Description
This Quick & Easy Sweet Chili Chicken features crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, sweet chili sauce with a mild spicy kick and a refreshing hint of lime. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal ingredients, this Chinese-inspired main dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that rivals takeout.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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)
Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, sriracha (if using), honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, and lime zest. Stir well and set aside.
- Cut and season chicken: Dice each chicken thigh or breast into 1.5-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken with starch: Add cornstarch to the seasoned chicken pieces. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with starch, ensuring no spots are left uncovered. Add more cornstarch if necessary for full coverage.
- Heat oil for frying: Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan or wok over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in small batches, cooking for about 6-7 minutes total per batch. Flip them halfway through to ensure even golden brown and crispy texture.
- Drain excess oil: Remove fried chicken from the pan and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Transfer the drained chicken to a large bowl and pour the prepared sweet chili sauce over the chicken. Gently toss until all pieces are coated evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions on top if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy sweet chili chicken!
Notes
- For air fryer instructions: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until cooked and crispy.
- You can substitute chicken breast for thighs if you prefer leaner meat.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice and lime zest for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
