Name: Quick & Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast; ⅓ cup cornstarch or potato starch (add more if needed); ⅓ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 green onion, finely chopped for garnish (optional); ½ cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional); 1 tablespoon honey (plain kind); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar / white vinegar; 1 teaspoon lime juice or lemon juice, freshly squeezed; ½ teaspoon lime zest or lemon zest, freshly grated

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a dish that brings together crisp, juicy chicken with an irresistibly sticky, sweet, and mildly spicy glaze, this Quick & Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Ready in just 30 minutes and requiring only a handful of simple ingredients, it strikes the perfect balance between comforting home-cooking and impressive flavor, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings. Let me show you how to create this better-than-takeout crowd-pleaser that’s sure to brighten up your dinner table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Small pieces of raw light pink chicken with soft, smooth texture are arranged loosely in the center of a light brown wooden cutting board with visible grain and worn areas. The chicken pieces vary in size and shape, some folded over slightly, with a subtle moist shine on their surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses a small collection of accessible ingredients that work beautifully together to build texture, flavor, and vibrant color. Each item is essential, whether it’s the crisp coating on the chicken or the tangy sweetness of the sauce that completes the dish.

1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast: Thighs offer juiciness and tenderness, while breast keeps it lean; both work well here.
⅓ cup cornstarch or potato starch: Creates that irresistible crispy coating that holds the sauce perfectly.
⅓ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil: Needed for frying to achieve golden brown perfection.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the chicken and the final dish.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the sweetness.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right hint of spice to balance the sauce.
1 green onion finely chopped for garnish (optional): Offers a fresh pop of color and mild bite on top.
½ cup sweet chili sauce: The heart of the sauce bringing a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy punch.
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional): Boosts the heat if you like a little extra kick.
1 tablespoon honey (plain kind): Adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish to the sauce.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar / white vinegar: Introduces acidity to brighten the sauce’s flavors.
1 teaspoon lime juice or lemon juice, freshly squeezed: Gives the sauce a lively citrus zing.
½ teaspoon lime zest or lemon zest, freshly grated: Enhances the fresh citrus aroma and flavor.

How to Make Quick & Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: sweet chili sauce, sriracha if you want heat, honey, your choice of vinegar, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a touch of lime zest. Setting the sauce aside allows the flavors to marry while you work on the chicken, ensuring a perfectly balanced glaze ready to toss with the crispy pieces.

Step 2: Cut and Season the Chicken

Dice the chicken thighs or breasts into roughly 1.5-inch chunks — bite-sized to ensure easy eating and maximum surface area for the crispy coating. Transfer to a large bowl and season evenly with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This simple seasoning layer brings out the natural chicken flavor and harmonizes with the sauce.

Step 3: Coat with Cornstarch

Sprinkle the cornstarch or potato starch over the seasoned chicken and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. This step is crucial for creating that satisfyingly crispy exterior once frying commences. Make sure there are no visible bare spots on the chicken for the best crunch and sauce adherence.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat your vegetable or neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or wok over medium heat. Fry the chicken in small batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan — this helps each piece get golden and crispy rather than steamed. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes total, turning halfway to ensure even color. If you prefer to air fry, you can absolutely do so—just adjust the time to about 15 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Toss with Sauce and Garnish

Place the crispy chicken pieces into a large bowl, pour the prepared sauce over, and gently toss until every bite-sized chunk is evenly coated with that glossy, sticky goodness. Finish by sprinkling finely chopped green onions on top for a fresh, mild crunch and color contrast. This step brings everything together into a harmonized dish bursting with flavor and texture.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

A close-up view shows a bite-sized piece of orange-glazed chicken held by metal chopsticks in the foreground, glossy with a thick, shiny sauce that has small red chili flakes and black specks. Below it, a white round plate holds many pieces of chicken, each covered in the same sauce and garnished with small bright green sliced scallions. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the saucy chicken piece. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped green onions add a bright, mild bite that lifts the dish visually and in flavor. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for crunch and a toasty aroma, or a few thin slices of fresh chili if you want extra heat and color drama.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati to soak up the sauce’s lovely glaze. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or steamed veggies like broccoli and snap peas for added crunch and balance. Light, fresh salads with citrusy dressings offer a refreshing counterpoint as well.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your presentation, serve the chicken in small bowls perched atop rice, drizzled with extra sauce and garnished creatively with microgreens or edible flowers. Wrapping the sauced chicken in lettuce cups also makes for a fun handheld way to enjoy the dish, perfect for casual parties or family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Quick & Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe comfortably in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce-covered chicken chilled, and when you’re ready to enjoy again, you’ll be able to savor much of its crispiness and delicious flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, but for best texture, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately if possible. Place them in airtight containers or freezer bags, and they will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, the best way to maintain crispiness is in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving when possible, as this can make the coating soggy. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw first and then follow the oven method for best results.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and provide a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep your chicken tender and juicy.

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level is mild by default, thanks to the sweet chili sauce. If you like it spicier, adding sriracha or fresh chopped chilis will give it more kick.

Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Air frying is a great alternative that reduces oil usage and keeps it crispy. Baking is possible but may not be as crunchy; pre-coating with cornstarch and using high heat helps.

What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?

You can make a quick homemade version by combining chili flakes, honey, garlic, vinegar, and a touch of water, but store-bought sweet chili sauce has a nice balance that’s hard to beat for convenience.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free cornstarch or potato starch and ensure the sweet chili sauce you pick is certified gluten-free. Always check labels to be safe.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the satisfaction of digging into a plate of crispy, sweet, and tangy chicken that you whipped up quickly at home, and this Quick & Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe is just the ticket. It’s simple enough to make on any night and impressive enough to wow friends and family. Give it a whirl, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals that feels like a celebration every time!