If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for any occasion, Easy Sweet Chili Chicken is a must-try. This recipe combines the rich, slightly spicy, and sweet flavors of homemade sweet chili sauce with tender chicken, creating an irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping, or hosting a casual gathering, this sweet chili chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to make homemade chili sauce, the best techniques for cooking chili chicken, and how you can pair this dish with different sides to create a balanced meal. Inspired by Sally’s Baking approach to easy and delicious recipes, this chili sauce recipe will be your new go-to for flavorful chicken entrees.
🔥 What is Sweet Chili Chicken?
Sweet Chili Chicken is a dish that combines crispy or grilled chicken with a sweet and tangy homemade sweet chili sauce. This sauce has just the right balance of sweetness and heat, making it a great addition to many dishes, from stir-fries to grilled meats. The homemade chili sauce we’ll be making is inspired by popular Asian flavors and can be used beyond just this recipe—drizzle it on rice, serve it as a dip, or even brush it over grilled vegetables.
🍗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to Make – This dish comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
✔ Versatile – You can use different cuts of chicken, from boneless thighs to wings.
✔ Homemade Goodness – Making your own homemade chili sauce means no preservatives or artificial flavors.
✔ Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home – Skip takeout and enjoy a better, healthier version at home.
Now, let’s get started with the essential ingredients.
🛒 Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken
To make this dish, you’ll need simple and easily available ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for crispiness)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce:
- ½ cup honey (or sugar for a more traditional taste)
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional for authentic flavor)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (for color and depth)
🏡 How to Make Homemade Chili Sauce
Making homemade sweet chili sauce is incredibly simple and tastes so much better than store-bought versions.
1️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey (or sugar), rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and ketchup. Stir well.
2️⃣ Thicken the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Once the sauce starts to simmer, add the cornstarch mixture and stir continuously until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
3️⃣ Taste & Adjust:
- Adjust sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness based on your preference by adding more honey, vinegar, or red pepper flakes.
- Set aside while you prepare the chicken.
This chili sauce recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
🔥 How to Cook Sweet Chili Chicken
You can cook chili chicken in different ways: stir-fried, baked, grilled, or air-fried. Here, we’ll focus on pan-frying for the perfect crispy texture.
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or keep them whole if you prefer.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Lightly coat with cornstarch to create a crispy outer layer.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
3️⃣ Combine with the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the homemade sweet chili sauce over it and toss to coat evenly.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Your sweet chili chicken is now ready to serve!
🍚 What to Serve with Sweet Chili Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides:
🍚 Steamed Rice – The perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.
🥦 Stir-Fried Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas complement the flavors.
🥗 Crisp Cucumber Salad – A refreshing side to balance the spiciness.
🍜 Noodles – Serve over rice noodles for a heartier meal.
If you’re making a meal prep, store the chicken separately from the sauce to keep it crispy.
🍽 Variations & Substitutions
💡 Air-Fryer Version – Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
💡 Spicier Version – Add extra red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
💡 Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
💡 Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based version.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! Homemade sweet chili sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
2. Can I Use Store-Bought Sweet Chili Sauce?
You can, but making it yourself gives you control over the ingredients and flavor balance.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat to preserve texture.
4. What Cut of Chicken Works Best?
Boneless thighs offer the juiciest result, but breasts work well too.
🏆 Final Thoughts
This Easy Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is a game-changer! By making your own homemade chili sauce, you get a fresher, healthier version of a beloved dish. Inspired by the simplicity and deliciousness found in Sally’s Baking recipes, this chili chicken is bound to become a favorite in your home.
Try it out today and experience the magic of homemade sweet chili sauce! Let us know how you like it, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations to make it your own.
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