Craving dinner that’s easy, vibrant, and utterly irresistible? You’re in the right place, because this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is one of those magical meals that ticks every single box. Think tender chicken, the addictive sweet-and-spicy tang of chili sauce, and crisp, colorful veggies — all finished with a flourish of fresh garnishes. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s on the table in under 30 minutes, and trust me, you’ll want to make this on regular rotation!

Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create a knockout meal. Each one adds something essential — from the zing of ginger to the crunch of peppers — coming together to give you an explosion of flavors, textures, and colors in every bite.

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Sweet chili sauce: The star of the show! Brings all the sweet heat and glossy coating you crave.
Soy sauce: Adds salty, savory depth and rounds out all the sweetness.
Cornstarch: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and gives a luscious, silky finish to the sauce.
Olive oil: For sautéing everything to golden, caramelized perfection.
Minced garlic: Don’t skip this — it brings punchy, aromatic flavor that levels up the entire dish.
Minced ginger: Just a bit goes a long way, adding brightness and a hint of warmth.
Bell pepper: Sliced for colorful crunch and a fresh, subtly sweet contrast to the sauce.
Broccoli florets: For a touch of green and a tender, crisp bite that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, keeping everything balanced and lively.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle over at the end for a nutty aroma and little pops of flavor.
Green onions: Garnish with these for color, freshness, and a mild oniony bite.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Kick things off by whisking together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. Toss your chicken pieces in this glossy mixture so every bit gets coated and soaked with flavor. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes, which is just enough time for the sauce to work its magic while you prep the veggies.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high — the sizzle is your sign you’re about to eat well! Add the marinated chicken and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Scoop it out and set it aside; you’re building layers of flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet (no need to wash it, that’s extra flavor!), toss in the garlic and ginger first, letting their aromas bloom for about a minute. Next, add the bell pepper and broccoli. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until they’re tender but still vibrant and crisp, since no one likes mushy veggies.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slide the chicken back into the skillet and drizzle over any marinade left in the bowl. Toss everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce bubble and coat every piece. You’ll see it turn beautifully sticky and glossy — that’s when you know it’s ready.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take your pan off the heat and shower everything with sesame seeds and plenty of fresh green onions. The final flourish adds crunch, color, and a little wow-factor to your Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of bright green onions make this dish not only prettier, but give each bite some extra texture and fresh flavor. If you love a citrusy tang, a few lime wedges on the side work wonders too.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe loves good company. Spoon it over fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice to catch every drop of the tasty sauce. For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice or even a nest of sautéed greens works beautifully. If you’re feeling extra, try pairing it with spring rolls or a crunchy slaw!

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving the chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer, or load everything up into a warm tortilla for a Sweet Chili Chicken wrap. Arrange on a big platter with extra veggies and let everyone serve themselves — it’s crowd-pleasing and lets people build their perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Lucky you! Just transfer any extra Sweet Chili Chicken into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it will happily keep for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you need to plan ahead, this recipe freezes surprisingly well. Cool the dish completely before freezing and use a well-sealed bag or container. The Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe will keep its vibrant taste for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

Bring your leftovers back to life by gently reheating them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too — just use short bursts and stir to heat evenly without drying anything out.

FAQs

Is this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe spicy?

It’s more sweet than spicy, making it family friendly, but if you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs give you extra juiciness and are a forgiving choice if you tend to overcook chicken breast. Just chop them up the same way and proceed with the recipe as written.

What kind of sweet chili sauce is best?

The classic bottled Thai sweet chili sauce found at most grocery stores is perfect. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade sweet chili sauce is fantastic too — just make sure it strikes that balance of tangy, sweet, and mild heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh, and use soy sauce and cornstarch just the same. Amp up the veggie count for a plant-based version everyone will love.

How do I double the Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe for a crowd?

It’s easy to scale up! Simply double all the ingredients and cook the chicken in batches so it browns nicely without steaming. Keep each batch warm in a low oven until everything’s ready for a big, flavor-packed meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about this Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe — quick enough for busy weeknights but dazzling enough for special occasions. Give it a try, and I’m willing to bet it’ll become your new go-to whenever you want a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and just the right amount of kick. You deserve this treat!