sweet chili sauce that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. It’s a quick 30-minute meal that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-pan meal: Less cleanup and more flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spice level or add extra veggies.
- Healthy and flavorful: Lean protein with lots of fresh veggies in a light sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red, orange, or yellow)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while prepping other ingredients. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (shake off excess marinade) and cook for 7–10 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. - Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in any leftover marinade and stir to coat everything evenly. Let simmer for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce is glossy and thickened slightly. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or in wraps.
Tips and Variations
- Add spice: Stir in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.
- Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking time.
- Use frozen veggies: If you’re short on time, frozen stir-fry vegetables work great too.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
What to Serve With Sweet Chili Chicken
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Rice noodles or soba noodles
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Lettuce wraps for a lighter, fresh take
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Freezing: Not ideal, as the sauce may separate and veggies may become soggy.
Recipe Summary
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 300 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg
Sodium: 650 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 9 g
Keywords
sweet chili chicken, 30-minute meals, easy chicken stir-fry, quick weeknight dinner, Asian-inspired chicken recipe, sweet and spicy chicken, chicken with broccoli, sweet chili sauce dinner, healthy chicken recipes