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Quick Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade 20 Minute Dinner

quick sweet chili chicken - featured image

A quick and easy sweet chili chicken recipe ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features tender chicken coated in a homemade sweet chili sauce with a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce (Mae Ploy recommended or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil
  • Green onions, sliced thin (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Adjust sweetness or heat if desired.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden on one side.
  5. Stir and flip chicken pieces, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Thicker pieces may need an extra minute.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes if using.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking for a better sear. Use medium-high heat to caramelize the sauce without burning. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding water if too thick. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet chili chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, homemade sweet chili sauce, spicy chicken, gluten-free option