Sweet Chili Chicken Sticky Spicy Seriously Addictive

Sticky Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe Ready in 40

By Emily TorresSeptember 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for something sweet, spicy, and totally addictive? Honestly, sometimes I do. This Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need.

It's got that perfect kick of chili heat balanced with a lovely sweetness.

What's the Buzz About?

Sweet Chili Chicken is inspired by amazing Asian flavours. It's a simple, satisfying dish that brings a bit of restaurant zing right into your kitchen.

Don’t feel intimidated. Even a total newbie can pull this off with ease. We are talking about 40 minutes from start to finish, and feeds about 4 people.

Why You'll Love This Dish

I gotta say, this isn't just tasty; it's also pretty good for you. Chicken's packed with protein, which is always a winner.

This recipe is a winner for Weeknight Dinner Easy . Plus, it is great for impressing mates, or just a super tasty Tuesday night dinner.

What makes this Chili Chicken Recipe special? The sticky glaze, of course! I even like it when it is a bit burnt.

The Sweet Chili Chicken Ingredients

Let’s gather what we need. For the chicken, you’ll need 600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, a couple tablespoons of cornstarch, and a dash of salt and pepper.

For the sauce, it's all about the garlic (3 cloves!), ginger, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of cornstarch slurry.

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if you like! I am so excited about this part.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Sweet Chili Chicken Masterpiece

Alright, let's talk ingredients. We're making the Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe , right? So, quality is key. Think about it: better ingredients mean a better sweet chili chicken .

Honestly, you can taste the difference. It is so easy to transform this chili chicken recipe into an amazing weeknight dinner easy dish.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's the shopping list, all measured out:

Chicken: 600g (1.3 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are juicier, trust me.
Cornstarch: 2 tbsp . This helps make the chicken nice and crispy.
Salt: 1/2 tsp .
Pepper: 1/4 tsp .
Veg Oil: 2 tbsp .
Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Fresh is best for that Asian meals flavor.
Ginger: 1 tbsp , grated.
Rice Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Adds tang.
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml) , low sodium. Because nobody likes too much salt.
Honey/Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Your choice! I love honey.
Sweet Chili Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . store-bought is fine, but homemade sweet chili sauce for chicken takes it up a notch!
Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp . Adds that nutty goodness.
Cornstarch Slurry: 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water. For thickening.
Garnish: Sesame seeds, green onions, red pepper flakes (optional).

For the chicken, look for thighs that are plump and have a good color. The garlic should be firm, not soft or sprouting.

That is a way of making sure quality in key ingredients only. If you want sticky sweet chili chicken , don't skimp on the honey!

Seasoning Secrets for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

Okay, so the sauce is where the magic happens.

Garlic & Ginger: This combo is a must! Don't burn the garlic, though.
Sweet Chili Sauce: It's the star! Use a good one.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a lovely tang.
Sesame Oil: Just a touch for flavor depth.
Spice it up: Red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce, if you're feeling brave.

No rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch. Low on sweet chili sauce? Add a bit of honey and some chili flakes to your standard chili chicken sauce, or make it from scratch.

If you need easy chicken dinner ideas , keep this seasoning mix in mind.

Gear Up: Essential Equipment

Don't worry, you don't need anything fancy.

Large Skillet/Wok: For cooking the chicken and sauce. A wok will make it a perfect quick chicken stir fry .
Mixing Bowls: For prepping.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Obvs.
Whisk: For the sauce.

No wok? A large skillet will do just fine. Don't sweat it. Honestly, I have a simple sweet and spicy chicken recipe and a good spatula that can go a long way!

Cooking Method: Sizzling Sweet Chili Chicken

Oh my gosh, you guys, I've got the best Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe for you. Seriously, forget takeaway! This is better, and you know exactly what's going in it.

This Chili Chicken Recipe will quickly turn into one of your go-to Weeknight Dinner Easy options. It's a flavour explosion and it comes together so fast.

I once made it for a dinner party, and everyone was licking their plates. No word of a lie!

Prep Like a Pro for the Perfect Sweet Chili Chicken

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get organised. It's all about the mise en place , you know? Chop your 600g (1.

3 lbs) of chicken thighs into bite sized chunks. Measure out all the sauce ingredients. Mince the 3 cloves garlic , grate the ginger.

Trust me, having everything ready makes the actual cooking part a breeze. And honestly, burnt garlic ruins everything so keep an eye on it.

step-by-step: From Chicken to Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken

Right, let's get cooking this Chili Chicken !

Toss the chicken with 2 tbsp cornstarch , 1/2 tsp salt , and 1/4 tsp black pepper . Get it evenly coated, yeah?
Whisk together the sauce ingredients: rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sweet chili sauce, and sesame oil. Set it aside for later.
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds tops. Don't let it burn!
Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, around 6- 8 minutes . Make sure internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Safety first!
Pour in the sauce. Bring it to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1- 2 minutes . Watch it get all gloriously sticky sweet chili chicken .
Garnish and Serve.

Pro Tips for an Asian Meals Masterpiece

Okay, listen up. Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. It won't brown properly. If the sauce thickens too fast, turn down the heat.

Simple. Want to kick up the spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a super Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe .

You can even prep the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and whisk it again before using.

This is great for Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas for crazy weeknights.

Honestly, this Quick Chicken Stir Fry is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I think my favorite thing to serve with is a big plate of rice or some stir fried vegetables.

The Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce for Chicken really sets this dish off. You know, it's got that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that just make you want to keep eating it.

And who doesn't love that, eh?

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits for this Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe . Honestly, it's these little extras that can make or break a dish, you know? It's a great Sweet Chili Chicken recipe.

It’s more than just a Chili Chicken Recipe .

Recipe Notes for the Best Sweet Chili Chicken Ever

This Sticky sweet chili chicken recipe is my go-to Weeknight Dinner Easy meal. The first time I made this, I slightly burnt the garlic.

Learn from my mistakes, keep a close eye on it. Trust me, you'll want this in your arsenal of Easy chicken dinner ideas .

Get that Plating Right! Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key. I like to pile this Sweet Chili Chicken high on a bed of fluffy rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that restaurant vibe.

It's great for a simple Asian Meals night.

As for sides? Steamed broccoli is a classic, or maybe a quick cucumber salad. For drinks, a cold beer or even a sparkling water with lime cuts through the sweetness nicely.

Think about some Quick chicken stir fry alternatives.

Storage Secrets for Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Honestly, reheated Chili Chicken is almost better.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze it too for up to a month. Just let it thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat it gently in a pan on the stove, or give it a zap in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it seems a bit dry.

Sweet Chili Chicken Your Way: Variations

Fancy a bit more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of pan-frying.

Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes .

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Swapping ingredients can create your very own Sweet and spicy chicken recipe .

Nutrition: The Good Stuff

Okay, let's keep it real. It’s hard to resist the Chili Chicken , but it's not exactly a health food.

You can make Homemade sweet chili sauce for chicken to control the ingredients and reduce sugar levels.

Each serving has around 450 calories , 35g of protein , and about 20g of fat . But hey, it's also got loads of flavor and makes you happy! So, enjoy it in moderation.

Honestly, this Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is a winner. It's easy, it's delicious, and it's totally customizable. Give it a go, and let me know what you think. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe spicier? I'm a bit of a chili head!

Absolutely! If you're looking to crank up the heat, you've got a few options. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favourite hot sauce directly into the sweet chili sauce.

Alternatively, finely chop a fresh chili (like a bird's eye chili) and sauté it with the garlic and ginger for an extra kick. Just remember to taste as you go, unless you want your taste buds to stage a walkout!

Is there a way to make this Sweet Chili Chicken healthier? I'm watching my waistline, you see.

You bet! To lighten things up, you could bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Just toss it with the cornstarch and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. You can also swap the honey or maple syrup for a sugar-free sweetener.

Serve with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice and you've got a much healthier, but still super tasty, meal.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this sweet chili chicken recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily than thighs, so be extra careful not to overcook them. Cut the chicken breasts into similar sized pieces as you would the thighs, and keep a close eye on them during cooking.

Consider brining the chicken breast before cooking to help retain moisture.

How long can I store leftover Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken, and what's the best way to reheat it?

Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but the chicken might lose some of its crispness. For best results, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

You can also reheat in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.

What if I don't have rice vinegar? Can I use something else for this Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken?

No worries! If you're all out of rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. They'll provide a similar tanginess to the sauce. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for (1/4 cup), and you should be good to go.

A little bit of lemon or lime juice can also work in a pinch, but add it sparingly.

My sweet chili sauce is too thick! Help! What did I do wrong and how can I fix my Irresistible Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe?

Don't panic! If your sauce is too thick, it likely means the cornstarch slurry thickened too much. The easiest fix is to add a tablespoon or two of water (or chicken broth) to the sauce while it's simmering, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency.

Next time, make sure to whisk the cornstarch slurry well before adding it to the sauce, as cornstarch can settle at the bottom.