Sticky, sweet, and savory, this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken is the kind of weeknight dinner that brings excitement back to your dinner table. Each piece of chicken is glazed with a glossy sauce that balances sweetness with a mild kick, clinging to tender meat and roasted veggies. It’s simple, delicious, and universally appealing.
This dish hits that sweet spot between indulgent takeout and wholesome home-cooked. With a prep time that won’t stress you out and a flavor profile that satisfies even picky eaters, it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients for this Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Glaze
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it well in the sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, basting occasionally.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is sweet chili chicken?
Sweet chili sauce has a mild spice balanced by sweetness, making this dish flavorful without being overly hot. You can add a bit of sriracha or chili flakes for more heat.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well too—just be sure not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
What can I serve with sweet chili chicken?
It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, quinoa, stir-fried veggies, or even over noodles for a hearty meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately or together. Reheat before serving and garnish freshly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your sweet chili sauce label for hidden gluten.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, bake the seasoned chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Then toss with the sauce on the stovetop or in the oven for the final few minutes.
Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s both satisfying and full of flavor? This Easy Sweet Chili Chicken recipe delivers a bold, sweet-and-spicy experience in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s an easy recipe that balances sticky sweetness with just the right touch of heat. This dish works equally well as a healthy snack, fast dinner option, or a standout on your list of crowd-pleasing food ideas.
The combination of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich chili glaze makes it a go-to for anyone craving bold but accessible flavors. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies, this meal is as flexible as it is delicious.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add bell peppers to the same pan and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to pan, coat with sauce, and simmer 2-3 more minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.