Sweet Chili Chicken Delight: A Flavorful Spicy Asian Chicken Stir-Fry 🍗🌶️🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a sweet chili chicken recipe that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in one irresistible dish, you’ve come to the right place. This spicy chicken stir-fry is packed with vibrant flavors and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The delightful combination of tender chicken coated in a sweet chili sauce creates a memorable taste experience. Whether you’re an Asian cuisine enthusiast or trying to spice up your dinner routine, this Asian chicken stir-fry recipe will become a household favorite.
2. Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken Delight
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sweet Chili Chicken
Preparation of the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken strips lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
Creating the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the cooked vegetables in the skillet, stirring to coat evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing well to coat each piece with the flavorful sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Finishing Touches
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for added texture and flavor. Serve this delicious sweet chili chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a skillet until heated through. For best results, keep the sauce separate and add it during reheating to avoid sogginess.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Spicy Asian Chicken Stir-Fry
This sweet chili chicken pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles for a more substantial meal. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a side of stir-fried greens. For a fun presentation, garnish with additional sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Check out our savory sticky chicken rice bowls recipe for alternative serving ideas.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Sweet Chili Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to be juicier. Simply adjust cooking time accordingly until fully cooked.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetarian sweet chili sauce. Adjust cooking times for tofu to prevent crumbling.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – Perfect for quick cooking and crisping leftovers to a new level.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures even heat distribution for stir-frying.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo – Great for grilling chicken with less mess and fuss.
- Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker – For a perfect beverage to enjoy with your meal.
8. Conclusion
With this sweet chili chicken recipe, you get a mouthwatering combination of spice, sweetness, and umami in every bite. It’s an ideal Asian chicken stir-fry that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or special weekends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with vegetables or spice levels to suit your taste. Dive into this delightful dish and enjoy the vibrant flavors today!
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken Delight
A quick and delicious sweet chili chicken recipe with crispy bites, coated in a glossy, spicy-sweet glaze, served with rice and fresh herbs.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Green onions and red chili flakes for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- While chicken cooks, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Pour sauce over cooked chicken and toss to coat evenly, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and sticky.
- Serve the chicken over jasmine rice garnished with sliced green onions and red chili flakes.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control spiciness.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Can be made ahead and reheated easily.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if gluten-free soy sauce is used)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg