Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe | Easy Chinese-Inspired Dinner

If you’re craving a crispy, sweet, and slightly spicy chicken dish that tastes just like Chinese takeout—but healthier and quicker—this Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is your new best friend. With golden-fried chicken coated in a sticky sweet chili glaze, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe uses common pantry staples and can be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you pan-fry or use an air fryer, it’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying.

And if you’re wondering whether this dish is healthy, the answer depends on how you cook it. Choosing the right oil for frying is crucial. Here’s a helpful guide to healthy frying oils that breaks down your best options.

In addition, if you’re curious about how rice vinegar compares to other vinegars when making sauces like this one, check out this resource on vinegar types to choose the right flavor balance for your glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, saucy, and addictively sweet with a kick
• Faster than ordering delivery
• Made with simple, healthy ingredients
• Easily adaptable for air frying or gluten-free versions
• Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners

Ingredients Overview

For the Chicken

• 600g (1 lb 5 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs, 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 (60g) cornflour (cornstarch)
• Oil for frying (see oil tips above)

For the Sweet Chili Sauce

• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 1 tsp freshly minced ginger
• ½ cup (125ml) sweet chili sauce
• ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• ¼ cup (60ml) rice wine vinegar or substitute with white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lime juice

For Serving

• Steamed rice or noodles
• 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Optional: sliced cucumber or steamed Asian greens

Equipment You’ll Need

• Wok or large frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Optional: Air fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• In a large bowl, mix chicken pieces with:
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Egg
  • Cornflour
• Mix until a thick coating forms around the chicken.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a bowl, whisk together:
  • Minced garlic and ginger
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Vinegar or lime juice
• Set aside while the chicken cooks.

3. Fry the Chicken

• Heat a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Fry chicken pieces for 5–6 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy.
• Drain on paper towel to remove excess oil.

4. Cook the Sauce

• Wipe out the pan and return it to medium-low heat.
• Pour in the sauce mixture and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Return chicken to the pan and toss until well-coated in the glossy, sticky sauce.

Air Fryer Instructions

• Follow the coating process, but coat chicken in cornflour after egg and spices.
• Spray chicken and air fryer basket with oil.
• Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Toss cooked chicken in sauce on stovetop before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if needed.
• If sauce gets too thick, add 1–2 tbsp hot water.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

What to Serve with Sweet Chili Chicken

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Rice noodles or vermicelli
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Steamed or stir-fried veggies like:
  • Bok choy
  • Broccoli
  • Choy sum
  • Sugar snap peas

Thinly sliced cucumbers with a sprinkle of salt and rice vinegar add a fresh crunch that balances the rich sauce beautifully.

Is It Healthy?

Yes—with the right tweaks:

• Use air frying instead of deep-frying
• Go light on sugar by using low-sugar chili sauce
• Choose lean chicken breast over thighs
• Use low-sodium soy sauce

Want to know why chicken is considered a healthy protein? This Harvard guide breaks it down.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Cut chicken and store coated (without sauce) in the fridge up to 24 hours ahead
• Leftovers last 3 days in the fridge
• Reheat in a pan or air fryer for best texture

Recipe Variations

• Sweet and Spicy: Add 1 tsp sriracha or crushed chili
• Thai-Inspired: Add fish sauce and a squeeze of lime
• Honey Chili Chicken: Replace some chili sauce with honey
• Meat Swap: Try shrimp, pork strips, or tofu for different protein options

Similar Recipes to Try

• Crispy Honey Soy Chicken
• Chicken Satay Skewers
• Cheat’s Chicken Laksa
• Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

These are perfect if you love Asian fusion comfort food with bold flavors.

FAQs

What is sweet chili chicken made of?
It combines crispy coated chicken with a glaze made from sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and vinegar.

Can I make it in an air fryer?
Yes! Coat each piece individually and spray with oil. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes until crispy.

What can I serve with it?
Rice, noodles, or steamed veggies all work. Cucumbers and Asian greens are great fresh sides.

Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes, prep the chicken and sauce separately, then cook and assemble just before serving.

Is this recipe healthy?
It can be! Air frying, lean meat, and low-sugar sauce help reduce calories.

Can I bake it instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 220°C (430°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Coat in sauce afterward.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Only coat with sauce just before serving. For leftovers, reheat in an air fryer or hot pan.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is proof that delicious, restaurant-style meals can be made easily at home with everyday ingredients. Whether you pan-fry or air-fry, it’s an irresistible dish that’s perfect for casual family dinners or impressing guests.

Ready to try it out? Serve it hot with a scoop of rice, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and don’t forget the extra sauce!

Print