Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe: Easy, Flavor-Packed & Perfect for Any Weeknight

Looking for a meal that’s sweet, spicy, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes? This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe delivers all that and more. Perfect for weeknights, meal prepping, or just satisfying your craving for an Asian-inspired dish, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s as simple as it is delicious.

With just a few pantry staples, fresh ingredients, and a flavorful homemade sauce, you’ll create a meal that rivals your favorite takeout spot—without the extra sodium or cost.

Sweet chili chicken has its roots in Thai and Chinese cuisine, where the bold combination of garlic, ginger, and sweet chili sauce shines. This dish is a beautiful fusion of heat, sweetness, and umami, and best of all, it’s a total breeze to make. Just prep, bake, and toss in sauce! Be sure to follow FDA’s Safe Cooking Guidelines to ensure your chicken is cooked safely to perfection.

The versatility of this recipe is what makes it a staple. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even wrap it in lettuce for a low-carb option. If you’re watching your macros or sugar intake, you can check the nutritional content of sweet chili sauce to make healthier choices when shopping.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Chicken

• Quick and easy: On the table in under 30 minutes.
• One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup.
• Customizable: Change up the veggies or protein.
• Sweet and spicy: Perfectly balanced flavors.
• Great for meal prep: Stores and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this sweet chili chicken a success:

• Chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)
• Sweet chili sauce
• Honey (for added sweetness and a sticky glaze)
• Garlic and ginger
• Cornstarch (for a light, crispy coating)
• Bell peppers and optional jalapeños
• Olive oil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional)
• Lime and green onions for garnish

Recommended Tools

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or tongs

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken – Step-by-Step

1. Prep the Chicken

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Cube chicken into 1-inch pieces.
• Toss chicken in cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Spread evenly on a greased baking sheet.

2. Add Vegetables

• Slice bell peppers and optional jalapeños.
• Arrange around the chicken on the sheet pan.

3. Bake

• Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
• Flip chicken halfway through for even cooking.
• Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temp.

4. Make the Sauce

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté 1 minute.
• Stir in sweet chili sauce and honey; simmer for 1–2 minutes.

5. Combine

• Remove the baked chicken and vegetables.
• Pour sauce over everything and mix well.
• Optional: Pop it back in the oven for 5 more minutes to caramelize.

6. Serve

• Serve over:
  • White rice
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Fried rice
  • Asian-style salad
  • Lettuce cups
• Garnish with chopped green onions and a squeeze of lime.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is flexible. Try these fun variations:

• Protein swaps:
  • Chicken thighs
  • Shrimp
  • Tofu or tempeh (for a vegetarian version)
  • Ground chicken or turkey
• Veggie swaps:
  • Broccoli
  • Mushrooms
  • Zucchini
  • Snap peas
• Sauce alternatives:
  • Add a splash of soy sauce for depth
  • Use rice vinegar for tanginess
  • Adjust honey for more or less sweetness
• Dietary adjustments:
  • Use arrowroot instead of cornstarch (Paleo-friendly)
  • Skip butter for dairy-free option
  • Use gluten-free sweet chili sauce if needed

Nutrition & Meal Prep Tips

This meal clocks in at around 270 calories per serving (excluding rice), with a solid dose of protein and manageable carbs.

Meal prep tips:

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in microwave or skillet with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Cooking Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Ensure even baking.
• Flip halfway: Promotes golden color on both sides.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger: For maximum flavor.
• Want crispier chicken? Air-fry or pan-sear before baking.

What to Serve with Sweet Chili Chicken

Pair your chicken with these tasty sides for a complete meal. You can find great inspiration on AllRecipes: Asian Side Dishes.

Perfect Pairings:

• Jasmine or basmati rice
• Cauliflower rice
• Asian cabbage salad
• Spicy cucumber salad
• Steamed or stir-fried broccoli
• Noodles or soba
• In wraps or lettuce cups for a low-carb version

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and pack more flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How can I make it less spicy?
This dish is mild by default, but omit red pepper flakes and add a little extra honey to tone it down more.

Can I prepare sweet chili chicken in advance?
Yes! It stores very well and can be reheated with a splash of water or broth.

Can I make this in an air fryer?
Definitely. Cook the chicken separately in the air fryer, then toss it in the sauce just before serving.

Is sweet chili chicken healthy?
It can be! Use lean chicken breast and go easy on the sauce or opt for a low-sugar version to cut back on calories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much sauce at once – it can overwhelm the dish.
• Not flipping the chicken during baking – it won’t brown evenly.
• Skipping the garlic and ginger – they’re essential to the flavor!
• Overcooking the chicken – always check for 165°F doneness.

Reader Favorites: Other Recipes to Try

If you loved this, you might also enjoy:

• Sweet Chili Shrimp
• Honey Sriracha Chicken
• Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• Chicken Poke Bowls

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is your new go-to for weeknight dinners. It’s flavorful, flexible, and downright irresistible. Whether you serve it over rice or stuff it into lettuce wraps, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears from the plate.

So grab your sheet pan, whip up that homemade sauce, and let your kitchen be filled with the aroma of sweet, spicy, garlicky goodness. Don’t forget to garnish with lime and green onions for the final flourish.

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