Sweet Chilli Chicken

Sweet Chilli Chicken is a crispy, saucy dish that hits all the right flavor notes—sweet, spicy, savory, and satisfying. Tender chunks of chicken breast are coated and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a sticky, garlicky sweet chilli sauce that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat. It’s a perfect appetizer or main course for lovers of crispy fried chicken with bold Asian-inspired flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with simple ingredients and easy steps. The chicken is fried twice for an ultra-crispy finish, and the homemade sweet chilli sauce brings a beautiful balance of sweetness, spice, and umami. You can customize the spice level to your taste, and it works great as an appetizer or served over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• chicken breast or thigh, boneless

• white pepper

• soy sauce

• egg

• cornstarch

• oil for frying

• spring onions, for garnish

For the Sweet Chilli Sauce Mix:

• garlic

• dried chilli flakes (optional, for extra heat)

• neutral-flavored cooking oil

• sweet chilli sauce (Thai or Chinese style)

• soy sauce

• sugar (brown or white)

• cornstarch mixed with water (for slurry)

Directions

Prepare Chicken Coating:

1. Cut chicken into even-sized cubes.

2. In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, white pepper, and one egg until well combined.

3. Dredge each chicken piece in cornstarch, ensuring a full coating.

Fry the Chicken:
4. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (180°C).
5. Fry chicken pieces in small batches for 1–2 minutes. Remove and rest for 4–5 minutes.
6. Return chicken to hot oil and fry again for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce and Toss Chicken:
8. In a wok or large pan, heat a little oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
9. Add dried chilli flakes and lower heat. Stir in sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
10. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
11. Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
12. Garnish with sliced spring onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook chicken for 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.

• Extra spicy: Add more chilli flakes or a spoonful of Sriracha to the sauce.

• Gluten-free option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your sweet chilli sauce is gluten-free.

• Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store cooled sweet chilli chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

• For crispier results, reheat chicken separately in the air fryer or oven and then toss with warmed sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work perfectly in this recipe.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer longer after adding the cornstarch slurry, or increase the amount of slurry slightly.

Is this dish very spicy?

It’s mildly spicy as written. Adjust the dried chilli flakes and sweet chilli sauce to your preferred heat level.

What type of sweet chilli sauce should I use?

Any Thai or Chinese-style bottled sweet chilli sauce will work well. Choose one with a good balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Can I skip the double fry?

Double frying ensures maximum crispiness, but you can skip the second fry if you’re short on time. Just note the texture will be softer.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch?

Cornstarch gives a lighter, crispier coating, but you can use flour if needed. The texture will be slightly different.

Can I make this ahead?

You can fry the chicken and make the sauce ahead, but combine them just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli make great additions. Stir-fry them before adding the sauce.

Is it okay to freeze sweet chilli chicken?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) and reheat it before tossing with freshly made sauce.

What should I serve with sweet chilli chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp Asian-style salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Sweet Chilli Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that delivers crispy, golden chicken coated in a glossy, addictive sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite when you’re craving something sweet, spicy, and satisfyingly crunchy. Serve it fresh and hot with a side of rice or enjoy it solo—it’s delicious either way.